For the past few years, the Point Loma High School football teams have been a force to be reckoned with in the Western League, their 10-3 record last year lingering in the sea air as the home opener approaches.
On Saturday, Sept. 8, the Pointers will rush their home field to take on Cathedral at 3:30 p.m. Both teams have one win so far, with the Pointers beating Fallbrook on the road Sept. 1. Conversely, the Dons took down Steele Canyon at home.
“The team returns a lot of lettermen and we have a very cohesive group,” said PLHS head coach Mike Hastings. “It’s fun to see the new kids get their shot, though, and you hope they take advantage of it. It’s great to see them come into their own as starters.”
The Pointers will be ready for their visitors, even though the Dons’ 6-6 record last year may be misleading. Their wins were usually large margins and the losses were close. The PLHS defense will be ready, however, with seven starters returning from last year. Hastings said they know their jobs well and work together like a machine.
“It’s always nice to be at home and showcase our team to the fans,” said Hastings. “Our defense will be out there on the field with some very physical plays. We’re very strong on ‘D’ right now, and the offense will get quicker as they play together for another week or two and find their stride.”
Another bright spot is the Pointers’ special teams, which, as any coach knows, can win big games when it really matters. In the past, many NCAA Division 1 teams didn’t have full-scholarship kickers. That has changed as coaches have realized the critical importance of points after touchdowns, along with field-goal kickers and a punter who can get the team out of bad field position.
Steven Padilla is the Pointers’ leg man. He will be handling all the team’s kicking duties as a senior this season. He has already had a solid career thus far.
Running backs typically return kicks in high school, and the PLHS backs have been great the past few years, so fans can expect to see more great runbacks on special teams as well.
The Dogs might have to do without senior running back Matt Arlington this season, however. Arlington injured his knee during the game in Fallbrook last week. As of press time his condition was unknown, pending MRI results. The rest of the offense will have to fill in the gap if Arlington is unable to contribute his formidable skills.
In addition to the varsity game, the freshmen play at 10 a.m. and the junior varsity squad will take the field at 1 p.m., followed by a host of festivities during the annual Kick-Off event. Phil’s Barbecue will provide the food, while music and dancing will entertain young and old alike. The cost for the dinner is $12 for adults and $7 for students. The event is a fund-raiser for the PTSA and will go to help fund band, drama and art classes that are no longer supported by the school district.
Even this early in the season, the Pointer football squad is taking it one game at a time, with its eye on a championship at the end of the season. For more information on the Kick-Off event, contact Maureen McGrath at (619) 922-2441.