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Schools

FOOTBALL: 2011 MHS Preview

With the season opener tonight at Jefferson High, Trojans return a wealth of experience on both sides of the ball. Big things expected heading into fall season.

Milpitas High senior quarterback Tony Sauceda just can’t wait much longer.

With the 2011 high school football season set to kick-off tonight at Jefferson High (Daly City), the leader of the Milpitas offense is getting down right antsy to get his offensive troops off and running.

“The whole team is just really excited,” Sauceda said. “I feel really confortable in the offense. We have a lot of seniors on this team and I have a lot of weapons to use on offense. My receivers and backs are all dangerous.”

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Milpitas, a Central Coast Section playoff qualifier a year ago, finished the 2010 season with a 6-4-1 record overall and a 3-3 mark in Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division play.

The Trojans three losses came to the same three schools expected to contend for the league crown again this fall—Los Gatos, Wilcox and defending CIF state champion, Palo Alto High.

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However, while the top contenders all lost some key seniors to graduation, the Trojans young core just gained a year of experience. Now it’s their time to shine and bring the football program back up the ladder in the rugged De Anza standings.

Second year starter Sauceda is in charge of the offense. He’ll have starting wide receivers Jordan Lockett (6-1, 170) and Rodney McKenzie (6-3, 210) both back to cause havoc on the outside.

Bruiser Sammy Fanua (5-10, 220) returns at tailback to lead a deep stable of running backs at head coach Kelly King’s disposal.

“Things are looking pretty good,” Fanua said. “Our offensive line is really big. We have two freshmen that might start by the start of league play. Our offensive line is coming together each day we’re together at practice.”

On defense, the Trojans size will again be on display. Fanua will move up from his linebacker position a year ago to play along the defensive line. The defensive secondary and the linebacking unit will also boast plenty of size and speed.

“I think our defense will be even better than last year,” Fanua said. “I like playing defensive end. It’s a different challenge. We will be a solid defense, I know that.”

After back-to-back rough outings against Palo Alto and Wilcox midway through the league schedule—both teams scored 35 points on the Trojans—the defense buckled down and allowed 10 points total over the next three weeks.

Coincidentally, Milpitas won all three games, including a pair of shutout triumphs over Saratoga and Los Altos High.

The season ended in round one of the CCS playoffs to visiting Salinas High, 22-13.

Milpitas hits the road to open the 2011 campaign Friday night against Jefferson High-Daly City.

The game is the first of three road games in the first four weeks of the season for the Trojans.

“I just want to get out there and show Jefferson how fast we are,” Sauceda said. “I want to score the first touchdown. I know everyone is ready to play.”

The Milpitas home opener is on Sept. 9 against Alvarez High of Salinas. 

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