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2015 WPIAL football season preview: California

3 min read
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California: 1-9 (1-7 in Tri-County South)

When Bo Teets’ position as head coach was opened after two seasons, California turned to a man who was an assistant coach on some of the best teams the programs has seen over the past 10 years.

Darrin Dillow, who worked under Brady Barbero and Joe Kuhns, inherits a team that lost only six seniors and is perceived as a sleeper in the Tri-County South this season.

Much of that has to do with the Trojans losing only two lineman from last year, which was filled with growing pains. California only scored 114 points in 10 games (11.4 per game) and allowed 34.1 per game in its first season back in the TCS. It was held to less than 10 points five times and the only win came against West Greene.

The biggest loss is running back James Bongiorno, but an established line and a strong passing game could help create a balanced offense. Senior K.C. Zajicek scored nine touchdowns last fall and will see time in the backfield and as a wide receiver. Tyler Rothfuss, a junior wide receiver, will also provide a weapon for junior quarterback TJ Troutman.

The Trojans have not reached the WPIAL playoffs since 2011-12 when they lost to Avonworth, 28-16, in the first round. It was the end of a very strong run under former head coach Brady Barbero, who is now an assistant at Ringgold under Nick Milchovich.

California reached the WPIAL playoffs in 2010, where it lost to Rochester in the first round, but the Trojans only won two games in 2012 and struggled in the Black Hills in 2013.

There is certainly talent and athleticism in California, but the question will be whether last season’s 10 games helped the young roster improve. I like the fact that Dillow was hired in January, which allowed plenty of time for an off-season weight program and growing familiar with the players. One key is to get out of the Week One matchup against Clairton healthy.

Facing a program like that on the road is a heck of a way for a new coach to start a regime, but it does not get more difficult.

Players to watch: K.C. Zajicek, Tyler Rothfuss, TJ Troutman, Tim Sheehan, Braden Petrucci.

Biggest game: Week Four vs. Jefferson-Morgan. The Trojans will likely battle the Rockets and Carmichaels for the fourth playoff spot in the conference. Coming off a road game at Beth-Center, a victory against J-M would be a big step in the right direction.

State to think about: The Trojans were outscored 107-32 in their first three conference games in 2014. A slow start like that will spoil their chances of breaking the program’s playoff drought.

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