By Nathan Mollat San Mateo Daily Journal
The goals for the Serra football team haven’t changed this year, just the number of goals to attain.
Serra serves the first year of a two-year playoff ban as punishment for the fallout from last season’s Central Coast Section Open Division Consolation forfeiture.
Winning a CCS title is always coach Patrick Walsh’s third goal of the season. It is not available for the Padres in 2015. The program’s other two goals? Easily within reach.
“No. 1, every single year, is to create (responsible) men. That’s never going to change. How do we make better citizens for San Mateo County? First and foremost. That precedes everything,” Walsh said. “No. 2, win WCAL (the league title).”
Achieving goal No. 2 might be harder than goal No. 1. The West Catholic Athletic League remains one of the premiere leagues in the state and winning a WCAL title carries a lot of cache. Walsh has guided the Padres to five league titles in his first 14 years — including last season. While the Padres certainly have the athletes at the skill positions necessary to beat WCAL-caliber competition this season, their success will hinge — as all offenses do — on the play of the offensive line.
This year, Walsh — who in addition to being the head coach is also the team’s offensive line coach — has to replace all five starters from last season.
“[The offensive line is] the big question mark of the year. How are we going to get a group of high school juniors and seniors, many who have never played a (varsity) game, ready?” Walsh said. “We’re going to have to grow up quickly.”
Walsh said seniors Jack Muncy and PJ Rossi each saw a bit of action on the line last season, as did Kenny Meitz at tight end, so there is some familiarity up front.
“It’s not like it’s going to be five JV guys,” Walsh said. “We have some size, we have some athleticism, and we have no (significant) experience.”
If the offensive line can jell, the Padres’ offense suddenly looks a lot more dangerous. Leki Nunn, who started as a sophomore quarterback before moving to running back in 2014, will be back under center this season. Hunter Bishop, who took over the quarterbacking duties from Nunn last year, moves out to wide receiver.
Nunn accounted for more than 1,000 yards of offense — passing for 528 and rushing for 590. Walsh said he will need more of that type of dual-threat danger for the Padres to have success.
“We’re always going to be moving the pocket. We’re always going to run the double wing. The combination of all of it is what we’re seeking,” Walsh said.
With the likes of Bishop, Brandon Monroe and Rory Uniacke at receiver, Walsh believes he has the weapons on the perimeter to make plays. It’s up to Nunn to get them the ball at the right time.
“We have up to five receivers who can really catch the ball,” Walsh said. “Leki has to get the ball out there. He has to complete passes, especially if we can throw a two-yard pass and get a 15-yard gain.”
The biggest move on the Serra offense sees Kelepi Lataimua moving from being primarily a defensive back to primarily a running back. Lataimua did rush for 354 yards, averaging 5.4 yards a carry and scored nine touchdowns, but appeared in only eight games in 2014 before breaking his collarbone. It’ll will be interesting to see what kind of numbers he puts up as primarily an offensive player.
While the offensive line may be in flux, Walsh is much more confident in their defensive counterparts. Billy Tuitavake, who will also see time at fullback, Kwami Jones and Fabian Tufono all are returning starters.
“[Tuitavake] is our spiritual leader,” Walsh said.
Walsh is also excited to see what Antonio Mafi, a sophomore defensive lineman, brings to the table at 6-1, 340.
“I think the sky’s the limit for him,” Walsh said. “He’s got a lot to learn. At his size, his athleticism, I’m happy we have him for the next three years.”
The Padres have to find a pair of reliable linebackers for their 4-2-5 system, but the defensive backfield should have the ability to pick up some of the slack. Lataimua will undoubtedly see some time at one of the cornerback spots, as will Jovan Johnson, who filled in last year once Lataimua went down with injury.
But the real leader of the back end of the defense is safety TC Lavulo. Ladislao Rodriguez also returns and saw some time in the Padres’ three-safety rotation last season.
The Padres won’t have a lot of time to make all the pieces fit and still reach their goal of winning a WCAL title. Their preseason will certainly answer a lot of questions about their ability to compete for a league title as they open the season tonight against De La Salle before hosting Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks next week — a pair of state powers.
They also open the season knowing exactly when the 2015 season ends — Nov. 14 against Valley Christian.
“We’re all in a unique situation. … We have to deal with it. We don’t have the luxury of just hoping to improve and maybe sneak into the playoffs through the backdoor. … We know Nov. 14 is our last game,” Walsh said. “But if there is a WCAL (championship) banner hanging from the gym, that’s one of the best seasons we’ve ever had.”
Serra Padres
Head coach: Patrick Walsh, 15th year
2014 record: 6-1 in WCAL, 8-5 overall
Key returners: Kelepi Lataimua (sr., RB/DB), Brandon Monroe (sr., WR/CB), Billy Tuitavake (sr., FB/DE), Kwami Jones (sr., DL/TE), Hunter Bishop (sr., WR/DB), Fabian Tufono (sr., DL/OL), Rory Uniacke (sr., WR/DB), TC Lavulo (sr., S/RB), Kenny Meitz (sr., TE/DL)
Key newcomers: Antonio Mafi (so., OL/DL), Jaylyn Membreno (sr., S/WR)
2015 schedule:
9/4, DE LA SALLE, 7 p.m.
9/12, NOTRE DAME-SHERMAN OAKS, 1 p.m.
9/18, @South City, 7 p.m.
10/2, Bellarmine @San Jose City College, 7 p.m.
10/10, @Riordan, 1 p.m.
10/17, MITTY, 1 p.m.
10/24, SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL, 2 p.m.
10/30, @ST. Francis, 7:30 p.m.
11/7, @St. Ignatius, 2 p.m.
11/14, VALLEY CHRISTIAN, 1 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
