Calabasas Football Team Ready to Get Back to Work

After a summer filled with sweaty workouts, conditioning drills and weight-lifting sessions, you would think Calabasas High’s football players are enjoying their three-week break before the pads come on next month. 

But the Coyotes, 3-7 in 2010, are heading into the season under a new coach, former offensive coordinator Christian Pierce (who has replaced Larry Edwards), so the players are eager to get back on the field and see what they have in anticipation of another challenging season in the high-powered Marmonte League.

“Actually, it’s not necessarily a break because we still lift every day,” receiver Matt Guttridge said. “Even if we do deserve a break, we can’t afford it. I’m really eager to come back and finally start hitting after going eight months without contact.”

Linebacker Jordan Pierce, a junior who is the coach’s son, feels the same way.

“The defense is coming along very well,” he said. “We’re better at this point than what we originally thought. We still have work to do, though.”

The younger Pierce has developed well over the summer, and he’s just what Calabasas needs to keep pace with league opponents like state powers St. Bonaventure, Oaks Christian, Westlake and Moorpark – a defender with a hit-first, ask-questions-later mentality.

“I love to hit, but I wouldn’t say that’s my only speciality,” Pierce said. “I work hard to get my game as well-rounded as possible.”

Though Calabasas had a breakthrough season last year in terms of the past, winning more than one league game for the first time since joining the Marmonte and totaling as many overall wins as the previous six seasons combined, Guttridge feels like Calabasas is on the brink of something more substantial.

“Last year, we had almost an entirely different coaching staff than this season, and we’d like to dramatically improve,” Guttridge said. “Once we get on the pads and hit, we’ll be able to separate the contenders from the pretenders."

Brandon Marin figures to play a big role as the new quarterback, replacing Kyle Zion, the top player from last year’s team.

“I’m confident in Brandon’s abilities,” Guttridge said. “He has a strong arm and a good drive. I think the addition of his scrambling plus a running back will help him because he throws well on the run. The passing game will change a lot once defenses also have to look out for the run.”

Editor's Note: Christian Pierce was the football team's offensive coordinator last season, not defensive. We regret the error.