Redlands
Bulldogs
2009 Preview
2009 Preview
| 2008 Record 7-2 .778 Overall 4-2 .667 Conference Location: Redlands, CA Head Coach: Mike Maynard (Illinois Wesleyan '80) Stadium (cap.): Ted Runner (6750) Conference: SCIAC Region: West 2009 Schedule |
In addition to the starters, the Bulldogs excitedly welcome back three head-turning seniors who were sidelined by injuries in 2008. Senior quarterback Dan Selway (Villa Park, CA), the SCIAC Player of the Year from two seasons ago, returns to action after sitting out all but two games last year. In addition, one of his favorite 2007 targets joins him on the field as senior wide receiver Brian Putman (Bakersfield, CA) makes a comeback following a one-year hiatus. Finally, senior defensive lineman Mitchell Crocco (New Castle, WA) brings his All-Conference experience of two seasons ago to the 2009 campaign.
Most teams would be thrilled with a 7-2 season, but the Bulldogs have had a bad taste in their mouths since the 2008 campaign ended. In his 22nd season as the leader of the Maroon and Gray, Head Coach Mike Maynard looks to guide the Bulldogs to the program's 29th conference title in 2009. Maynard holds a roster loaded with talent and experience, and expects great contributions from every member.
Redlands kicked off the pre-season on the right foot by landing on the top 25 in almost every major Division III poll, including 23rd by USA Today and 22nd by The Sporting News.
To accomplish the high standards of the Bulldog football team, Redlands relies on a balanced yet dynamic aggregate of competitors. On the defensive side of the ball, Redlands returns eight starters and many other important players from the nation's second-best defense. Defensive Coordinator Skip Fazio's "Multiple Stack" has led the SCIAC in total defense each of the last three seasons and plans to repeat that effort in the coming year. In 2008, Redlands sacked opposing quarterbacks 28 times and hurried them on 32 occasions, while opposing running backs gained a miniscule 1.8 yards per carry. Look for similar numbers as Fazio works to assimilate another impressive crew on defense.
Fronting the Bulldog defense, the formidable line holds high expectations for the 2009 campaign. Even with the loss of three-time All-SCIAC defensive end Brock Arndt '09, this crucial facet of the team remains committed to success and looks forward to the return of Crocco.
"We believe Mitch Crocco has the ability to play any position. We want to make sure that opposing O-lines won't always know where to find him," stated Fazio.
Following two seasons as a critical back-up for the Bulldogs, senior Tam Berhe (Colton, CA) works to fill the voids left by Arndt. Teaming up with Berhe, senior Matt Bean (Idaho Falls, ID) looks to utilize his tough, physical play as a major contributor. After making the move from linebacker to the defensive line, senior Josh Cunningham (Phoenix, AZ), a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American, plans to use his size and strength to create havoc for the opposing offense. The Bulldogs also expect significant contributions out of Redlands East Valley product sophomore Randy Crim (Redlands, CA). He was dominant at times during the last half of the season and works to replace some of Arndt's gaudy numbers. Fazio has high hopes for sophomore Spencer Minshew (Tustin, CA) to enjoy a breakout year after a strong off-season of training, while he also expects junior Matt Mohr (Atherton, CA) to compete for playing time as he makes the move to the defensive line. Rounding out the contenders, sophomore Andrew Carreon (Glendora, CA) boasts a year of experience and anticipates taking advantage of every opportunity.
The linebacker corps returns its biggest gun in sophomore Ian Sluss (Vista, CA), following a dream season that included 56 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and four pass break-ups as a true freshman. After improving upon his already impressive abilities, he takes over as the signal caller for the defense. Fifth-year senior Mack Gordon (Bermuda Dunes, CA) opted to return for his final year of eligibility, which was no doubt an important decision for the Bulldog defense. With solid contributions during his 19 straight starts, Gordon expects to wrap up his career with outstanding numbers and big plays. Senior Scott Garner (Ventura, CA) and junior Cameron Mann (Oceanside, CA) compete for the open linebacker job, bringing their know-how and determination to the field. In addition, sophomore Brett Romero (Santee, CA) showed promise during his rookie campaign as possibly the smartest player on the Bulldog defense.
