Quarterback Carson Blair (2) and running back Charlie Hwang will be key components in the Miramonte spread attack this fall. Blair’s passing will trigger the offense while Hwang will supply not only a threat on the ground but also a defensive presence at inside linebacker.
Nick Safir’s first year as Miramonte’s head football coach was highlighted by two wins in the North Coast Section playoffs – but the cheers couldn’t be too loud as the overall 6-7 record included an 0-4 mark in the Diablo Athletic League.
Safir’s first head coaching job came after 11 years as an assistant and defensive coordinator for Piedmont, Encinal and Moreau Catholic, and his first encounter with the DAL was an eye-opener.
“The competition in league was a big adjustment,” he said. “The DAL is the second or third toughest in the Bay Area.”
Safir naturally hopes to take a step up in 2025, but the Matadors will still be playing with fairly low numbers on the varsity roster. That means the inevitable injuries could play a big part in the team’s ultimate success, especially if they impact the offensive and defensive lines.
And despite plenty of talent at the skill positions, Miramonte’s success this season will depend on the linemen.
“It all comes down to the trenches,” said Safir, even though he’s excited about the possibilities in the spread offense the Mats will run.
Senior quarterback Carson Blair will trigger the attack, and Safir expects college scouts to be frequent visitors this fall so they can get a closer look at Blair. “He throws the ball extremely well,” said Safir, but of course the spread offense requires a good connection with the receiving corps.
And even though top wideout Jack Quinnild graduated, Safir is very high on senior Andrew Bjornson, who brings both size (6-3) and speed to the position. (Bjornson also has football bloodlines, as his father Eric played for the Dallas Cowboys.) George Gilbert played in the slot last year, but will move out wide this fall, while senior David Roman will get snaps in the slot.
Charlie Hwang will lead a trio of running backs, though Hwang, a senior, has the most experience. Still, look for juniors Harrison Feusier and Jonah Imberg to get plenty of carries as well.
Another key part of the offense is the H-back, a hybrid tight end/running back/receiver combo who can handle a multitude of roles. Right now, junior Colton Bornstein has the inside track on that spot, and Safir is pleased with his versatility.
Still, however, offenses don’t click unless blocks get made, and of the eight of last year’s seniors who graduated, three started on the offensive line.
“They were warriors for us,” said Safir of the graduated group. “We will have to find a way to replace them.”
Senior Leo Wampler and junior Jack White will both play critical roles, with White slotted at left tackle to protect Blair’s blind side. Senior Mason Batt and juniors Brooks Butler, David Greenstone and Ethan Nabi are also in the mix in what Safir terms “an open competition.”
Defensively, Safir runs a 4-2-5 system and given the limited roster size, expect the offensive line group to fill the inside spots on the defensive line. At defensive end, though, wide receiver Bjornson will make the unlikely crossover to controlling the edge defensively. Juniors Benton Romweber and Wyatt Strand are also vying for time at the crucial defensive end position.
Senior inside linebacker Justin Jalowiec is “the heart of the defense,” according to Safir, and will lead the defense physically, by controlling the inside, and mentally, by calling the defensive sets. Junior Tres Butler stepped in as a starter last year after injuries opened the door and is expected to take a step up, while running back Hwang will also see time at linebacker.
Two of the five defensive backs are called “up safeties,” and they will be drawn from the running back and H-back group – with Bornstein and Feusier expected to see plenty of action.
Gilbert will not leave the field much at free safety, while Roman, Imberg, junior Henry Hunt and senior Lee Bensinger will handle cornerback duties.
An unexpected addition to the defensive back corps is James Rogers, who was limited to kicking duties last year. Rogers, though, dropped out of club soccer to better prepare for football, and at 6-2, brings some height to the group.
Rogers, however, will continue to kick, and Safir sees him as a “huge weapon” for Miramonte.
He blasted a 48-yard field goal last year, and as a left-footed kicker, his spin on punts was difficult for punt returners to handle. In addition, he’s gotten stronger, and Safir is hopeful he can start sending kickoffs into the end zone so other teams are forced to start on their 20-yard line.
“We do have a lot coming back,” said Safir of the 2025 team, “but we definitely lost some key guys. Seven of the eight who graduated started both ways,” and those gaps have to be filled.
But Safir isn’t just focused on the varsity, as last year Miramonte fielded a freshman team for the first time in 10 years – and the numbers game is vital at the high school level. To compete against powerhouses with rosters of 40 or more players requires both solid frosh and JV programs, and Safir plans to have all three levels competing again this year.
“We’re just trying to establish a quality football program,” said the second-year coach. “We want to build a program that people want to play for.”