Return to normalcy at Casa

Casa Grande moves into the Vine Valley Athletic League, but that is really minor compared to the changes the Gauchos made last season.

Despite the new league, 2018 will be a return to normalcy for the Gauchos, who endured a coaching change mired in controversy and the loss of their first six games before they turned things around and went on to not only make the North Coast Section playoffs, but win a playoff game.

This season, coach Denis Brunk and the Gauchos begin with a clean slate and are able to concentrate on football without the off-field distractions that accompanied the firing of popular head coach Trent Herzog, who is now at St. Vincent, loss of a game to the October firestorm and other changes.

“There is basically no controversy,” said Brunk. “Our program has settled in. The players know what to expect and are eager to go.”

Brunk said he has been especially pleased with the leadership shown by the team’s seniors. “They are excited and committed to the program,” he explained.

Casa Grande will run primarily the same spread offense it employed last season with the addition of a “few wrinkles” introduced by new offensive coordinator Keith Simons, the former Santa Rosa Junior College head coach.

“Coach Simons’ offense was very similar to the offense we ran last year with just a few differences,” Brunk said. “We are happy to have him on our staff. He is a phenomenal coach who demands excellence.”

Casa Grande doesn’t have the go-to backs, like graduated Kenneth Fitzgerald or Jack Leonetti, it featured last season. What it does have is a group of talented backs and receivers, bolstered by a big offensive line.

“We can spread the ball around,” Brunk said. “I love the group we have on offense, especially the leadership shown by the seniors.”

The Casa Grande coaches have some solid athletes to work with, starting at quarterback, where veteran Jadon Bosarge and junior Miguel Robertson are competing for playing time.

Bosarge led Casa Grande’s turnaround last season, directing the Gauchos to four straight wins after their faltering start. He finished by completing 62 of 121 passes for 719 yards and eight touchdowns.

Robertson is a talented all-around athlete with good football intelligence.

“They have different tools, but both are good football players. Both are getting a lot of reps,” Brunk said.

Working behind the quarterback is a new set of running backs - Matt Herrera, Julian Gaona and Alex Johnson.

“All three are very good athletes,” Brunk said. “We will probably use a three-man rotation.”

There is a whole cadre of talented receivers who will see playing time in Casa’s spread offense.

Nate Busse, Cole Shimek, Dominic McHale and Jordan Gramajo all have skills and experience.

An intriguing receiving possibility is Ian McKissick, one of the best lacrosse players in the area. Now a junior, McKissick is trying football for the first time since his freshman year.

“I can’t wait to see him on a football field,” said Brunk. “He is an excellent athlete.”

When Casa uses a tight end, the job will be handled by Shimek or Gramajo.

Casa Grande’s offensive line will be big, strong and deep.

Leader of the front is guard Daniel Chavez.

The line is anchored by junior center Jack Farris.

Zach Odetto, at 6 feet, 4 inches, 298 pounds, has the size and strength to be an excellent lineman at either guard or tackle.

Senior Myles Olliver will also find playing time on the front line at either guard or tackle.

According to Brunk, an offensive lineman loaded with potential is Johnny Fragakis, a 6-foot, 6-inch, 300-pounder.

“He has worked his tail off,” Brunk said. “He can be really good.”

Middle linebacker Jack Green is expected to be the leader of the Casa Grande defense. “We expect special things from him. He flies to the football,” the coach said.

Brunk noted he is also counting on linebacker Josh Garcia to be a leader on and off the field. “He has worked his butt off all summer,” the coach said.

Junior Mateo Milani has had a good summer program and will be an important linebacker.

Another key defender is returning all-league defensive back Aaron Krupinsky. “He will be the leader of our defensive backfield,” Brunk said.

Jeremy Bonner, another senior, is also being counted on to be a key defender at safety in the defensive backfield.

Joey Buickerood and McHale are will also help in the backfield.

Up front, the Casa Grande defense will be anchored by 280-pound Alex Azanon, who has exceptional quickness for a big man. According to Brunk, junior Kris Solis has looked strong at a line spot.

McKissick will handle the kicking and Anthony Garihan will be the punter.

“We have a solid group of kids who want to be here and play Casa Grande football,” Brunk said. “We push them and make them work hard, and they are excited. They are living in the moment.”

The Gauchos will have a semi-new look this season. The uniforms will be the same, but they will be topped with all new state-of-the-art black Vicis helmets.

Casa opens Friday night against former North Bay League foe Windsor, an opponent that produced one of the most exciting games of last season when the Gauchos rallied for 20-14 victory.

The Jaguars are now coached by Jeff Hardie, last season’s defensive coordinator.

“We know they will be tough,” said Brunk. “They will be very well coached, and they are especially hard to beat on their home field.”