California Preview
The California Trojans football team is going through another transition period after two consecutive playoff appearances. Joe Kuhns will take over for Romain Howell as head coach. Kuhns comes to the Trojans from Ringgold, where he served as defensive coordinator.
Last year under Howell, the Trojans went 5-3 in the Tri-County South Conference, to make the playoffs where they lost to Monaca in the first round.
Kuhns took the kids to camp at Slippery Rock University to open pre-season drills.
“I’m really pleased with the kids’ effort at camp,” Kuhns said. “We pushed them really hard and they responded well.”
The camp was essential to Kuhns and his staff to spend some quality time with the kids and evaluate the talent available. He must find out what holes need to be filled because of graduation. No doubt that task is made a little easier with 17 seniors coming back with playoff experience.
Leading the way for the Trojans is senior running back Ryan Robinson, who rushed for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 8.7 yards per carry. Senior Parke Bongiorno will return at quarterback, after passing for 424 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Kuhns would like to take some of the pressure off Robinson. “I would like us to spread the ball around more,” he said.
To help keep Robinson fresh, seniors Chris Guearra, Jordan Sisley and Calvin Kent are expected to carry the ball more. Senior wideouts Dan Yurkovitch and Shane Tonkavitch will help stretch the field.
“The offensive line is shaping up real good. With three starters returning we are not falling behind in our teaching,” Kuhns said. “They have picked up our system really well and are having a good camp. I like their progress so far.”
Kuhns plans to work out of the pro-I and full house sets with a few twists to keep the defense honest. With a veteran club that has been to the playoffs, they come into the season with confidence. Kuhns has seen that on the defensive side of the ball.
“The defense has been extremely aggressive,” he said. “During some of our live sessions they have really got after people.”
Playing for a third coach in as many years will once again bring some changes. Kuhns will use a 4-3 defense, which will force his players to be a little more disciplined in their responsibilities.
Kuhns thinks he has three solid linebackers, and is trying to choose from six down linemen. The secondary is still learning coverages, but overall he likes the way the defense flies to the ball.
The defense will have to be solid in the Tri-County South if the Trojans expect to make the playoffs for a third straight year. Kuhns is familiar with the conference, spending seven years on the Jefferson-Morgan staff before going to Ringgold.
“Monessen is the team to beat once again. Carmichaels is always strong and will be right on the doorstep,” he said. “Mapletown will be tough and hopefully we’ll be right there with them in the playoff hunt.”