Golden Sierra program strives for character, competitiveness

Golden Sierra Varsity Football Team

Team: Golden Sierra High

Division: VI

League: Sierra Delta League — Bradshaw Christian, Encina, Highlands, Rio Vista, San Juan, Vacaville Christian

2011 record: 5-5; fourth place

Head coach: John Hilton

Assistant coaches: John Piparo (Defensive Coordinator, running backs, outside linebackers); Mark Brunton (Special Teams Coordinator, quarterback, inside linebackers); Eric Agee (offensive line, defensive line); Chris Whitted (wide receivers, defensive backs).

Key dates: Aug. 24 @ Capital Christian; Sept. 1 at Johnson; Sept. 7 vs. Rio Americano; Sept. 14 vs. El Dorado; Sept. 28 @ Vacaville Christian; Oct. 12 Homecoming vs. Highlands; Oct. 19 vs. Rio Vista; Nov. 2 regular season finale vs. San Juan

GARDEN VALLEY — Coach Hilton enters his second season as the Grizzlies’ head coach. Before, he was the offensive coordinator in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Prior to being offensive coordinator, Hilton was the defensive coordinator for the Grizzlies.

Offense: Bryson Campbell will be quarterback in the Grizzlies’ double-wing offense. Adam Sewell will be one of the running backs. Kyle Moe, Ryan Echeveria, Kyle Hensman and Brian Agee return to the offensive line.

Defense: Back in the secondary is Campbell at defensive back. Newcomer Rocky Sacks joins Sewell, Daniel Lesher, Brian Cann and Sam Steward are expected to start and/or see plenty of action at linebacker. Agee, Echeveria and Hensman will be on the defensive line.

Special teams: Cameron Stephens will be the Grizzlies’ return specialist, as well as one of the Grizzlies’ top receiving threats. Campbell handles the kicking.

Outlook: In 2010, the Grizzlies made the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V playoffs, beating Mariposa in the first round before losing to eventual section champion LeGrand in the second round. Last season, Golden Sierra missed the playoffs by one game.

This season, Hilton wants to see his players continue to improve in each game. But most importantly, what his players will learn — especially for this year’s seniors — when their grid careers come to end after they graduate from high school. The Grizzlies are 1-2 going into their intra-county contest against El Dorado.

“We are just trying to be competitive and improve each week,” Hilton said. “The players would love to return to the playoffs. We hope we continue to improve and put a product on the field that our community will be proud of. We also want these young men to continue to grow as individuals, and understand that hard work is how we achieve our goals in life.”

The Golden Sierra kids are known for their toughness and determination despite the odds. Grizzly fans should see more of that this season.

Mike Bush

Mike Bush has been working at the Mountain Democrat since August 2011. Mike is the Sports Writer and Features Writer.

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