Sports
HS Football: Nighthawks Embrace New Coach; Ready to Soar in 2013
Murrieta Valley reinvigorated with the new coach's passion and motivated to compete at a higher level.
There's one clear message being sent by Murrieta Valley Coach Vinny Fazio to his players. And that is, the Nighthawks fear no one. Fazio has infused passion, enthusiasm and excitement to the 2013 team.
“There is no reason that this team can’t compete at the absolute highest levels in the league, state and nation,” said Fazio. “The sky’s the limit.”
Fazio inherits a Nighthawk team that finished 10-2 in 2012 and has been to the CIF Playoffs for five consecutive seasons. Even though the roster lost numerous key senior varsity players, Fazio is delighted with the talent that remains.
Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“This has been a very good football program and we can add one or two things to get to the next level,” Fazio said. “We need to put the time and work in and get there.”
Murrieta Valley’s defense has been one of the toughest in the Southwestern League for the past three years. Look for them to be even more physical this season.
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The defensive line is anchored by senior defensive end Jordan Silva. He is flanked by Julian Torres, Bobo Arciniega, Michael Gossett and Justin Tucker.
The Nighthawk backfield returns two key starters. Seniors Weston Brown and All-Southwestern League corner Lafayette Waters will prowl the secondary with Ian Herman and sophomore Jimmy Ed Orsag. Eduardo Lanuza and Michael Ingram are also in the mix. Brown and Waters will also see time as wide receivers.
The Nighthawks are loaded with linebackers.
“We have a core of linebackers that will see a lot of action this season,” Fazio said.
They include Gage Gerber, Chase Lowther, Daniel McKee, Austin Crawford and Julio Robles.
The Nighthawks are working hard this summer to rebuild and reshape their offense that was decimated by graduation.
Look for Murrieta Valley to have a more balanced offensive attack this year.
“We are going to mix it up this year, a 50-50 run and play action pass attack” Fazio said. “We will be playing fast and hard, pass effectively and stay ahead of the chains.”
A bright spot is the MV offensive line, one of the best in the league with four returning starters. All-Southwestern League seniors Grant Hatch and Christian Vinski anchor the line with Jerry Boggs, Jack James and Dalton Duckett.
Preston Miller is the quarterback and is looking forward to get the chains moving for the Nighthawks. He has Waters and Brown to throw to as well as Aaron Young, Dominic Morace and Brandon Peapealalo, all dangerous receivers.
MVHS will not exclusively be a spread offense this season. Jordan Silva and Cameron Doshier will be playing tight end. They present Miller with big tough targets.
Michael Robles will be the primary ball carrier for the Nighthawks. He is a tough fullback with the legs of a gazelle who bulls his way through defenses. He is joined by fellow senior Mike Merlo and Junior Anthony Silva in the backfield.
“We are going to keep it simple, play fast, hard and tough this season,” promised Fazio.
For previews of other Southwestern League teams see:
Temecula Valley http://temecula.patch.com/groups/sports/p/fundamental-football-and-sound-technique-keys-to-temecula-valley-high-resurgence_c8614979
Murrieta Mesa http://murrieta.patch.com/groups/sports/p/hs-football-murrieta-mesa-prepares-for-a-breakout-season
The Nighthawks open their season against the Titans at Temescal Canyon on August 30.
For more on Nighthawk football, visit http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/murrieta-valley-nighthawks-(murrieta,ca)/football/home.htm or http://www.highschoolsportspics.com/.
