Preview of the 2021 Football Season

By: Tyler Stark

After a year away from the gridiron, Redwood football is set to make its triumphant return this August! A few weeks ago, the official schedule for the upcoming season was released, and we got our first glimpse into what our Rangers will be faced with this year.

This year’s schedule does not come without it’s fair share of fascinating matchups. The two Clovis schools and two Tulare schools are going to be tough matchups and should definitely bring out the best from our Rangers.

Head coach Kevin Scharton, who’s currently heading into his second year as coach is looking forward to this season after a long, hard time away from the field. Scharton says “This past year was difficult because we obviously did not get to play.  I really feel for our seniors because they lost out on a football season and everything that goes along with that.”

Scharton goes on to say that he’s really excited to get back onto the field with his coaches and players. 

He says” Our schedule will definitely test us this year.  There are several teams we play that have excellent programs.  Our preseason will consist of Centennial (Bakersfield), Clovis West, Clovis North, Tulare Union, and Tulare Western.  It won’t be easy but we will be up for the challenge.”

Running back Karson Everett ‘22 is incredibly excited to get back onto the field and make a strong impact. Everett says “the first game is going to be great, just thinking about getting back on the field gets me excited to play again.”

Receiver Ashton Ibarra ‘22 is coming into this year not only really excited and hyped up to get back onto the field, but he’s coming in with goals as a leader on the team.

Ibarra says “An individual goal I have this year is to help the younger wide outs and get them ready for when it’s time for them to shine as well as make my game better each and every day.” Ibarra goes on to say that he knows that this schedule is tough. He knows that a lot of people are counting them out in the games against the Clovis schools,  but he’s confident that his team will silence the doubters and come out on top.

A big topic of discussion among high school football fanatics lately has been the effect that not having a season last year will have on players going into their senior year. 

Kolby Howard ‘22  expects the year off to have a relatively small effect on him and his team this season. Howard says “I think it will have a little effect especially since we are just about the only school district that did not play a football season but other than that as a team we are all bigger, stronger, and faster then we were last year.”

Howard goes on to say that he is happy that they play those tough Clovis and Tulare schools, and he’s looking forward to the challenge.

One of the big story lines that will be interesting to see play out this upcoming season is the quarterback situation. As of right now the Rangers do not have a starting quarterback. This means that there will be a quarterback competition this summer.

Hopeful quarterback, Reece Bueno ‘23 is very focused and ready to try and capture the starting spot. Bueno says “I am going to give it my all to try and win the starting job but at the end of the day I know nothing is going to be handed to me.”

Bueno also mentions that he feels his humble, but yet confident attitude is what will not only make him a standout star quarterback on the field, but a leader off of it.

Fellow quarterback hopeful Frankie Alvarez ‘22 is very excited and grateful for the opportunity that lies in front of him. Alvarez feels that his effort is what sets him apart. Alvarez says “I think that I am the right guy for the job because I am going to give it my best effort to help us win. I feel that my effort will set me apart from the other guys.”

Alvarez goes on to say his main priorities if named starter are to do whatever is needed for him for his team to come out on top, and lead his team to the WYL title.

This football season is going to be incredibly special! There are so many exciting storylines and matchups that are going to be fascinating to watch! August can’t come soon enough!