Kearny Kardinals

2009 football previewHanging tough

Kenny Llano Kearny

Kenny Llano (left) and Kearny hope their aggressive style of play will pay off.

Click Here for more photos from Kearny's practice.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

KEARNY – When head coach Oscar Guerrero took over at Kearny before last season, he wanted to change the whole mentally of a program to one based on an aggressive style of play.

“We always want to be competitive and play with a high physicality on offensively and defensively as well as on special teams.”

Guerrero’s young squad struggled through a 2-8 campaign a season ago. The Kardinals return 13 starters from a year ago on a team that will primarily be comprised of juniors. Guerrero knows that there is still plenty of work to be done, but that this group has progressed and is on the right track.

“I don’t think in year two the transition of changing the program and transforming it is complete,” he said. “There are still obstacles, but you know what to expect now and you know what you need to do to prepare for the season.”

Offensive Overview:

Alvin Zhang Kearny

At 6-foot-2, Alvin Zhang gives Kearny a big receiving threat at receiver.

Junior Nelson Tavares is a sparkplug at running back for the Kardinals and a big-play threat when the ball is in his hands. Despite standing at just 5-foot-5 and 145 pounds, Tavares is a player who defenses need to pay attention to.

“Nelson Tavares is a very shifty running back,” Guerrero said. “He’s someone we like to get out into the perimeter, out in open space. He’s very dangerous in the open field. But he’s also a very tough player. He’s probably our strongest pound-for-pound player, so he’s not afraid to mix it up.”

Senior Justin Cieslik will also see carries for Kearny.

Junior quarterback Brandon Barrett has pleased the coaching staff with his knowledge of the offense. Barrett will have a pair of experienced receivers at his disposal with senior Kenny Llano and 6-foot-2 junior Alvin Zhang.

Senior right guard Pedro Miranda and junior left tackle Wenner Nunes lead an offensive line that Guerrero feels may be the strength on this side of the ball.

Defensive Overview:

Wenner Nunes Kearny

Wenner Nunes size and strength at tackle is a key to Kearny's defense.

After being a “pleasant surprise” as a freshman starter, middle linebacker Eddie Flores leads an aggressive Kearny defense this season. Flores may be undersized at 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, but is a fearless player that personifies the Kardinals’ aggressive defense.

“Eddie Flores is an undersized player, but is by far one of the toughest players we’ve seen come through here,” Guerrero said. “He’s a kid who has a nose for the football. He gives up his body and he’ll be the leader of our D. He’s a small guy, but he packs a punch.”

Cieslek is another aggressive defender who will alternate between linebacker and safety in the Kardinals’ 4-4 defense.

Llano and Tavares start at the corners with Zhang starting at safety. Michael Fernandez and Nunes provide strength at the defensive line for Kearny.

Star Spotlight: Kenny Llano WR/CB

Kenny Llano Kearny

Kenny Llano provides leadership and experience on both sides of the ball.

There’s no denying the athleticism of Kearny WR/CB Kenny Llano. But the key to Llano’s success goes beyond his track speed and jumping ability. This three-year starter combines that athleticism with a work ethic and attention to detail that Guerrero has rarely seen.

“(Kenny) does a great job at being a technician,” Guerrero said. “He really focuses on his technique and using the tools that the coaching staff provides him and just depending on his athletic ability as well. He’s just great at doing things the right way, whether it’s a drill, whether it’s running a route. He tries to do his job as perfectly as possible.”

The 5-foot-9 Llano said he prides himself on being able to play multiple positions on the field. After being the Kardinals’ quarterback a year ago, Llano returns to wide receiver where he played as a sophomore.