Spring Football Preview: JSerra Looks to Add Some Pop

A new approach has been adopted at the JSerra Catholic football facilities in San Juan Capistrano. Long cast as one of the Trinity League’s weakest programs, the Lions are under renovation, and come September they’ll be ready to unleash an unconventional offensive attack in hopes of finally making a move up in the league standings. 

Led by Jake Hall, the team’s quietly confident senior quarterback, JSerra hopes a newfound positive attitude translates into touchdowns aplenty against opponents this fall. Increased expectations accompanied the Lions last season but, after beginning the season 5-0, the team suffered five consecutive defeats to finish winless in league play and left out of the playoffs once again.

“We’ve been building a solid foundation,” Hall said. “Right now it’s time to take the next step. We didn’t come through the way we would’ve liked last year, but I think we’re ready to make some noise.”

Much of Hall’s optimism comes from JSerra’s off-season overhaul of the offensive playbook. Coach Jim Hartigan and his staff honed in on a scheme centered on University of Nevada coach Chris Ault’s “Pistol” offense, which jettisoned the Wolf Pack to unprecedented heights in recent seasons. 

The Pistol is a hybrid of traditional single-back and shotgun offenses, using misdirection and multiple backfield players to confuse defenses and create open space. JSerra also plans to run a no-huddle offense this autumn. Though the formation might sound a tad too intricate at the high school level, an outstanding quarterback can make all the difference.

Nevada had Colin Kaepernick, who was recently selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions have Hall, who threw 15 touchdowns as a  junior despite missing most of last year’s summer sessions with a broken finger on his throwing hand.

“Personally, I think our quarterback is the best passer in Orange County,” JSerra senior Jonavaughn Williams said.

You’ll have to excuse the wide receiver for his slight bias, as he and the quarterback have a history. The duo connected 27 times last season for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

A statistical spike in each of those categories should be anticipated in 2011.

Williams, who currently holds scholarship offers from a list of schools that include Arizona State, Washington, Colorado, Oregon State and Duke, is one of the area’s most athletic players. Aside from being on the verge of a potential breakout season at receiver, he’s a dominant strong safety who blends speed (4.5 40 time) with superb size (6 feet 2, 210 pounds)

Still, Williams' most impressive attribute may be his determination to see JSerra succeed.

“Our senior leadership is going to be so important because we need to provide the heart and attitude of winners,” Williams said. “A big part of our struggles in league is that we actually didn’t think we could win. We’ve put in the conditioning and now we just need to show the will to finish games out.”

A tight group of veteran leaders have the Lions focused on flipping the script against Trinity League foes. JSerra faces five nonleague opponents to start the season before beginning their Trinity schedule on Oct. 14 against St. John Bosco of Bellflower.

“If we can come out and claim a win in our first league game against Bosco, that would really get this team rolling,” linebacker Hunter Kimpler said. “It would be great for our confidence to start out with a head of steam.”

Kimpler, a senior, is slated to begin the season as the team’s starting tailback, where his brother Joey flourished as a senior last fall. He is just one of a number of runners who will play roles in JSerra’s triple-back set.

Senior Chris Harmon and sophomore Casey Eugenio, both checking in at approximately 5-8, are expected to bring plenty of speed into the offensive mix when they step on the field. Harmon is among Orange County’s top 400-meter runners and secured 18 receptions as a junior, while Eugenio has the potential to develop into a dynamic weapon as his matures.

“Casey has a chance to be one of the best surprises of the Trinity League this fall,” Lions running backs coach John Baggerly said. “He brings an exciting dimension to a backfield that continues to improve.”

The Lions certainly aren't lacking for talent on the offensive side of the ball. JSerra surrounds Hall with a capable cast of supporting players, who could prove to benefit considerably from the team's shift in philosophy.

In order for JSerra to have its skill players run wild, the team must receive significant contributions from overly unproven lines. The Lions already have bookends in place on offense, with senior tackles J.D. Temple and Andrew Rangel, but are still searching for their starting guards.

“The interior of both our offensive and defensive lines are a major factor for us to be successful,” Baggerly said. “Defensively, we’re going to need some young players to contribute right away. Heading into training camp there will probably be about four guys competing for the two offensive guard spots and it will come down to who can pull and get to the corner.”

Junior Anthony Hickey was one of JSerra’s spring standouts and is an up-and-comer at strong-side defensive end. Keith Parker, the Lions’ senior linebacker and fullback, is hopeful that the team’s defensive front gels quickly. He may actually contribute as a hybrid lineman himself, if need be.

“It all starts with the defensive line,” Parker said. “If our line can penetrate consistently it will open things up for the linebackers to attack. We’re looking for loss of yards on every play.”

JSerra’s defensive play could push the team into a new realm, especially if the new-and-improved offense lives up to its billing. June film sessions are one thing, but executing the expansive game plan in October will be the true test.

“Our play-calling is going to be nuts,” Hall said. “Defenses aren’t going to be able to keep up with us if we execute. Our misdirection is going to confuse middle linebackers and we’re looking forward to trying this stuff in games. Just wait and see.”

JSerra's 2011 Varsity Football Schedule:

Friday, Sept. 9  at Long Beach Wilson, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16 vs. Hacienda Heights Wilson, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 23 at Trabuco Hills, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 30 at Fullerton, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 7 vs. Damien at Saddleback College, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 14 vs, St. John Bosco at Saddleback College, 7:30 p.m. *

Friday, Oct. 21 vs. Servite at Cerritos College, 7:30 p.m. *  

Friday, Oct. 28 vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College, 7:30 p.m. *

Thursday, Nov. 3 vs. Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College, 7:30 p.m. *

Friday, Nov. 11 vs. Mater Dei at Saddleback College, 7:30 p.m. *

* Indicates Trinity League game.

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