OC Sports Zone Kickoff 2019: Foothill Knights look to defend North Hills League title

Roman Pistone, the offensive MVP of the North Hills League, returns for the Knights. (File photo Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Foothill’s football team had a break-through season in 2018, capturing the North Hills League title and finishing with a 3-0 league mark and 4-7 overall record.

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

It was a big turn-around from 2017 when the team, plagued by inexperience and numerous key injuries was 1-9.

“After the year we had in 2017 we needed to get the program going in the right direction,” said Coach Doug Case. “Even though we started many sophomores in 2017 many didn’t return so we had many sophomore playing again in 2018.

“Fortunately we were able to continue to grow and were healthy enough to make a run at the league title. The kids responded and we were able to win the 2018 North Hills League title. You do this long enough you come across those hard years but if you pull up your boots and get back to work your true character will shine through.

“We are excited to build off of that success and continue our road back to the dominant tradition that foothill has had over the years. I believe this could be an excellent year for the Knights, possibly historic.”

Case said the defense will “need to shut down opponents. It’s the most returners/all leaguers on this side of the ball in a few years.”

Case said the Knights’ offensive and defensive lines will need to “win the trenches.”

In addition, junior running back Roman Pistone, the offensive MVP of the North Hills League last year, “will need to double his output this season” and “quarterback (Luke Peterman must) take care of business and deliver the big plays,” Case said.

Foothill opens the season in Nevada on Friday, Aug. 23 against Coronado before hosting crosstown rival Tustin on Friday, Aug. 30.

Tentative offensive starters

Luke Peterman, QB; senior; Brady Schrank, WR, sophomore; Cayden Tallman, WR, sophomore; Gabe Gallardo  WR, senior, North Hills player of the year; Roman Pistone  RB, junior, North Hills offensive player of the year; Blake Worden,  OL, senior; Mike D’Avirro,  OL, senior; Dan Olson,  OL, senior; Jack Owens,  OL, junior; Evan Cooper,  OL, junior; Mike McFarlin,  TE, senior.

Tentative defensive starters

Gabe Gallardo,  CB, senior; Nick Fierro,  CB, senior, all-league; Jack Holcomb,  S, senior, all-league; Jack Provenzano,  S, junior; Carson Case,  LB, junior; Damien Pasillas,  LB, senior, all-league; Zack Yourstone,  LB, senior, all-league; Isaiah Bolanos,  DE, senior, all-league; Nick Fryhoff,  DE, junior; Luke Caress,  DT, junior; Ethan Valdez  DT, senior.

Special teams

Kick-off and punt returns: Gabe Gallardo, Roman Pistone and Brady Schrank; Kicking/punting Abe Tuchman and punting Sean Cunningham.

A closer look at the Knight standouts:

— Gabe Gallardo: North Hills player of the year, two-way starter.

—-Luke Peterman: “First year quarterback needs to control the ball and tempo and make good decisions,” Case said.

—Roman Pistone: North Hills offensive player of the year, 1,000 yard rusher who will carry the offensive line.

—Brady Schrank: “Excellent athlete, impact player at wide receiver,” Case said.

—Jack Holcomb: “Safety (can) control the defensive backfield,” Case said.

—Carson Case: “MLB, (needs to) control the line of scrimmage and lead the defense,” Coach Case said. Carson Case is the son of the head coach.

—Zack Yourstone: An all-league returner who will play both linebacker and defensive end.

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