Keeping Carson Blair upright and healthy is crucial for Miramonte’s success this year. The senior quarterback is not only an irreplaceable part of the Mats’ offense, he’s the leader of a team that has high hopes heading into the middle part of the season.
After easily handling some pop quizzes in preseason, the on-the-rise Miramonte football program will face much more challenging tests this month when Diablo Athletic League opponents are doing the grading.
Last year, also after a solid start, the Mats were 0-4 in the Foothill Division, so this year coach Nick Safir and his team are looking for redemption.
“We have so much more depth,” said Safir, “and the team has taken the next step mentally.” That said, the murderer’s row of Acalanes, Clayton Valley Charter, Las Lomas and Campolindo is imposing, and Miramonte will have to bring its A game every week.
And none of those weeks is more important than the one leading up to the Las Lomas game. Not only is it Homecoming, the Oct. 24 game is the highlight of the 70th anniversary celebration of Miramonte’s founding. The buildup will include a week of activities at the school, and a serious push to get alumni of all ages – and the community – to show up in force.
Given the significance of the game, we’ll start our October preview with a look at what to expect when Las Lomas takes the field on the fourth Friday of the month.
Las Lomas
“We need some payback,” Safir said simply. “Last year, they punched us in the face.”
And the players definitely remember that 23-8 loss, especially the seniors who will celebrate Senior Night (along with everything else that’s going on).
“This is a massive game for us,” said Safir. “The community will be amped up and it’s Senior Night – I’m going to have to manage our players’ emotions.”
He will also have to manage the Knights’ multiple defenses, which not only mix up formations, but also personnel. On offense, “they’re a running team,” said Safir. “When they throw, they roll out – they want to spread you out.”
That puts a lot of pressure on senior Andrew Bjornson, who will not only start at wide receiver, but also has to hold the edge as a defensive end. Linebacker Justin Jalowiec will also play a key role as the Mats try to keep Las Lomas from controlling the game on the ground.
Running backs Charlie Hwangs, Jonah Imberg and Harrison Feusier will need to take the pressure off quarterback Carson Blair, but it’s also quite possible kicker James Rodgers could play a key role. He starts at defensive back, so “he’s a little more tired when he comes into kick” than last year, said Safir, “but the game could come down to kicking.”
Whatever it comes down to, expect this special Homecoming to feature plenty of emotion, both on the field and in the stands. Miramonte hasn’t hosted a game with this much history, well, ever.
Campolindo
“You don’t have to say anything that week,” said Safir. The Mats’ rivalry game will conclude the regular season, and as always, it will be a matchup between players and families who’ve competed against each other for years – and not just in football, and not just in high school.
And despite last year’s 35-17 loss, Safir feels Miramonte is ready to challenge the long-time Moraga power. “The final score looked way worse than it actually was,” said Safir, as it was a one-score game with five minutes to go.
“We felt like it was our game to win last year,” he said, but to make that happen, Blair has to rise to the challenge. “He’s the key to the game,” Safir said. “He’s our guy. If he’s on point that night, we’re going to be hard to stop,” but one key is for Blair to be healthy. Last year, he was banged up by season’s end and not nearly as effective, so keeping him 100% is crucial.
David Roman, another senior, will also play a critical role at strong safety and slot receiver, but Campolindo has been a long-time power for a reason.
“It’s their coaches,” said Safir about Kevin Macy and his staff. “They have their system and Kevin’s a model of consistency.”
Part of that system is a hybrid 4-3 defense that few teams play, which means Blair and his receivers have to be on the same page. And though Campo would love to dominate on the ground – and has done so in the past – “they always have one very good wide receiver, and their quarterbacks know where to throw.”
One advantage for Miramonte is that the Mats drew a bye on Halloween, so they will have two weeks to get ready for a game that will have a lot of impact on their postseason seeding.
Acalanes
The first DAL Foothill game (Oct. 10 at home) could set the tone for the rest of the season, as the Dons, like Campolindo, have been highly successful for a long time. “They’re fast,” said Safir, “and their skill players are great. The quarterback’s very good.”
And last year’s 35-28 loss still stings. “Our kids haven’t forgotten,” said Safir. “They’re looking to show out.”
But to win, they’re going to have to show they can control the Acalanes passing game. “Our secondary is the key,” said Safir. “They’re going to try to throw the football on us.”
That means Henry Hunt and George Gilbert, both juniors, are going to have to play well, but Safir is confident they’ll step up.
“We’re looking forward to this game,” he said.
Clayton Valley Charter
Clayton Valley Charter has nearly 2,400 students; Miramonte about half that. And as a charter school, the Ugly Eagles can draw from pretty much anywhere so players like Jharis Luckey can transfer in. Luckey is one of the premier running backs in Northern California, and played for Cal High in San Ramon last year as a junior, but this year he’s suiting up for Clayton Valley.
And Luckey’s success is driven by sizable and deep offensive and defensive lines, which means Miramonte linemen Jack White and Leo Wampler will need to be at the top of their games.
“We’re going to have to have our best game to compete with Clayton Valley,” said Safir, and for that matter, playing well is a necessity for all the DAL Foothill games.
“It’s not going to be easy,” said Safir, “but we’re confident in the way we’re playing. We’re ready to go.”
