OC Sports Zone Kickoff 2019: University’s first year coach looking to ‘change the culture’

University will be led by bottom row, left to right: Salah Balkis, Branton Lucas and Noah Nejad and top row Isaiah Flores, Patrick Bassily and Brian Choobin. (Photo courtesy University football)

University High’s first year head coach Chris Hernandez wants his players to be successful in many areas.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

“Our number one goal is to lead young men to be victorious in all aspects of life,” Hernandez said. “In order to be successful we will need to change the culture, some of that has begun with how we practice, but our expectation is that practice be as intense as a championship game. 

“When we start practicing with true game intensity we will start seeing great results on the field.  We want to be competitive in every game. We want our players to love playing together as a team and continue their relationships way after football ends.

“To be successful we will need to be a team, we will need to have the most energy on the field, and we need our players to strive to do their job to the best of their abilities.”

University was 3-7 overall last year and 2-3 in the Pacific Coast League under first year coach Scott Meyer, who took the head coaching job at Lakewood.

The Trojans open the season Friday, Aug. 30 on the road against Laguna Hills. University is expected to be led by running back/wide receiver Branton Lucas, who earned second team all-league honors last year. Lucas rushed for 377 yards on 77 carries, scored four touchdowns and had 17 receptions for 129 yards.

The Trojans have four players returning on offense and two on defense.

It’s also the 50th anniversary of University football and a special team will be introduced to commemorate the event.

Tentative offensive starters

Branton Lucas, RB/WR, second team all-league; Noah Nejad, OL, senior; Isaiah Flores, OL, senior; Max Gale, OL, senior; Brian Choobin, OL, senior; Aryan Nikroo, OL, junior; Brian Bush, QB, junior; Patrick Bassily, receiver, sophomore, one reception for 33 yards last year; Noah Scherson, receiver, sophomore; Damarian Ward, receiver, junior; Skyler Pouper, receiver, senior.

Tentative defensive starters

Salah Balkis, OLB, senior 34 tackles, four tackles for a loss; Isaiah Flores, OLB, senior; Brian Choobin, DL, senior, 12 tackles; Noah Nejad, DL, senior, 11 tackles; Aryan Nikroo, DL, junior, three tackles; Julio Baron, DB, junior, six tackles; Branton Lucas, DB, senior; Noah Scherson, DB, sophomore; Patrick Bassily, LB, sophomore.

Special teams

Ben Morris, kicker, senior; Noah Scherson, kick returner, sophomore; Branton Lucas, kick returner, senior.

A closer look at the Trojans’ standouts

—“Branton Lucas is a senior who has been in the program since his freshman year,” Hernandez said. “He is an exciting player to watch, he has bought into Uni football and is a great leader by example.”

—“Noah Nejad is a senior leader who doesn’t say much, but loves to show what he can do,” Hernandez said. “He is tough, strong and aggressive. A lot of players on the team look up to him and we will need him to play big on the offensive and defensive line.”

—“Brian Choobin is one of the strongest players around the area,” Hernandez said. “He has worked super hard in the off-season to get bigger, faster and stronger, the truth is he has.  He loves football and is definitely dependable when it comes to having fun.”

—“Isaiah Flores has been putting in the work in the offseason and it has benefited him greatly,” Hernandez said.  “He’s got great size for an outside backer, and has a high football IQ. We look forward to consistent production throughout the season.”

—“Salah Balkis is one of the best linemen on the team but he plays outside backer,” Hernandez said.  “Salah won our ‘King of Spring’ which is awarded to the top lineman at the end of spring practice.  His length and technique make him a hard defender to block.”

“Patrick Bassily is a sophomore who is a huge asset to the team.. He is one of the hardest workers on the team and has a confidence rarely seen by a sophomore,” Hernandez said.  “He will be a huge part of the program.”

2019 UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com