Lemoore seeking experience

LEMOORE -- For the first time in a while, the Lemoore High football team is doing some serious rebuilding. The Tigers return just one offensive starter from last year's squad that finished 9-4 and advanced to the Central Section Division II semifinals.

"We are inexperienced on offense with a possibility to be very effective," Lemoore coach Shaun Ball said.

The Tigers will suit up 48 players this season and rely heavily on their defense, which returns six starters.

"We are deep on defense and more experienced than offense," Ball said.

Ball says that he is still looking for some of his players to become leaders and points to Chris Thompson, Loren Baize, Eddie Godinho and Noah Fagundes to be key factors this season.

Baize will be key on both the offensive and defensive line. He might be one of the more physically imposing players in the West Yosemite League this season, standing 6-foot-3, and weighing 270 pounds.

Thompson will help anchor the defense at linebacker and play tight end, and Fagundes will again help star in the Lemoore backfield and also play linebacker.

Lemoore has gone 43-19 over the last five seasons, with a Central Section Division III championship in 2005 and appearances in the Division II semifinals the last two seasons.

"I think that our playoff division is much tougher than in the past with the additions of Sanger, Edison, Redwood, Garces, and Golden West," Ball said. "Our league is very balanced, good from top to bottom."

In order to continue with the success the Tigers have had the last five years, Ball says that some of his new players will have to contribute right away.

"Andrew Ramirez, Ray Ramirez, Darius Chandler, Montay Walker and David Daniel will have to make a difference this season," Ball said.

Chandler and Walker will have to be versatile players and are listed to contribute at defensive back, receiver and running back.

Meanwhile, Andrew Ramirez is expected to be a major contributor on both the offensive and defensive line.

Lemoore will also have to rely on its rushing attack like it has in the past, as two newcomers vie for the starting quarterback spot -- Scott Loper and Austin Luis.

"Right now we are just looking forward to playing Reedley," Ball said of a key game this season. "That's a trick question."

The Pirates host the Tigers in a zero-week showdown on Friday night. Reedley finished last season 7-6, winning three of its last four games and falling in the Division II semifinals to Tulare Union 38-17.

"Reedley ended last season on a good roll," Ball said. "They're a tough, hard-nosed team that will always play hard. They run the wing-t very effectively on offense with a 4-3 on defense."

Tigers’ schedule

Friday: at Reedley

Sept. 11: at Hoover (Sunnyside)

Sept. 19: vs. Tulare Union

Sept. 26: at Sanger

Oct. 3: vs. Hanford West*

Oct. 10: at Redwood*

Oct. 17: at El Diamante*

Oct. 24: vs. Mt. Whitney*

Oct. 31: vs. Monache

Nov. 7: vs. Golden West*

Nov. 14: at Hanford*

* West Yosemite League game

(Sept. 2, 2008)