FOOTBALL 2021: Beckman players believe it’s ‘a blessing to get a season at all’

Beckman Coach Marcello Giuliano (second from left) leads the Patriots in August 2019. (File photo: Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

Beckman High School football players are geared up for the first game of the spring season Thursday night.

Beckman, under Coach Marcello Giuliano, will host Laguna Hills, coached by Mike Maceranka in a Pacific Coast League game at Tustin. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

“Like every other high school that has gotten the green light to play, we are just feeling like it’s a blessing to get a season at all,” Giuliano said. “There was so much doubt and uncertainty, as well as the impact and tragedy of the virus in our football community.

“The seniors especially had some hard choices to make, and I am so proud that all of them stuck with the program and their teammates; it was a valuable life lesson about both faith and fortitude.”

Returning All-PCL tailback Jett Daviss will lead the Patriots, the coach said. 

“Now that we are on the field, our team will lean heavily on the experience and ability of returning all-PCL tailback Jett Daviss, who will be playing on both sides of the ball this season,” Giuliano said.

“We are fortunate to have several other critical returning one-and two-year starters to build around: Keller Meyer, Alex Ollmann, William Morrison, Matt Kalaf, Jeff Graham, Aiden Fordyce, Ryan Hallinan, and Justin Sevilla. There are also some seniors looking to become impact players in their final season of high school football: Carlos Dubon, Nathan Gonzalez, Devin Chavez, Jesse Gonzalez, Jackson Jamison, and Zack Beshir.”

PATRIOTS SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 11, vs. Laguna Hills, home

Friday, March 19, at Dana Hills

Thursday, March 25, vs. Portola, home

Friday, April 2, at University

Friday April 9, at Irvine

Friday, April 16, vs. Woodbridge, home

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