KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SANTA MARIA — After a bye week in Week, and on Wednesday the Cougars had a little pep in their step. The Cougars enter Week 5 with a 2-1 record with wins over Premont and Marine Military Academy.
Up next is a road game against La Villa, who is 0-4 on the year, but the matchup between the two squads over the years has become quite the rivalry. Last year the Cougars fell to the Cardinals 14-13. The Cougars haven’t beaten La Villa in more than 10 years, and this year’s group just might have the pieces in play.
“We have had a pretty good week of practice,” Gracia said. “We are coming off a bye week and we were able to heal a little bit but this has been a real good week for us. Over the bye week we had some kids that were banged up and we had some things we needed to clean up.”
Gracia, who is in his first year steering the ship, has the Cougars believing with 14 returners from last year’s group. The strong suit has been the play of the Santa Maria defense. In a Week 3 win over Premont, the defense shut out the Cowboys and allowed -45 yards of total offense.
“Our defense has been playing lights out,” Gracia said. “The defense has done a good job on giving us a short field and the offense executes.”
A key cog in the defense is located within the linebacking core in Gus and Marcos Sandoval, who both play the middle linebacker position along with outside backer Robert Villarreal. Anchoring the defensive line is Nathaniel Rodriguez.
“We have had a good week of practice and over the bye week I just worked on getting better and keeping in shape,” Sandoval said. “We blitz a lot and we are a physical defense for sure. I’m having fun right now and being able to play with my brother is a plus, we push each other every day.”
On offense, senior quarterback Jessie Ortiz has been on the varsity for three years and is eager to pick up his first win against the Cardinals. Against Premont, the Cougars put together a balanced attack.
Ortiz spread the ball around and hit four different receivers and threw for 102 yards and one touchdown.
“Everyone is stronger and faster this year,” Ortiz said. “We have confidence this year and we play all four quarters this year. Through the air I don’t have one main guy, I spread the ball around and that helps me as a QB because I don’t rely on one guy I have a receiving core that I can rely on.”