Gridiron Preview: Blazers back on track

In 2001, Mike Mason took over a football program that in 19 years had yet to make a postseason.

Seven seasons later, Mason left Lindhurst High with three league titles and two Sac-Joaquin Section championships.

He became a local legend in a pocket of California, where people could finally boast with a little pride — the Blazers were on the map.

However, when Mason returned last season, he didn't expect this.

He didn't expect to see undisciplined players, some uncommitted and some with poor grades.

He didn't expect a 2-8 season.

He certainly didn't expect only 19 student-athletes to initially take the practice field in 2011.

Where was that pride?

It may have left with Scott Albertson, Mason's nephew, who took over the team in 2008 and led the Blazers to a section title game against cross-town rival Marysville — Lindhurst lost 33-19.

Since then, the Blazers have been in a lull.

"It was frustrating," Mason said. "Everything was on the run, there hadn't been any offseason preparation, there wasn't any organization, and so when we tried to get everything together, the kids were a little resistant."

Mason helped build a program — a formidable one, a promising one — now he has to build it again.

"Last year, we got here late," said assistant coach Jason Morse, who has been on Mason's coaching staff since 2003. "So we had to teach football and install culture, it was a challenge.

"We had to reinstall discipline, because that lack of discipline cost us in the fourth quarter in a few games last year. This season, it's a little different, we mainly just have to teach football."

But in a school with 1,300 students, the coaching staff was thrown for another loop when so few players showed the offseason commitment to put in the hours in the weight room.

"It's an issue. I mean, you figure that a school this size would have more kids out here," Morse said. "So depth is going to be an issue. I think as long as we don't get tired and don't get hurt, we should be OK."

Lindhurst's roster has grown to nearly 30 since early summer as promising newcomers have dedicated themselves to the gridiron, and put the baseball diamond or basketball court on hold.

Timmy Zucco, an A-D All-Area pitcher in the spring, is getting comfortable in the pocket and is pushing fellow senior and team leader Diego Villasenor for the starting spot at QB.

Luckily, Villasenor is a true athlete.

"He can play anywhere," Mason said of Villasenor, who was a driving force, along with 6-foot-5, 225-pound lineman Terrence Bowens, in getting teammates to stay committed in the offseason. "He can play wide receiver, running back, quarterback. He's very versatile.

"Zucco has a lot of natural ability, it's almost amazing he only played his freshman year," Mason said. "He and John Luster had other commitments in other sports, so we didn't know if they were going to play, but we're happy to have them now."

There is optimism that the line will shine in the Power-I, West Coast-variation offense with returning junior center Tim Westberg, senior guards Tyler Vaitautolu and Tyler Peterson, and Bowens at tackle.

Senior downhill runner Christian George (5-11, 215), is expected to get most of the carries, while Luster, a 6-5, 220-pound standout basketball player has fit in nicely at tight end and defensive end.

George is also the leader on defense at middle linebacker, while Vaitautolu, last year's Golden League Empire Lineman of the Year, will bounce from linebacker to defensive end.

"He's one of the best defensive ends in the league," Mason said of Vaitautolu.

"There's a lot of kids who I'm very proud of," Mason said. "They believe now. They've really bought into to what we're doing.

"We have a slogan — commitment, sacrifice and family," Mason said. "You're going to have to commit and you're going to sacrifice, but it's for your family."

One thing is for sure, while Lindhurst has been down, the mentality and realistic goals are back.

"Of course, I want the ring," said George, "but I would be happy if we had a winning season. We just have to keep our heads up and tempo up."

"Our goal is always playoffs, but this year, I think if things go right, we can win the league," Mason said.

TWO-MINUTE DRILL

Name: Christian George

Position: Running back/linebacker

Year: Senior

Age: 17

Last year’s stats: 35 tackles, two touchdowns

Where were you born? Milton, Fla.

What are your plans after high school? College wrestling or military

Why do you play football? I love hitting people.

What’s your favorite football moment? I just love getting ready for a game and all the pregame locker room hype.

What is your favorite football team? The Philadelphia Eagles

Do you have a pregame ritual? Listen to Drowning Pool – “Let the Bodies hit the Floor”

What’s your favorite hobby outside of football? Xbox and swimming

Who is your favorite pro athlete? Clay Mathews Jr. – I just need my hair a little longer.

What is your favorite cereal? Cap’n Crunch

What is your favorite food? I like everything, but I could live off of breakfast burritos and hot wings.

Whom do you admire most? Coach (Jason) Morse, he’s just a good guy and does a lot for us even though he already has a full plate.