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| Photo by Kerensa Uyeta-Buckley – Matt Cordero of the Liberty Ranch Hawks receives a pass from Jack Willmon toward the end of practice on Aug. 22. |
By Kerensa Uyeta-Buckley – Sports Editor
In addition to a talented roster, the Hawks welcomed new head coach Anthony Linebaugh to their team earlier this year, which could have an even more beneficial impact on their program.
Linebaugh founded the program along with his coaching staff and returned this year after moving back to northern California to be closer to family.
As a side bonus, he has returned to his Hawk family and is ready for a busy season.
Returning to the team this season is starting quarterback Rick Van Houten, running back Ibn Frazier, running back Kamil Jones and Jariath Maae, to name a few.
“Early on, it’s improving health. We’ve been playing catch up a little bit. It’s been a good process. Now that we’re in the season, it’s about execution and consistency,” Linebaugh said on the Hawks’ goals.
The Hawks have plenty of leadership to help them reach their goals, with seven on their coaching staff. Assistant coaches include many familiar faces from past seasons, including last season’s head coach Warren Schroeder. Also on board is a former player, creating a well-stocked coaching staff that spans the short generations of Hawk football.
“We have one former player on our staff. Christian Guardado was part of the first graduating class, it’s pretty cool,” Linebaugh said. “It’s always wonderful to have former players back.”
Last season the Hawks reached the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship game for the first time in their then six-year history.
“It was a very special year for the program, a wonderful run in the playoffs as well. I’m just excited to be back and teach on campus. It’s my first year back after being gone for four years and connecting with the players and becoming a team, then becoming a family. There are truly so many variables. Relationships take time. We’re just working on getting better every day,” Linebaugh said.
The Hawks won the league championship last season and had an extensive playoff run ending in a berth to the section championship game. In their 2011 season when Linebaugh last coached the Hawks, Liberty Ranch had a 5-1 league record to win the Sierra Valley Conference and reached the section semifinals.
The Hawks will have 35 players by Friday’s opener against River City, a school that used to be a league opponent before the last league realignment by the Sac-Joaquin Section.
When asked what his goals are for the season, Linebaugh noted that getting on the field in an actual game will help the program iron out any unevenness from last week’s scrimmage against Bear Creek.
“Just an improvement in terms of execution. We had a scrimmage Saturday and we had our moments but we also have a lot of work to do. We want to have a good week. Obviously, there will be a lot of butterflies Friday, the home opener. To see the team take steps forward to come together, that’s every team’s goal,” Linebaugh said.
The Hawks kick off against the Raiders at 7:30 p.m. Friday at their home field, which is shared with Galt High School at Galt High School.