The Bulldogs' secondary may by the strong point of the entire team in 2009 as Redlands returns three excellent corners and a host of safeties. At corner, sophomore Vince Aiello (Fullerton, CA) developed a reputation for being a relentless cover corner and spent most of last year on the opposing offense's best receiver. Look for him to continue this trend of domination. Senior Rudy Vidales (Los Angeles, CA) gained significant experience in 2008 and strives to build upon that in the upcoming season. Although junior Richard Dye (Sacramento, CA) missed much of 2008 with an injury, he works to push Vidales in this crucial position by utilizing his speed and agility. Finally, sophomore Danny Barson (Glen Ridge, NH) and junior Troy Clay (San Diego, CA) help solidify the Bulldogs' option at corner.
With the return of junior Mike Nicolini (Novato, CA) as one of the best players in the SCIAC last season, the Bulldog safeties promise to be a major position of strength in 2009. Despite being just 5-foot, 9-inches tall, he is known for hard hits and critical plays, as evidenced by his team-leading 69 tackles and four interceptions. Making the most of his abilities, count on Nicolini to play both free and strong safety this season. Senior captain Jared Fink (El Paso, TX) also returns as a strong safety and adds three years of starting experience and excellent leadership. Although the other starting spot in the secondary is up for grabs, creating great competition during preseason camp, sophomore Josh Herrera (Vista, CA) sits as the front-runner due to his continued improvement since the end of last season. Fazio expects Norco graduate sophomore Evan Ruiz (Corona, CA) to compete for significant playing time in the secondary, while juniors Tom Martin (Vancouver, WA) and Stephen Pope-Rolewski (Tucson, AZ) both add to the mix.
On the other side of the ball, Redlands looks forward to the return of strong contributors who allow for a reshuffling of the Bulldogs' style of offense. The biggest recruiting job of the year came when Coach Maynard convinced quarterback Selway to return for his final season of eligibility. The 2009 campaign marks Selway's third working with Offensive Coordinator Jeff Thomas as well as serving as a team captain. Following a 2007 showing where he threw for 2,429 yards and posted an efficiency rating over 140, his success continued in 2008 as he went 46-for-63 for 489 yards and five touchdowns in just two games before being sidelined with an injury. Redlands holds high expectations for this talented and athletic play-caller. In addition, the Bulldogs boast two veteran quarterbacks who solidify this position group with different strengths and methods. After gaining incredible experience in 2008, back-up Steve Smith (Lake Oswego, OR) returns for his senior year and expects to build upon a 5-2 showing as Selway's understudy. In addition, Redlands looks to another viable option at quarterback in senior Kyle Ochoa (Van Nuys, CA).
Combining with the impressive crew of quarterbacks, Redlands returns most of its top receiving threats from 2008, as well as Putman, who missed all of last season with an injury. One of Selway's biggest targets in 2007, Putman served as Redlands' big play-maker with over 18 yards per catch while hauling in 26 passes for 478 yards and six touchdowns on his way to the All-SCIAC team. Senior Brenden Barkate (Bakersfield, CA) creates a dangerous 1-2 punch with Putman following a team-leading performance in 2008, which landed him on the All-Conference list. After topping the team in receiving yards with 309, senior Sean Scott (Bellevue, WA) joins forces to create a lethal combination for the Bulldogs. Senior Evan Reuter (Cameron Park, CA) returns to action as a major part of the Redlands offense both as a receiver and blocker. Senior Curtis Gold (La Verne, CA) and junior Ryan Frazier (Scottsdale, AZ) serve as likely contenders for the Maroon and Gary, while sophomore Tyler Aubrey (Santee, CA) looks to build upon his numbers in the coming year by utilizing his speed on the field. Juniors Nick Brucculeri (Garden Grove, CA) and Mike Davis (Valencia, CA) are both quality players who expect to compete for a starting nod. Sophomores Kyle Romero (Santee, CA) and converted quarterback Taylor Chappatte (San Diego, CA) offer solid skills and athleticism, while the Bulldogs' biggest, most physical receiver, Pete Tobiason (New Canaan, CT), looks to make the most of his senior season.
Equipped with strength and determination, the Bulldog offensive line promises to provide important coverage in 2009, building off of last year's numbers that included one of the best rushing performances in recent history. Coach Maynard expects this year’s O-line to be "one of the strongest we've had since I've been here." Redlands anticipates big contributions from senior starters Travis McBride (Long Beach, CA), Robbie Lopes (Honolulu, HI), and Rick Albrecht (Yorba Linda, CA), while sophomores Chris Radtke (Grand Terrace, CA) and Charlie Yaeger (Mission Viejo, CA) both vie for important minutes. The Bulldogs boast other experience on the O-line as well with junior Matt Allen (Memphis, TN), senior Matt Vasquez (Murrieta, CA), and Rick Albrecht's brother, Sam (Yorba Linda, CA), all returning with major improvements in strength and size. At center, senior Patrick McGarry (Turlock, CA) expects to battle for playing time.
