By Moses Leos III
Hot temperatures didn’t keep the Lehman Lobos from giving their fans a glimpse of what to expect for the 2016 campaign during Saturday’s Lobo Kickoff at Lobo Field.
But for Lehman High head coach Todd Raymond, gains made in the weight room by forgoing spring football last May could help the Lobos ready themselves for a tough 25-6A schedule.
“It was huge (forgoing spring football). Our kids are so much stronger,” Raymond said. “We aren’t big or tall, so we have to be stronger, because we have to take those hits and those shots.”
Lehman’s scrimmage Saturday culminated the first week of practices for a Lobo team that has experience, Raymond said.
Lehman has “a bunch of older kids” who has been in the Lobos’ system “for a while,” he added.
Much of the experience extends to the offense, where quarterback Jacob Zamora, wide receiver and Navy commitment Tyler Henderson and running back Bryan Mendoza highlight up to fifteen returning starters.
Leading the way is Zamora, who has been a part of the Lobo system for a year. Raymond said Zamora has more confidence and experience under his belt.
“I like that and their football savvyness, so to speak,” Raymond said. “(Jacob) and Tyler and Bryan, they are going to be the ones that make us go.”
Henderson said the team succeeded in adapting back into football after forgoing spring practices. He said the Lobos will make a “big impact” when they begin the football season on both sides of the ball.
Zamora said the team is doing “a lot better than I expected” after the first week of practices. He lauded his offensive line, which on Saturday gave Zamora time in the pocket to deliver passes.
“Compared to last year, I have a lot more time to throw the ball,” Zamora said. “I’m proud of the lineman to take that step up and give me more time than last year.”
The dynamic between Zamora and Henderson was also on display Saturday as the two connected with success on multiple occasions. Henderson said the duo worked “a lot” on timing and routes during 7-on-7 practices over the summer.
“It’s really going to help in the season. It’s going to feel like second nature,” Henderson said. “It won’t be hard to think about, because I trust him to know where to throw it.”
On the defensive side, the Lobos “flew around” and created turnovers during Saturday’s Lobo Kickoff. Raymond said the group was “excited about getting the ball.”
“I thought they did a great job with that. Energy and effort can overcome a lot of stuff,” Raymond said.
Leading the way defensively will be Carl Ferguson and Abel Longoria on the defensive line, while Austin Lakey and Edward Arana return to the defensive backfield.
Raymond praised Longoria, a powerlifter, as “the strongest kid in our program.”
“If you let him get into you, he’s a tough little load,” Raymond said. “He’s short and compact. I hated playing against guys like him.”
Ball security now becomes the focus for the Lobos as they head into their first scrimmage on Saturday. Zamora said continued progress on execution is also paramount.
“We’re working on being more mentally prepared and just executing our plays better,” Zamora said.
