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Kickoff 2012: Western preview
Last season record: 4-6, 1-5 (6th place)
Postseason: 2008, lost to Trabuco Hills, 28-21 in the second round of the CIF-SS Southwest Division playoffs
Coach: Toby Howell (17th year, 114-69-2)
Home stadium: Western High
Outlook: After consecutive two-victory seasons, the Pioneers improved their total by two last season. However, they ran into trouble once the league schedule started. Western entered league at 3-1, including a one-point loss eventual CIF-SS Southern Division champion Corona del Mar. Unfortunately, the Pioneers were not able to continue that momentum into the league. This season, Coach Howell likes the mental toughness of the squad, but a lack of depth is one area of concern.
Factoid: Western led Corona del Mar 21-7 in the fourth quarter last year, but allowing 15 consecutive points to lose. The teams will meet again Sept. 7.
School record: 286-258-2
| Scroll down to see the starting lineup and players to watch at Western High School. See the Empire League preview. See all Kickoff 2012 football preview coverage. |
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PLAYERS TO WATCH |
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QB Chris Zarate – Moves to quarterback after playing some linebacker and tight end last season. |
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RB/OLB Kyle Manliguis – Holds a number of responsibilities for the Pioneers. Slated to start at running back, outside linebacker and punter. |
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STARTING LINEUP |
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Offense Pos. |
Player name |
Height |
Weight |
Year |
|
QB |
Chris Zarate |
6-2 |
190 |
Sr. |
|
RB |
Kyle Manliguis |
5-10 |
185 |
Sr. |
|
RB |
Lafaele Masaniai |
5-10 |
200 |
Jr. |
|
RB |
Loc Nguyen |
5-9 |
180 |
Sr. |
|
TE |
Dylan Alamia |
5-11 |
180 |
Sr. |
|
TE |
Cody Rutledge |
5-10 |
180 |
Jr. |
|
T |
Amosa Masaniai |
6-4 |
265 |
Sr. |
|
G |
Matt Nguyen |
6-1 |
240 |
Sr. |
|
C |
Victor Perez |
6-1 |
255 |
Sr. |
|
G |
Fui Amasio |
6-2 |
260 |
Jr. |
|
T |
Bryce Gibson |
6-1 |
270 |
Sr. |
|
K |
Dylan Alamia |
5-11 |
180 |
Sr. |
|
Defense Pos. |
Players name |
Height |
Weight |
Year |
|
DE |
Matt Nguyen |
6-1 |
240 |
Sr. |
|
DT |
Victor Perez |
6-1 |
255 |
Sr. |
|
DT |
Fui Amasio |
6-2 |
260 |
Jr. |
|
DE |
Amosa Masaniai |
6-4 |
265 |
Sr. |
|
OLB |
Lafaele Masaniai |
5-10 |
200 |
Jr. |
|
MLB |
Anthony Ojelabi |
5-10 |
205 |
Jr. |
|
OLB |
Chris Zarate |
6-2 |
190 |
Sr. |
|
MLB |
Frankie Jorquez |
6-0 |
205 |
Jr. |
|
CB |
Alex Whirledge |
5-10 |
170 |
Jr. |
|
CB |
Jeremiah Knott |
5-11 |
170 |
Jr. |
|
S |
Kyle Manliguis |
5-10 |
165 |
Jr. |
|
P |
Kyle Manliguis |
5-10 |
185 |
Sr. |
