Releaguing Gives Nogales Football Chance at Success This Season

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LA PUENTE - change in leagues means a change in scenery for the Nogales Noble football team, who has spent the past 20+ season underachieving, partially because having to compete in leagues with perennial powerhouses such as San Dimas, Northview, West Covina and South Hills to name a few.

Starting this season, Noglaes will be placed in the Montview League, one which the Nobles should be able to manage, and should they make CIF, will be placed in Division 13, the lowest in the CIF, a much needed reset for a once proud and powerful program which could pay off as soon as this year.

“I don’t care what division we’re in because a CIF championship is a CIF championship. I’ve been a part of a CIF championship as a player and a coach at La Habra and it’s something that doesn’t come easy,” head coach Richard Salazar said. “Even league championships these days are as tough as anything to get. But again, I tell these kids everyday that success is a byproduct of what you do. You’ve got to put in that work.”

Nogales returns 15 starters from last season, including quarter Matt Ouguin and receivers Le Renzo

Williams and James Gray. The offensive line is anchored by returning senior Joseph Mantilla. One the other side of the ball Nogales need to improve, as they gave up 30 points per game last season, but they will be returning senior defensive back Johnathon Guardado, an all-league selection last season.

One of Nogales’ four victories came against Montview League Perennial league forerunners Azusa. Based on what Nogales is returning, they should be favored to win the Montview League, and if they are able to place in the top three should make the playoffs and make a deep run in a wide open division 13.

“The new division poses a real chance for us schools that need the opportunity to try be successful and build that morale,” Salazar said. “It gives us an optimal way of getting results so that we can show these kids there is an end-product to what we’re doing.”

Nogales opens the season as it hosts Garey August 26. Kickoff is at 7pm.