SUMMER FOOTBALL UPDATE: First-year Katella coach says players ready for challenges

Katella High’s football players get some advice during practice in preparation for the season opener. (Photo courtesy Katella football)

Katella High School’s football team has been making steady progress this summer under Coach Juan Viramontes, who begins his first full season with the Knights.

Viramontes is a 1994 Katella alum and has 23 years of coaching experience, including 12 years as freshman head coach and 11 years as varsity defensive coordinator.

Viramontes said his passion is to have his players succeed on and off the field and he wants them to become great athletes and community leaders.

“Katella has a rich tradition, our goal is to continue the philosophy of building champions for life.  Players, parents, families, and members of the community have really come out to show their support all summer. We want to build a winning program for them. The team has been coming together through fundraising, barbecues and team competitions,” he said.

Coach Viramontes was able to bring back former Katella alum Richard Nieto as offensive coordinator. Nieto played a key role in Katella’s 2017 CIF championship run as the offensive line coach, the Knights’ head coach said.

Also joining the program is defensive coordinator Luis Garcia from Valencia High School.

“Coach Garcia and Coach Nieto along with the entire coaching staff are creating a strong culture of team, family and passion for the love of football,” he said.

Katella started summer workouts earlier than most teams to implement a new offense and defense, Viramontes said.

“We competed in many passing league matchups including Irvine, Fullerton, Garden Grove, El Modena, and Buena Park,” he said. “Our team was very young last year starting eight sophomores. Our players have worked hard and competed to be the best players on the field.”

Katella will be challenged by the schedule, he said.

“It’s one of the toughest schedules Katella has had in many years, but our school is ready for the challenges ahead,” he said. “Hoping to get back to winning ball games. Our team is led by our senior RB/LB Aaron Ruiz, a three-year varsity player.  Katella will play many talented juniors who got a quick five-game varsity season last year.

“Quarterback Daunte Bell, RB/CB Gabriel Dawson, LB Raymon Perez, TE/DL Dequan Green and TE/DE Daniel Viramontesand DL/OL Brayden Torrence will all play significant key roles for the Knights.”

2021 KATELLA SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 20, vs. Laguna Hills, home

Friday, Aug. 27, at Trabuco Hills

Thursday, Sept. 2, vs. Magnolia, home

Friday, Sept. 10, at Portola

Thursday, Sept.16, at Cypress (Western)

Thursday, Sept. 23, at Diamond Bar

Friday, Oct. 1, vs. Westminster, home

Friday, Oct. 15, at Garden Grove

Thursday, Oct. 21, vs. Segerstrom, home

Thursday, Oct. 28, vs. Marina, home

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