By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SANTA ROSA — The 2018 Santa Rosa Warriors sneaked into the postseason last year.
They are looking to reach the postseason once again, but are hoping this year that the road to the playoffs will not be as difficult.
The Warriors will have their work cut out for them in 2019 with a few familiar faces returning to the black and gold.
The Warriors went 5-6 overall and 3-3 in District 16-3A Division I. Santa Rosa bowed out to Poth in the bi-district round. Tuesday marked the second day of practice, and while the teams have yet to put the pads on, the Warriors had a little pep in their step.
“ Now that it’s Day 2, some of the boys realized the season is here,” Warriors coach Hector Ayala said. “The kids are happy to be out here, and that is what makes it more exciting for the coaches. We stay positive and we motivate the kids, and they are responding well and not backing down.”
This fall, the Warriors will have to address the elephant in the room, and that is to replace star running back Ryan Mesa. Last year, Mesa ran wild for more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
With Mesa gone, the Warriors will look to junior Jose Diaz-Mendez, who has some experience at the varsity level and took some snaps last season when the Warriors lined up in a two-running-back set.
“ (Jose) got some playing time last year, and he did a heck of a job for us,” Ayala said. “He is not Ryan but he is a different kind of runner, and he is very capable of making plays and I’m hoping he has a big year.”
Along with Diaz-Mendez will be senior Adam Cavazos. The right tackle and defensive end is the only returning offensive linemen this season.
“ We are young on the offensive line, and having plenty of skill positions will help out our offensive line, and we are making a few adjustments with our blocking scheme. We are a little small but quicker, and with Diaz-Mendez and his style of running I think we will still have a strong running game.”
One other question heading into the season is the quarterback position. Santa Rosa will have a position battle between senior Jose Ruiz and junior Reese Lara. Both alternated last year at the quarterback position, and now Ayala is hoping to have one of the two step into the role full-time.
“ They both did a good job last year and they fed off of each other,” Ayala said. “They are pushing each other right now and I told both of them I would like for one of them to win it, and I think that will help make the team better. Right now it is open, and they are showing it and pushing each other.”
The Warriors will open their season against Lyford on Aug. 30 at home.