On paper, Friday’s matchup between Leigh and Del Mar (7:00 PM, Del Mar Bowl) might be easily overlooked considering Leigh plays in the BVAL-Santa Teresa “B” Division whereas Del Mar competes in the BVAL-West Valley “C” Division. However, Leigh head coach Kyle Padia is well aware of Del Mar's football team and its recent success.
When asked about the Dons, Padia said, “Del Mar won a league title last year, so I know they are a good team.”
The new head football coach at Leigh hopes to begin his career as a Longhorn with success. Padia has had the off-season to reshape his football team and instill confidence. The Longhorms are coming off of a disappointing season in which they went just 1-8 record in the Mt. Hamilton “A” Division.
Moreover, many of the losses were not even close. The defense seemed to be walked-over at times, especially in Week 8 when the explosive Live Oak offense dropped 62 points on the Longhorns. As for the offense, Leigh was rather inconsistent, scoring as many as 45 points in a game and as few as nine in another.
Padia believes he has solved Leigh's offensive woes by instilling a Pistol-spread offense and relying on the pure speed of the players throughout the team. However, Del Mar's defense figures to be a real test for the Longhorns and their new offense.
Del Mar had two shutouts last season and did not give up more than 27 points in a league game. Protecting the quarterback from Del Mar's intimidating pass-rushers are senior offensive linemen Anthony Silva and Jammar Lee, who have been recognized by Padia for their hard work during the off-season and in practice.
Overall, Padia has simple expectations and is eager to watch his team compete.
“We want to play as a team,” said Padia. It has been a long, hard summer and we are ready to finally get to show what we can do as a unit.”
