Redondo junior Jermar Jefferson will be the featured running back in what is expected to be an explosive Sea Hawk offense. Photo
Facing a demanding non-league schedule with a young but talented team, Redondo’s opens its 2016 football campaign Friday with a 7 p.m. home game against Rancho Verde.
Sea Hawk head coach Matt Ballard, who has a deep junior class of athletes, had some questions answered Friday night when his squad scrimmage Loyola
“Our team is inexperienced and untested thus far. Not many have played any varsity football,” Ballard said. “Our main goal (against Loyola) was to be physical, competitive, and play with passion. Although there were many errors, and mistakes to be corrected, the boys delivered on what we asked. We’re excited to get the season underway.”
Redondo has moved up to Division 4 in the new CIF-Southern Section playoff system and is ranked No. 6 in the preseason poll. The Sea Hawks are coming off a record-setting 10-3 season finishing second in the Bay League to Palos Verdes before reaching the semifinals of the Western Division before falling to eventual champion Calabasas.
Ballard said the Sea Hawk’s first opponent is a talented and well-coached team.
Rancho Verde, of Moreno Valley, is ranked No. 5 in Division 3 and was 10-3 in 2015 winning the Inland Valley title before losing a 52-45 shootout to Inland Division champion Citrus Hill in the semifinals.
The Mustangs return senior quarterback E.J. Stewart who passed for 3,033 yards and 36 touchdowns with nine interceptions last season. His favorite target is senior Bryan Thompson who had 58 receptions for 1,259 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Redondo’s non-league schedule also includes road games at Division 1 powers Vista Murrieta (No. 6) and Mission Viejo (No. 4). The Sea Hawks will have home games against San Pedro and West Torrance (No. 5, Div. 6).
“This is probably the toughest non-league schedule we’ve had,” Ballard said. “Our toughness, resiliency and brotherhood will be tested. How we respond will determine our season. Our juniors will need to play a big role if we’re going to have success.”
Junior running back Jermar Jefferson returns after leading Redondo in rushing with 891 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Jefferson, along with senior Derron Session, will follow holes created by fullback Zach Boesen who also plays tight end.
The excitement in Sea Hawk Bowl, however, is expected to come from the passing game. New offensive coordinator Stephen Kelly will employ a talented receiving corps featuring junior transfer Julian Woodard and senior Diego Balcarcel.
The offense will be led by junior Jack Alexander, a 6-foot-2 gunslinger who returns to Redondo after spending his sophomore year at St. John Bosco. As a freshman, Alexander was the MVP on Redondo’s freshman team after throwing for 2,500 yards and 24 touchdowns with only one interception.
Alexander will be playing in his third different offensive system in three years, but the student-athlete, who boasts a 4.2 GPA, is confident and up for the challenge,
“I feel the strength of our team is at the skill positions,” Alexander said. It’s the best Redondo has had in awhile. We believe we can compete with anyone and with Jermar in the backfield, we’re a two-headed monster.”
Alexander said he felt a little disrespected at St. John Bosco and the commute was taking a toll on his schedule.
“I was really missing my friends,” Alexander added. “I saw the potential of Redondo’s team. I want to help build something great for the school and the community.”
Redondo will be without All-Bay League lineman Danny Zimmerman, who while spend his senior year focusing on his baseball career before playing at the University of Michigan.
“The entire line will need to step up,” Ballard said. “Returners Christian Islas, Tua Laolagi and Jayden Gregorio need to set a high standard. John Welder and Jesus Ramirez will play as well.”
Defensively, Laolagi (defensive end), Boesen (linebacker) and Balcarcel (safety) return with varsity experience.
Senior safety Xavier Lawrence and junior defensive backs Jordan Jackson and Woodard are expected to be playmakers in the secondary.
To follow the Sea Hawks throughout the season, visit the team’s website at ruhsfootball.com.
