Schurr football preview
Head coach: Dave Ramos
2023 Overall Record: 9-2
Almont League: 5-0, league champions
Returning Players: 28
Returning Offensive Starters: 5
Returning Defensive Starters: 7
Returning All-League Players: 10
Returning Offensive Lineman: 2
Offensive Skill Players Returning: 3
Returning Defensive Lineman: 2
Returning Defensive Skill Players: 5
Offensive Coordinator: Dave Ramos
Defensive Coordinator: Raul Sanchez
OUTLOOK: The Spartans’ strong season, which included an Almont League title, ended with a disappointing first round exit in the CIF Southern Section Division 11 playoffs, but there is reason to be optimistic again. The Spartans return seven starters on a defense that allowed an average of 12 points last season, and has a strong core to replace spots they have to fill. Elias Navarro could have a big senior season at running back after rushing for 772 yards and 12 touchdowns and Joseph Alvarado takes over at quarterback for graduated Christian Breazeale. Alfred Rodriguez is back too after earning Almont League lineman of the year honors. Once again, they should be favorites to win the Almont League.
What coach Dave Ramos said: ‘Our League should be interesting with San Gabriel and Bell Gardens having each won a CIF title in back to back years, and Montebello is always a test because of the heated rivalry. I believe we should be the favorites to repeat as league champions but we are not looking past any of the teams in the league.
“I expect our team to embody the hard-nosed, gritty spirit that defines great Schurr teams of the past. Our toughness has always been our trademark, and I anticipate that won’t change this year. We’ve deliberately scheduled a tough preseason to really challenge ourselves. The highlight is facing La Serna, the defending CIF and state champions, but every team on our preseason schedule played at a higher division level than us last year. It’s going to be a rigorous test, but it’s all aimed at preparing us for the playoffs. We’re embracing these challenges with the belief that they’ll make us stronger when it counts the most.
Key Offensive Linemen Returning
Alfredo Rodriguez, Sr: 5’9 290 G Almont League Lineman of the year
Joshua Picazo, Sr.: 6’0 240 T All-League
Key Offensive Skill Players Returning
Elias Navarro, Sr: 5’10, 170, RB, 924 yards, 12 TDs, All-League
Mateo Carrasco, Jr.: 5′ 5, 140, RB/WR, 315 yards, 7 TDs
Caesar Aguila, Jr.: 5’10, 150, WR, 106 yards 2 TDs
Key Defensive Linemen Returning
Jayden Morago, Jr: 5’9, 195, DE, 53 Tackles 13 TFL’s, All-League
Tyler Gallardo, Jr.,: 6’0, 300, DT, 29 Tackles, 6TFL’s, 2 sacks, All-League
Key Defensive Skill Players Returning
Caesar Aguila, Jr. 5’10, 150, S, 49 tackles, 2 INT’s, All-League
Erik Henderson, Sr. 5’10, 200, LB, 71 Tackles, 8 TFL’s, 3 Sacks, 2 Ints, 2 Fum Rec, All-League
Hadrian Segura, Sr., 5’8, 170, LB, 63 Tackles, 6 TFL’s, All-League
Albert Chavez,, Jr., 5’6 ,150, N, 33 Tackles, 1 TFL, All- League
Nate Valle, Jr., 5’5, 140, DB, 11 Tackles, 1 INT
Top New/Transfer Skill Players
Gabriel Sulaiman, Sr.: 6’0, 205, LB, 96 Tackles, 13.5 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 2 ints, All-League
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 vs. South Pasadena, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 vs. La Serna at California HS, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 vs. Village Christian at Glendale College, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 vs. Chino, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Los Angeles Franklin, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. *San Gabriel, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 vs. *Keppel, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18. vs. *Alhambra at Moor Field, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 vs. *Montebello, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 at *Bell Gardens, 7 p.m.
* Denotes league game
