The Owls are coming off a tough 2017 campaign, recording just three wins last season, including a perfect losing streak on the road. Head coach Ronald Ponciano said the team is off to a shaky start in 2018 after a disappointing scrimmage against Los Angeles Harbor College.
“I don’t think we performed as well as I thought we would have,” Ponciano said. “Certainly, Harbor came in wanting to win the scrimmage.”
The Owls struggled in the end zone last season, averaging 16 points per game. They rank 59th out of 68 teams in the Southern California Football Association Conference. With the addition of new offensive coordinator Bob Moran, the Owls have renewed confidence in 2018.
“I really like what we have on the table for this season,” said Aaron Dockery, the sophomore wideout. “Coach Moran has been implementing new plays and different ways we can attack the game.”
Ponciano was effusive about the addition of Moran, whom he described as a “football junkie.”
“He’s been at Fullerton when they have won state championships,” Ponciano said. “You know we’ve been cut here money-wise, and him basically being a volunteer it’s amazing. He puts a lot of time into this. He’s been at the pro level; he’s been at every level. I’ve tried to get him several times in my tenure here. We are extremely fortunate that Bob is here.”
Starting quarterback Austin Zavala agreed with Ponciano.
“It’s been easy with coach Moran running the offense because us players know what we have to do to win and hold each other accountable,” Zavala said.
Zavala said Moran will reinforce the team’s many “playmakers” with improved strategy.
“Our offense this season is very well balanced in both our pass and run game, which makes us even more dangerous as a unit,” Zavala said. “The offensive line will be a huge factor this year as we have size and speed up front.”
Despite a disappointing 3-7 record last season (0-5 on the road), the owls are excited and optimistic heading into the 2018 season.
“We struggled to put up points last year it didn’t matter where we were,” Ponciano said. “Usually it’s the opposite, usually, and we win away. I mean it’s just the weirdest thing.”
The Owl defense was its strongest side of the ball. The team allowed an average 17 points per game in 2017. The offense struggled with scoring and turnovers.
“If Austin was our quarterback last year we don’t lose a game,” Ponciano said. “You know, we just struggled putting points on the board. If you look at those scores you go holy crap what if we don’t turn the ball an average of 3.5 to 4 times a game.”
Ponciano said the team’s scrimmage performance does not represent what the offense is capable of.
“Those guys got whacked hard last night in passing situations,” Ponciano said. “They got hammered a lot last night and they got up.”
With a new staff and incoming players, every day is important for the development and cohesiveness of the team.
“We are in sync as an offense and that’s very important to have on both sides of the ball,” Zavala said.
Ponciano added that Moran will have a good crop of offensive recruits.
“Our backs are special this year,” Ponciano said. “Our running back group is the best we have ever had here– ever. I mean, it’s not even close. They are the most wonderful group and they are talented. Knight is talented as heck. You got Alexander who is just amazing you know. James Brown just showed up. He started for Houston Baptist last year. He’s a dude. We got dudes you know.”
Zavala said he also excited about the new offense this season.
“Our incoming freshman class is very talented, which gives us lots of depth and makes us dangerous on both sides of the ball,” Zavala said.
How Moran jump starts the offense and how he fits as offensive coordinator remains to be seen, but Moran has an eager team behind him.
“As a team, we’ve become more disciplined and hungry, which can separate a championship team from a mediocre one,” Zavala said. “I’m most looking forward to having a great season and hopefully winning a ring.”
The Owls head to Culver City at 1 p.m. on Sept. 1, to open regular season play against the West Los Angeles College Wildcats.
