Football: James Logan Gears Up for 2011 Season

The football team was one of the younger teams in the Mission Valley Athletic League last year. Despite that, the Colts went a perfect 6-0 in the Mission Valley Athletic League season and had an overall record of 8-3.

If last year was a learning season, this year is going to be more about results.

“We want to win an NCS (North Coast Section) playoff game,” said junior running back Warren Miles Long.

The Colts have won the last two Mission Valley Athletic League titles. But what has eluded them since the 2007 season is an NCS victory.

A year ago, the Colts had a young squad, with two sophomore running backs, two sophomores sharing time at quarterback and a plethora of underclassmen on both offense and defense.

Now those youngsters have a year of varsity ball under their belts. They have a taste of what it takes to not only play, but compete at a high level.

“Everyone has a role on this team,” Logan coach George Zuber said. “We’re finding a place for these guys. We’re putting players in the right positions. There are roles for everyone. If they’re good, we’ll find ways to get them on the field. It’s not like we’re running a two-tight end, one-back offense all the time.”

This year’s team has all senior returners on the offensive line.

“That’s exactly what you want,” Zuber said. “I have not seen our guys dominate like they did (in a scrimmage) against De La Salle. They dominated. They pushed guys around. It was very good.”

They’ll be blocking for the MVAL’s leading rusher from a year ago, Warren Miles Long.  The 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior is rearing to go. He’s got a year of varsity experience now and that has helped as he enters this season.

“I’m definitely not as intimidated,” Long said. “I’m not as hesitant. Generally, I’m more confident.”

That’s bad news for the rest of the MVAL. Last season, Long rushed for over 1,500 yards in 10 regular-season games.

Joining him in the backfield on occasion will be Damond Beasley, who rushed for 750 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. Beasley will also play slot receiver.

“He’s Mr. Clutch,” Zuber said.

Jeffrey Prothro narrowly beat out Ryan Bua — both are juniors — for the starting quarterback position. They split time there a year ago.

“Jeff’s the starter so he’s been able to get more reps,” Zuber said.

Bua, who will be the backup quarterback, is also a captain and the starting middle linebacker on defense.

Zuber is a defensive-minded guy. He was the defensive coordinator before he took over Logan in 2006. His Colts teams have been some of the strongest defensive teams in the East Bay in each of his five years at the helm.

Last year’s team allowed 12.5 points per game and that dropped down to a stingy 5.5 in MVAL action.

Zuber has introduced a new defense this year — a 4-4. Last year, the Colts played a 4-3.

“We kind of simplified things,” Zuber said. “They’re definitely playing good.”

That they are.

The Colts posted their first shutout of the season last week in a 41-0 romp over Arroyo in the season opener for both teams.

The defense is paced by Jesse Leapaga (defensive line), Damarcus Miles (defensive line), Mauricio Gonzales (defensive line), Grover Fonua (defensive line) and defensive end Jermaine Jones. Long will play outside linebacker. And they have a newcomer in Victor Fualaau, a 6-0, 180-pound sophomore linebacker.

“He’s an animal,” Zuber said.

All this adds up to what could be a great year for the Colts.

“I feel like we have an opportunity to do something special,” Zuber said. “The pieces are there.”