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When Phil Spencer, Brandon Kinsting and Peter Rutti walked out of Saratoga High School to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" last spring, head football coach Kurt Heinrich might have turned to his defensive coordinator, Kevin Tanner, and said, "Now what do we do?"
He might have, but he didn't. Heinrich's not the type to fret over the past; he's more interested in facing the challenges of the future.
So even though the Falcons lost Spencer, Kinsting, Rutti and a host of other players to graduation, Heinrich and Tanner are looking forward, not back.
"The 2005 season should be a tremendous challenge for us," Heinrich said. "We graduated a large amount of both experience and leadership. But the fun of competing is to understand certain obstacles and to set a course and plan to overcome those obstacles."
That's just what the Falcons are doing as they face another tough season in the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.
It's not that Saratoga is devoid of talent and experience this fall: The Falcons have their share. It's just that the experienced players are going to have to help the inexperienced players step up in a hurry.
"We'll need our senior class to accept the physical and mental challenge of bringing a young team up to varsity speed," Heinrich said.
All-league returners Augie Lagemann and Tyler Williams will head up the corps of seniors on the Saratoga squad this fall. Junior Alex Lagemann is another all-league returner on the Saratoga varsity.
Augie Lagemann (6-foot, 225 pounds) returns for his third season as a Saratoga starter and will anchor the offensive line. Jeff Roberts (6-foot, 235) and Scott Darchuk (5-foot-6, 185) are two other senior lettermen expected to start up front offensively.
Williams is back to lead the attack in the offensive backfield. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior "combines speed, strength and toughness to get it done," Heinrich said.
"Equally as talented is the quick and explosive Steve Marinero and the strong and nimble Eric Wong," Heinrich added. Marinero (5-foot-7, 165) and Wong (5-foot-8, 160) are a couple senior lettermen who saw limited action a year ago.
Senior letterman Scott Newberry--"a slashing-type runner who is a wonderful receiver out of the backfield," according to the coach--will likely see action as a running back but is currently in the fight for the starting quarterback spot for the Falcons.
The coach is also counting on juniors Jeff Frederickson and Lenny Liccardo "to impact this year's varsity team."
There's a battle going on at quarterback, with four players competing for the starting job. Seniors Scott Newberry and Amir Gupta and juniors Kevin Sieczkarek and Matt Casas are all in the fight to be No. 1.
"The quarterback position will be hotly contested," Heinrich said. "Newberry is a rangy athlete who can do a lot of things for the team. He will be called upon to play running back as well as defense."
The coach is also impressed with Gupta.
"Amir has worked as hard as anyone on the team in preparation for his senior campaign," Heinrich said. "He throws a nice ball, puts it in the right spot for the receiver to catch it."
But the job won't necessarily go to one of the seniors. The juniors also look good at the position.
"Kevin is very athletic and seems to be at his best when the play breaks down," the coach said. "And Matt has shown terrific improvement and has worked extremely hard on improving his craft."
One guy pretty interested in how the quarterback competition turns out is wide receiver Alex Lagemann. The 6-foot, 200-pound junior figures to catch more than his share of passes this fall.
"He should be one of the best wideouts in the section," said Heinrich of the younger Lagemann.
Senior returner Philip Zagger and sophomore Andy Capeck are other top prospects at wide receiver.
"Zagger's worked extremely hard in developing his body over the off-season, and he's an elusive target downfield," Heinrich said. "Capek is a big, sure-handed athlete who will be counted on to contribute mightily this season."
While Heinrich is pleased with the way his club's offensive unit is coming together, there are questions on the defensive side of the football.
"The defense has a lot of unknowns this season," the coach said. "The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities for guys to make their mark. All will get an equal opportunity to compete and contribute."
Augie Lagemann and Newberry are returning starters at linebacker for the Falcons, and Alex Lagemann and Williams will serve double duty in the secondary.
"We will try to manage the amount of two-way starters and develop depth as the season unfolds," Heinrich said.
Among the athletes Heinrich expects to compete for defensive work are Joey Pollard, Brandley Berryhill, Jake Burne, Young Byun, Sean Casserly and Chris Liu, along with Danny Miroyan, Brian Dowdle, Nick Sclavos and Sean Nasiri.
KEY RETURNERS
Augie Lagemann (6-0, 225), Sr., OL/LB
Alex Lagemann (6-0, 200), Jr., WR/DB
Tyler Williams (6-0, 185), Sr., RB/DB
Jeff Roberts (6-0, 235), Sr., OL
Scott Darchuk (5-6, 185), Sr., OL
Scott Newberry (6-3, 170), Sr., QB/RB/LB
SARATOGA 2005
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 9, San Mateo, 3:15 p.m.
Sept. 17, at Pioneer, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 23, at Lynbrook, 3:15 p.m.
Sept. 30, at Los Gatos, 7:30 p.m.*
Oct. 7, Homestead, 3:15 p.m.*
Oct. 14, at Milpitas, 7:30 p.m.*
Oct. 21, Palo Alto, 3:15 p.m.*
Oct. 28, Fremont, 3:15 p.m.
Nov. 4, at Mountain View, 2:45 p.m.*
Nov. 10, Wilcox, 2:45 p.m.*
*Denotes Santa Clara Valley Athletic League
De Anza Division game
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