After a difficult 28-21 loss in the Division II CCS Finals against Los Gatos, the Pioneer Mustangs look to win the championship this year with the help of a strong backfield and many returning players, including QB Drew Fryhoff, RB/DB Dominic Barnes and RB/DB Russell Neeley. Pioneer opens the 2012 campaign Friday night (7:30 pm) when it travels to San Benito to take on the Haybalers.
Eric Perry returns in his third season as head coach.
“I think we are going to be able to compete, we just need experience on the offensive and defensive lines. We are young up front,” said Perry. “There’s just not much experience at the varsity level. With that said, it's going to take a lot of hard work for us to get back to where we were last year. Getting back to the CCS Finals and trying to win that banner is always our goal here at Pioneer.”
Perry pointed to Fryhoff, Barnes, Neeley, and TE/DE Joseph Londre as the team’s key offensive players this season. Pioneer’s defensive key players include FB/DE Ethan Stanton, RB/S Devin Appleton, WR/DB Reece Williams, QB/LB Lavelle Beloney Jr., and RB/LB Koa Gabriel.
Behind graduated players Tyler Compani, Ronald Gezzi and Mike Simonini, Russell Neeley led last year’s team with 15 tackles for the season. Dominic Barnes followed closely behind with 12 tackles, and Appleton had 10.
Now in his third season as the starting varsity quarterback, Drew Fryhoff threw for 435 yards last season with a 46.5% completion rating.
“What I personally wish to accomplish this season is to be one of the most dominant quarterbacks in CCS and win a CCS championship," Fryhoff said. "Our team this year will have some of the most outstanding athletes in our league. Almost our whole backfield is returning along with our defensive backs. I think our team will put up a good fight for the league championship.”
In addition to Fryhoff, Barnes is another top returner for the Mustangs, as he rushed for 768 yards last season and averaged nine yards a carry. Perry repeatedly pointed to Barnes as the team’s go-to guy this season.
“I want to accomplish winning a CCS championship and I believe with this team we are very capable of doing that," said Barnes, who is considered the team's top college prospect. "I also hope to have a Division I scholarship at the end of this season.”
Though Fryhoff and Barnes are crucial players in the team’s squad, the Mustangs still need to develop a strong line to protect them.
“I graduated both lines from last year, so we are trying to find right group right now. If they get it together, I think we are going to okay. There’s just not much experience at the varsity level,” Perry said. “We have concentrated on getting stronger and having complete confidence in what we are doing. We are also developing some solid offensive line and defensive line for the future."
Despite having to rely on young and inexperienced linemen, Fryhoff remains hopeful that the team will perform well this season. “I feel very confident coming into the season and am looking forward to the first game.”
