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Tiger gridders and new coach hope to rebound from a disappointing 2016 season
Ascencio, who coached the junior varsity a year ago, takes his 50-plus member team to Paso Robles Friday night for the Tigers’ opener. Lemoore, with its largest team in several years, is hoping to turn the tables on the Bearcats following last year’s 35-10 loss to the San Luis Obispo County team.
2017 Football Schedule
The Tigers also hope to improve on their 2-4 WYL record.
According to Ascencio, the team has come together during August practices and a recent scrimmage. “The team has been fantastic,” he said. “They are acclimating to the new system. They’ve responded really well, and they’re supporting each other.”
Ascencio says that while he supports a strong running game thanks to a roster of talented backs that include senior Damion Charleston and juniors Amier Hollis and Brandon Hargrove, the fans can expect a competent passing game, orchestrated by junior Kristian Gaytan, who started at quarterback for the junior varsity a year ago.
“We’ll focus more on the run than the pass,” said the Tiger coach. “We have to make sure we execute our plays and don’t get flustered and continue to grind.”
The Tigers also have an all-league player returning to the fold, senior Jack Foote, who could be the most talented player in the WYL this year. Foote did a little of everything for the Tigers last year, and he is expected to repeat his 2016 success.
“Foote is phenomenal,” said Ascencio.” He’s just a great kid and a coach’s dream. He’ll do whatever is asked of him.”
Foote’s natural position may be as a receiver, but he’s been known to take several roles: a little quarterback, defensive back, and halfback.
The Tigers have a bit of beef up front with the likes of linemen Mateo Brewer and Cross Suter, both of whom are expected to bolster the line. Ray Escandon and Cross Suter lead a talented linebacking corp.
“They looked really good,” said Ascencio of his defensive unit. “They’re really strong against the run, and we’re going to be way more aggressive on defense than we were last year.”
