Season Preview: SBCC Football Eyeing Conference Championship, 2nd Straight Bowl Game

SANTA BARBARA, CA – In more ways than one, 2021 was a special year for SBCC football.

Following a year off from competitive play, the Vaqueros returned just two of 22 starters from their 2019 roster, competing mostly with players who had never seen action past the high school level. Despite that, they would win seven games, tied for the program's most victories since the 1997 season. It was Santa Barbara's fourth time posting seven wins in the Craig Moropoulos era (since 2007), placing the team in a bowl game for the first time since 2016.

This time around, the Vaqueros have experience on their side, as they return a host of starters and 2021 All-American Pacific League selections heading into their season-opener against Allan Hancock this Saturday, Sept. 3 at 1:00 p.m. at La Playa Stadium.

"We've got a lot more maturity than we did last year," head coach Craig Moropoulos said. "We've been going at it for so long now and we're ready to start. Our focus all spring, all summer and all camp long has been Sept. 3. That's all we really care about and that's all we're really focused on. We're taking it one day at a time, but Sept. 3 is the next day."

OFFENSE
On offense, quarterback Alex Johnson is back running things. After taking over the starting position midway through the regular season, the Bellevue, Washington native impressed many with his poise and readiness. He threw for over 200 yards four times in five starts, tossed 12 touchdowns with just four picks, and posted a 3-0 record with a 108 passer rating to earn a spot on the All-APL Second Team.

"Alex had a great offseason. Where he's come from where he was last summer at this time, it's amazing," Moropoulos said. "He's really worked hard, he's been dedicated, never missed a day and just done a fantastic job getting ready."

Protecting Johnson and paving the paths for fellow Second Teamer runningback Mekhi Norfleet will be an offensive line that returns four of five starters. They are led by dynamic 6-foot-1, 290-pound big man Donovan Davis, who was one of six Vaqueros unanimously selected for the All-APL First Team last year.

Standout wide receiver Chase Wells is also back as the team's main target in the passing game. After playing in just two of six games with four receptions to start the season, Wells demonstrated undeniable chemistry with Johnson down the stretch of the year. He went for 7+ receptions in four of his last five outings, snagging four touchdowns and averaging 12.4 yards per catch and 84 yards per game.

"We'll go two backs, one back, but Mekhi is the catalyst. He's the guy who's got the maturity in there and he's very reliable," Moropoulos said. "Chase is an excellent route runner, and when the ball's in the air, he's just going to go catch it for you. That's what you want."

DEFENSE
The young man at the heart of the Vaquero defense will once again be SBCC's other returning unanimous All-APL selection – defensive lineman Jordan Tagaloa. Joining the Ewa Beach, Hawaii native in clogging up lanes and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses are other returning defensive linemen in Nah'Shawn Keith and Koby Sarna. Linebacker Zach Schipper, safety Berry Buxton and corner Jamari Cannon are all set to play big roles again as well.

"Very similar to the offense, just a lot of mature guys. Jordan Tagaloa is the main guy who drives that defensive line. Nah'Shawn Keith, Koby Sarna, Zach Schipper who played for us last year, we're excited about them," said Moropoulos. "Berry Buxton is a guy we're going to need to achieve our goal which is to win a conference championship, we're excited about Jamari Cannon being back at corner, and we've got some young guys that we're really excited about and looking forward to involving."

SPECIAL TEAMS
It's no stretch to say that the Vaqueros put the "special" in special teams last year. The unit totaled a staggering nine return touchdowns, five coming on punts and four on kickoffs. Not only that, place kicker Jorge Figueroa tied the program's single-season field goal record by hitting 12-of-16 (.750).

With Figueroa earning a DI scholarship to play at New Mexico, Oregon State transfer Joe Bowman will likely see main kicking duties. St. Marys Memorial High School product Brandon Bowers will be the team's punter. Moropoulos is also very excited about what long snapper/runningback Cameron Woolsey will bring to the unit.

"Cameron Woolsey is special. He's never been a long snapper before, but he is outstanding and a guy who has a future at it," Moropoulos said. "Brandon Bowers is kind of long and lean, he's got a lot of talent and we really like him."

COACHING STAFF
"Our coaching staff is one thing I'm very proud of. We're a very close staff and they are very good. I don't sit and hover over people, that's not the way I operate. I give them an assignment and say, 'You're the defensive coordinator,' or 'You're the recruiting coordinator,' and I trust them to do the job and they've done a fantastic job. Don Willis does a great job with the defense, Rob Adan does a great job with the recruiting and coaches our wide receivers. Jackson Weed is our special teams coordinator and it starts with those three guys.

"Our offensive line coach, Isaac McClain, I'll put him up against anybody. Not only was he a great player for me here and went on to play and start at New Mexico St, but he's doing a fantastic job as an offensive line coach. Among others, Johnathan Eckmans (RBs), Zach Brooks (DBs), James Poggione (D-Line), Ed Deras (QBs), there's a lot of guys and I'm proud of them and that's really important to a successful team is to have a good staff." – Moropoulos

2022 HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION
SBCC football's season-opener against Allan Hancock this Saturday, Sept. 3 will coincide with a Vaquero Hall of Fame celebration three years in the making.

The 2022 SBCC Athletic Hall of Fame class includes Carmen DiPoalo, the 1982 SBCC football team and the 2006 SBCC women's golf team. They will be honored along with members of the 2021 and 2020 SBCC Hall of Fame Classes, which include Tim Tremblay, Kathy O'Connor, and Dave Loveton.

For more information on the 2022 SBCC Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, click here. For any questions, please contact Ashley Farias at amfarias1@sbcc.edu.

299 WINS
The Vaqueros are on the precipice of a milestone win, as they enter their 2022 campaign with 299 wins in program history. Tickets for Saturday's season-opener can be purchased online here or at the gate. If you are unable to attend the game, there is a live stream available, or you can hear John Martony on the radio call at KZSB-AM 1290, KZSB-FM 96.9, or online at AM1290KZSB.com.