Leyden looks for more of the same
Leyden recaptured the winning mentality in its football program last year.
The Eagles had their best season in nine years with 8 wins and they led eventual Class 8A state champion Maine South at halftime in the second round of the playoffs.
But now it's up to a new cast of characters to sustain that mentality with the graduation of record-setting rusher Angel Maldonado (2,335 yards, 26 TDs), all-area linemen Jeff Cascella and Dan Kiebler and quarterback David Rose.
"The kids truly believed they were going to win that game," Leyden coach Tom Cerasani said of the 34-16 loss to Maine South. "That attitude has carried over. We don't think anybody is better than us.
"As a head coach you're happy that's where we're at."
Senior running back Justin Bolo will rely more on 4.4 40-yard speed than the brawn often used by Maldonado.
One of the big keys is upfront where Elmer Guzman is the only returning starter and sophomores Jorge Laredo and Erik Herrera join the mix.
Junior Joey DiFronzo takes over at quarterback. He started the Addison Trail game last year when Rose was hurt and has experienced receivers in Adrian Ruiz (20 catches, 162 yards), Andres Orrego and Jeff Renteria.
"He's an athletic kid with a really nice arm and he reads defenses really well," Cerasani said. "The biggest thing on offense is we can't be as predictable as we were last year."
Senior Mike Weimerskirch will play a big role up front at tight end and defensive end. Linebackers Diego Moreno and Nelson Lugo are returning starters and strong safety Steve Travis and cornerback Marco Vasquez have experience in the secondary.
"In the secondary we feel good, I think our defensive line can be very good and our linebackers have the ability to be very good," Cerasani said. "But we can't leave them on the field all night long.
"Last year we won the time of possession in every game by far. Our challenge is to avoid three-and-outs and on defense get three-and-outs."
Because Leyden would like to get at least five wins to get back in the playoffs.
"The guys around last year still have that taste in their mouth and are bringing that leadership to the field," Cerasani said. "I don't think there should be much of a falloff."
Eagles at a glance
Coach: Tom Cerasani (21-27, sixth year)
Last year: 8-3, 5-1 (2nd WSC Gold, 8A second round)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Joe DiFronzo 6-2/180 Jr.
TB Justin Bolo 5-8/195 Sr.
LT Jesse Lopez 5-11/230 Jr.
LG Jorge Laredo 6-1/220 So.
C Armando Guerrero 5-11/195 Sr.
RG Erik Herrera 5-11/230 So.
RT Elmer Guzman 6-0/215 Sr.
TE Mike Weimerskirch 6-3/230 Sr.
WR Adrian Ruiz 5-10/180 Sr.
WR Andres Orrego 6-0/175 Sr.
WR Jeff Renteria 6-2/170 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Mike Weimerskirch 6-3/230 Sr.
DT Tramon Thomas 6-1/230 Sr.
NT Matt Gillette 5-8/260 Sr.
DE Billy Johnson 6-1/195 Jr.
OLB Diego Moreno 5-8/180 Sr.
ILB Nelson Lugo 6-0/200 Jr.
ILB Miguel Mercado 5-10/190 Sr.
CB Sebastian Chrzaszez 5-10/165 Sr.
CB Marco Vasquez 5-11/170 Sr.
SS Steve Travis 5-10/180 Sr.
FS Andres Orrego 6-0/175 Sr.