Football: Dougherty Valley Ready to Compete in DFAL

For the first time in school history, will field a football team with a senior quarterback — Tyler Eastman.

Whether that equates to another trip to the playoffs remains to be seen, but its a good starting point for coach Bob Spain.

"Last year managed the game really well for us and we'll be leaning on him to do a little more this year," Spain said. "He understands the position and is a playmaker."

The Wildcats will still be a run-oriented offense, but have gotten away from the wishbone formation they used to a year ao.

"We still want to run the ball and be physical," Spain said.

With running back Xavier Vaesau, the Wildcats have a player with legit game-changing speed. Spain said he can turn short runs in long gains and once he's by someone it'll be rare for him to get caught from behind. 

At 5-8, 160, Troy Ruckman doesn't look the part of a linebacker, but don't let that fool you. A Spain-described "weight-room beast," Ruckman helps set the tone on defense along with Shaun ILB Collins. 

"I wish more people knew about Collins," Spain said. "He's a 3.8 gpa kid, the captain of our team and big (6-1, 220), physical, nasty player."

The Wildcats are no longer the new kids on the block in the Diablo Foothill Athletic League and Spain likes his team's chances at being a competitive squad.

"I really like what I see," he said. "We have the same amount of kids as last year, but our level of athleticism is a lot better. They've all bought into committing to the program and we're looking forward to the season."

Dougherty opens its season tonight at home at 7 p.m., against Riordan of San Francisco and plays Valley Christian-Dublin, Northgate and Oakland before the DFAL schedule begins at Campolindo on Sept. 30.

——————————

Follow Kyle Bonagura on Twitter

——————————

2011 Varsity Schedule