FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
SANTA ROSA — At 0-2 the 2015 season hasn’t started the way the Warriors would have hoped for.
Early losses to Rio Hondo and La Feria have only deepened the team’s thirst for victory and are looking towards this Friday’s showdown against rivals La Villa to do so.
Leading the way for the Warriors on that journey will be a trio veterans.
If the name Olivarez doesn’t ring a bell that’s ok it’s only because Lara and Saldivar take up most of the headlines. If it does ring a bell, it’s probably because you’re thinking of his older brother Wally Olivarez who was a staple on the team up until last season. Vince, however, has been making a name for himself this year.
“Vince brings a lot of leadership skills,” said Santa Rosa head coach Arturo Garcia. “He’s consistent, great attitude and he’s very dependable. In turn that feeds into, not only, the varsity team but the JV team as well. He’s the type of players we want to see come through our program. He’s very smart and he understands the value of education.”
Lara agrees.
“He’s been incredible,” said Lara. “He builds a lot of momentum for us on defense which in turn helps us on offense.
Another player who has stood out this season has been wide receiver Devyn Saldivar. Both he and Lara have combined for three touchdown receptions of over 50 yards in just two games. As a coach, however, Garcia explained it’s his work ethic that best defines the type of player he is.
“Devyn is a threat with his physical ability,” said Garcia. “He’s quick, he has knowledge of the game and I’ve been really pleased with his attitude and work ethic.
“After last year’s injury he’s worked really hard to get back to where he’s at. To see him come back and make an impact so early really says a lot about his work ethic.”
Last year Saldivar suffered a season ending ACL injury that prevented him from playing any other sports.
This year, no other athlete has attracted more attention than junior Leo Lara. He’s become the focal point of both the Warrior’s offense and opposing defenses as well. However it’s his competiveness that has the offense clicking.
“Leo’s a competitor,” said Garcia. “He wants to beat you even if he’s playing checkers. That what I see from him when he’s playing any sport, just his competive nature. He had a good sophomore campaign and we’re hoping for better things this year.”
“He’s a great athlete,” said Olivarez. “He is really the heart and soul of the offense. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and the direction he’s been going in we’re going to do good this year.
In fact as a sophomore Lara played three positions (QB, WR, and DB) and was awarded the district’s Co-Newcomer of the Year award.