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2007 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
After a rough 2006 campaign, the McNary Celtics enter a new football era at the school. Longtime coach Tom Smythe, who led the team to numerous playoff appearances and two state championships, has departed to coach in the state of Washington. In his place is a new coach, but certainly not a newcomer to the Celt system.
Ward says the young team that took its lumps last year is older and wiser—and that will make all the difference. Quarterback J.D. Klampe (6-2 205), who was one of several players asked to direct the offense in ‘06, is the lone experienced senior among a group of four potential signal callers for McNary. Last year’s JV quarterback Brent Williams (5-10 175 Jr.), Grant Kessel (6-2 190 Jr.) and pesky Stephen Rodriguez (5-8 165) have been taking snaps as well, as Ward tries to choose a starter. Other offensive positions are little more clear cut. Senior Zach Brown (6-2 200) will be back at the slot, after being slowed most of last year by an undiagnosed leg fracture. He ran a 4.4 forty-yard dash in a summer prep combine. Also expected to see time at slot is senior Gage Nicholas (5-8 180). At wide receiver, Rodriguez will be asked to use his open field running skills, as will Dustin Boyd (5-10 170 Jr.), Sheldon Austria (6-1 175 Jr.), and Brown. Running backs will be rotated liberally in the multiple set McNary offense. For sheer power, the Celts turn to Darian Kaufman (6-2 230). For more speed, Sam Wilkerson (6-0 185 Sr.), and Kevin Noel (6-0 195 Sr.) will be called upon. Ward’s biggest concerns are on the offensive line, where his team struggled frequently last year. Center Jackson Wilde (6-1 225) is back for his senior season along with guard Fred Coronado (6-3 275). Competing for o-line time will be Will Cowan (6-3 240 Jr.), Austin Owings (6-2 255 Jr.) and Jake Rice (6-3 255 Jr.). Ward says other players will also fill in as needed, but he hopes to see some rapid maturity up front. The McNary defense is expected to be solid this year, after playing as many as six sophomores at a time in 2006. On the front line, Graciano Rubio (5-9 300 Jr.) will be the big man at nose guard.. Senior Chris Perez will also spend time on the defensive line along with Wes Kirk (6-1 220 Sr.) at defensive end. At linebacker, honorable mention all-conference picks Kaufman and Wilde will be joined by junior Scott Stoddard (6-2 190) and senior Brandon Self (6-1 220). Noel and senior Chad Clemens (6-0 175) will also be part of the linebacking corps. The McNary secondary is loaded, with a long list of returnees including Nicholas, Brown, Clemns, Noel, Austria, Boyd, Kessel, Rodriguez and returning corner Tyler Gardner (5-9 175 Sr.). Brown is expected to return as one of the best punters and place kickers in the CVC, after giving up the spot last year due to injury. McNary’s three game preseason slate of David Douglas, Sandy and Wilson will be followed by a September 21 conference home opener against McKay.
Get a complete CVC football schedule here
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MCNARY
Rick Ward was a longtime assistant to Smythe, and will maintain the wide open offense that he helped operate over the years. He hopes to rebound from last year’s 0-6 CVC season, which was marked by inexperience, injuries and mistakes.