The running back position is the biggest question mark for Redlands going into pre-season. Gone is the three-headed monster of All-Conference ball-carrier Zach Schafer '09, powerful running back Jeff Stewart '09, and All-SCIAC fullback Tom Romaine '09. However, the team anticipates veteran players to step up in their absence, making the transition into the 2009 season as seamless as possible. Junior Daylan Swedlow (Lake Arrowhead, CA) leads the crew at the tailback position, with sophomore Tyson Moll (Bountiful, UT) fighting for more carries. Senior Daniel Allen (Felton, CA) looks to build upon his experiences at fullback, in which he played an integral role as a lead blocker. Finally, the Bulldogs offer one of their best recruiting classes ever at the running back position, and the coaches hold high expectations for many of the newcomers to immediately compete for playing time.
Another strong suit for the Bulldogs lies within special teams. Beyond his contributions on defense, Nicolini serves as a play-making return man and helps the Bulldogs remain strong in the kicking game. The 2008 SCIAC Special Teams Player of the Year was a devastating force in kick coverage, enabling Redlands to lead the nation in net punting. Count on third-year special teams coordinator Vinny Fazio to use Nicolini in a variety of different ways during his junior season.
"Mike is so good in the kicking game that he would be one of our most important players if he didn't play any defense at all. Guys like him make it easy to coach the special teams," said V. Fazio.
Two All-SCIAC honorees return in junior place kicker Joe MacMillan (Pasadena, CA) and sophomore punter Wes Norris (San Jose, CA). With strength and accuracy, MacMillan was nearly perfect on point-after-tries and connected on a long field goal of 45 yards. Expect his success to continue in this important position. After taking over the punting duties for Selway, Norris averaged 39.5 yards per punt and played a critical role in the team's national numbers for net punting. With 16 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, he looks to build upon that success as he embarks upon his second year with the Bulldogs. However, Selway cannot be counted out as an option at punter, given that he averaged a mind-boggling 44 yards per punt in the first two games of 2008.
Beyond his dedicated players, Coach Maynard strives to achieve his goals by competing against the best opponents. The Bulldogs open up at home on September 12 against first-time opponent East Texas Baptist University, who finished .500 last year for a share of third place in the very difficult American Southwest Conference. The Tigers' five losses came at the hands of excellent teams, including playoff participants St. John's University (MN), Hardin-Simmons University (TX), and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (TX). Expect ETBU to bring a fearsome rushing attack into Ted Runner Stadium and battle it out with the Bulldogs, who led the nation in rush defense during the 2008 season.
The Bulldogs travel to Spokane for game two against perennial Northwest Conference title contender Whitworth University (WA). Following last season's 38-7 loss to Redlands, look for the Pirates to be foaming at the mouth and seeking revenge against the Bulldogs in a highly anticipated rematch. Led by longtime head coach John Tully and preseason All-American Adam Anderson, Whitworth promises to test the Maroon and Gray in their early showdown.
After a bye on September 26, the Bulldogs open up SCIAC play at home against the University of La Verne. Many Redlands fans are circling October 10 as the game to watch with the Bulldogs traveling to Eagle Rock for an intense battle against defending SCIAC Champion Occidental College and the explosive Tiger offense. Next, the Bulldogs host Whittier on October 17 for Homecoming before hitting the road for an afternoon game at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on October 24. Led by First-Team All-SCIAC quarterback Jake Caron, the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer Colleges wrap up Redlands' regular season home schedule on Halloween. The Bulldogs take to the road for their final two games, starting with a tough non-conference tilt at Chapman University. The Maroon and Gray look forward to finishing the regular season on the road at Cal Lutheran, following its 38-17 victory at Mt. Clef Stadium that resulted in the 2007 SCIAC Championship.
Amidst the excitement of the Bulldogs' 100th season, the Redlands football team readily awaits the challenges of the coming year. With a roster chockfull of skill, enthusiasm, and dedication, the Maroon and Gray holds the tools necessary to achieve its goals and gain success within the conference and beyond.