PHOTOS: Western High football players try to stay ready during an uncertain time

Jonathon Aviles of Western goes through a workout at home. (Photos courtesy Victor Baltazar, For OC Sports Zone)

Long-time Western High football coach Dan Davidson is trying to help his players prepare for the start of the football season.

Athletics and organized workouts are on hold throughout the state as a result of the coronavirus crisis. So coaches are unable to meet with their players during this time.

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

Western football player Chris Lozano goes through home workouts.

Marcus Johnson of Western tries to stay in condition.

The Pioneers' Israel Cruz goes through workouts at home.

Western is scheduled to open the season on Friday, Aug. 21 at home against Chino but the state is currently in a stay-at-home order by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has prohibited mass gatherings. Whether those restrictions will be lifted by the start of the football season remains to be seen. CIF officials are monitoring the situation.

Davidson is trying to keep his players ready.

“Being in education and coaching football, you have to adjust to things on the fly, but this one is just a little different,” said Davidson.

“First and foremost, you have to make sure the team feels safe and comfortable. At Western we have to overcome a lot of obstacles on a daily basis, and the players count on us for so many different things. It hurts not knowing what all their needs are each day.”

Davidson said he has been laying out plans for his players.

“We communicate with them with workout plans for the week,” he said. “They record them and send them back to us coaches. We do workouts, football skill build and assign videos for them to watch their craft. Each position has two video conferences a week in teaching the offense and the defense.

“We have a captain’s meeting once a week and a full team meeting once a week as well. We monitor hydration, nutrition, weight, sleep and workouts. We believe we have to get our players ready in many different aspects to the game. Technique, plays, assignments, conditioning, strength, explosion and team unity are the main things we try to touch on several times a week.” 

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