Lehman quarterback Matt Anguiano holds all the Lobos’ major single-season passing records. He will look to break them during his senior season this fall. (photo by Judy Cooper)
by WES FERGUSON
Take a look at Lehman High School’s football record holders, and one name emerges again and again.
Most passing yards in a season, with 1,062: Matt Angiuano.
Most completions in a season, with 86: Matt Angiuano.
Most touchdowns in a season, with 11: hint, his initials are M.A.
After sharing time behind center in his sophomore year and holding the quarterback position outright as a junior, Angiuano is entering his senior season with veteran poise and his team’s hopes squarely on his shoulders.
Angiuano, his teammates and his coaches believe this will be the Lobos’ breakout year. Lehman is fielding the biggest, most experienced and most talented team since the school began playing football in 2006, but for the Lobos to reach their goal of a playoff run, Angiuano must be the one to lead them there.
“Your quarterback is the key to your offensive success,” said head coach Steve Davis, who was Westlake’s offensive coordinator when current New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees led the Chaps to the state title in 1996. “Matt needs to have a good year and distribute the ball all across the board.”
Davis, who is also the team’s quarterbacks coach, praised Angiuano’s performance during 7-on-7 play this summer and said he was proud of his quarterback’s weight training over the offseason as well.
“He’s just gotten better and better,” Davis said. “His arm strength is better. He worked hard in the weight room, and he was able to put more velocity on the ball when he throws.”
Angiuano said he put in the time in the weight room after getting banged up last season. He wanted to become bigger and stronger so he wouldn’t put himself in a similar situation this year.
But all the weight training served an additional purpose, he added.
“If I put in the time,” Angiuano said, “then the offensive line and the offense would too.”
The Lobos are fielding 24 seniors this season, their most ever, and many of the guys share strong bonds after playing together for the past few seasons. The senior quarterback’s leadership by example has encouraged his teammates to give their best efforts too, according to senior running back Levi Medley.
“He’s hardworking, smart, an athlete,” Medley said. “When we don’t do a good job, he’ll let us know, and he’ll help us fix it.”
When not playing football, Angiuano likes to rodeo. His sport is team roping, which shares some similarities to being a quarterback.
“There are a lot of pressure situations when a championship is on the line,” he said of team roping. “It’s the same here” on the football field.
As for all those Lehman football records, they might not last long. Anguino will be out to set new standards this season.
“Hopefully he’ll have a great year,” Davis said, “and we’ll have to replace the record signs.”
