GRIDIRON RELOAD Warriors show off speed and size in inter-squad scrimmage

TRUE TO FORM - Jesse Olofson (pictured getting the handoff and hauling in a screen pass on the left) has had an impressive off-season and looks to be one of the feature backs in the Mountain Football wing-T attack. Olofson will also be a vocal leader on defense at linebacker.  --Photo by Tom Shea

Posted 08-22-09

TEHACHAPI NEWS - The senior departures were many but expectations continue to be high for Tehachapi in football.

By all accounts, the Warriors could graciously accept a “rebuilding” pass after winning two back-to-back CIF championships in 2007 and 2008.

However, if this past week’s practice and inter-squad scrimmage are any indication, Tehachapi appears to be tearing up their offered rebuilding pass and showing off a reloading one, instead.

“We had a special group of guys these past couple of seasons, but this group we have now have seen what it takes and know the commitment level that is expected of them,” said head coach Steve Denman. “We like what we’ve seen so far, but there is still a lot of work to do. We’re pleased with the players that have stepped up and are working to contribute.”

The bread and butter of this year’s team will be a talented offensive line, spearheaded by center Niko Taliulu and left guard Drew Howell, who will both be going into their third varsity season. Also looking to step up in Tehachapi’s wing-t front is Tyler Guyon, John Cramer, Colt Murrow, Cameron King, Gene Wahlstrom and tight end Travis Farewell.

TRENCH DWELLERS - Ray Cross (#50) and Gene Wahlstrom (#77) will look to make some noise this season on the defensive line, while Tehachapi will benefit from the return of all-league offensive linemen Drew Howell (#59) and Niko Taliulu (#75).  --Photo by Tom Shea

All mentioned players have looked polished in their pulls and quick step off the ball, and look to fill open lanes for returning starting running back Jesse Olofson and talented speedsters Max Clark, Michael Lowder, Tre’von Harris and Austin Herman among others. Behind center, the Warriors will look upon Chris Rush, Levi Garrett and Adam Bullard to help lead the wing-t attack.

“We have players that can get in there and do the job, they just need to get the experience in,” added Denman. “Especially on defense, we have a great mix of guys that have been there for us in our championship seasons along with some new guys that are ready to step in and learn.”

Tehachapi will return five starters on defense, with Nic Howell and Brennen Davis anchoring the secondary and Austin Herman, Drew Howell and Travis Hall back to fill their linebacking and down line duties. Dylan Fralick, Eric Erickson, Cameron King, Cory Lange, Zach Timm and Jesse Olofson have also shown strong aggressiveness when called upon in team reps and drills.

“Without sacrifice you can’t have success. Our guys know this, and the harder they work in practice will determine our execution level on Friday nights,” Denman said. “This is an exciting time right now; it’s a great feeling when you get started. We want to start strong.”

The Warriors, Braves and Indians will have their first test in scrimmage action this Friday, Aug.28 against Highland-Bakersfield at home. The games will be at Coy Burnett Field, with the freshman (3:30 p.m.), jayvee (5:00 p.m.) and varsity (6:30 p.m.) engaging the Scots in set-play scrimmage format.

NEXT WARRIOR QB? - Taking snaps during scrimmage action was Chris Rush (above), who fired a few completions in split quarterback duties with Levi Garrett and Adam Bullard. Rush is a honors student at Tehachapi High School and is currently a frontrunner to be the 2009-2010 valedictorian with a stellar 4.0+ GPA and active membership in various activities around school.  --Photo by Tom Shea

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	Upcoming Boosters Events:  Meet the Warriors on Aug. 26 “Meet the Warrior” night for Mountain Football will be on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the THS cafeteria. The public is encouraged to come enjoy a barbeque chicken dinner and meet the new-look Tehachapi Warriors, Braves and Indians that will be representing the community on the gridiron this fall. The even will start just after 6 p.m. Annual Booster Club elections will also be held on Tuesday, Sep. 8 at the Village Grille starting at 6:30 p.m. Any parents or fans wishing to get involved with the Booster Club and local athletics are encouraged to attend. The Booster Club is urging parents that have children in THS athletics to get involved and support the club in upcoming athletic events. The meeting agenda includes the election of new officers for the 2009-2010 sports season.
	Booster Membership still Available Booster Annual Membership is $35.00, which will give you the following: ** Warrior Hat and T-Shirt ** Access to purchase Football ‘green seats’ ** Exclusive opportunity to apply for booster scholarship for child in THS Sport ** Email newsletter ** Name listed in sports programs as Booster Supporter If you are interested in membership, please email hansen587@sbcglobal.net to inquire how to become a member for 2009-2010.  Warrior alumni and supporters across the country and abroad are ENCOURAGED to become members!  GO WARRIORS!
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