Story by Joseph Moronez
Staff Writer
LA PUENTE- After ending the regular season, 7-2-1, and losing in the first round of CIF playoffs to Long Beach Poly, Bishop Amat has better hopes.
The Lancers are ranked number one in the San Gabriel Tribune for the Serra league this season. They are said to have no problem winning the league and passing the first round hump.
Many aspects have the Lancers ranked so high in winning this season from factors such as having two-year-starter senior Koa Haynes as quarterback leading some quality talent .
“We have some key players on the offense this year with senior Frank Vierra and junior Andrew Lopez on the line, and senior Koa Haynes leading them,” said coach Sean Koelle.
The offense’s o-line is looking faster and stronger with returners being able to help lead them to victory.
“Our o-line is looking good this season and I think they are better than last year, and will be able to cause some damage,” said senior Eric Almeida.
Although the offense may look very promising, there is still some improvements that need to be made. Some improvements from last season that the coaches say they have been working on is being able to run the ball effectively and firing it off into the defense.
The offense is not the only key to Amat having a promising season. The defense is just as much of a key.
“We have many key players this year, many of the returners will be able to lead the defense and help out,” said coach Ealar Gallagher. “But junior Anthony Camargo is going to be the key player this season for the defense.”
Other key returners include seniors Chris Prieto, Adrian Ortega and Christian Moran.
The Lancer’s defense did suffer a critical fault last week when Moran underwent knee surgery due to injury. It is not known if Moran tore his meniscus and when he will be returning to the field.
Despite their loss, Amat’s defense is looking very promising this year.
Although some improvements the coaches are trying to emphasize on are shoulder-to-shoulder, eliminate gaps and being able to get to that right spot in time.
Amat is playing tough teams this season such as Chino Hills and Charter Oak. The coaches think they have a tough schedule but will be able to overcome them.
“This team is one of our best teams and even though we’re playing some tough teams, I think we’ll be able to rise to the occasion,” said Coach Gallagher.
Every game will be a battle but that won’t stop Amat.
The Lancers have a good lookout for the season and are expected to get past the first round in playoffs.
The Lancers will play their first game against Santa Margarita on Aug. 30 at Kiefer Stadium.
