August 27, 2012
2012 Team Preview: |
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Junior WR/LB/S Jimmy Rodriguez is one of the few players with starting experience. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Memorial Football Practice Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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WEST NEW YORK – After making the playoffs for the first time since 2001, Memorial is starting over. With the graduation of more than 17 seniors and a roster comprised almost entirely of new faces, coach Oscar Guerrero knows he has little choice, but to start over with a young, sophomore and junior heavy group.
"We had a good group of kids last year, kids that we worked with for the past two years, that definitely helped set the foundation here," Guerrero said. "But we're excited about these young kids here. They're really hungry, they're eager. They've gone out here everyday and the kids are really going after. These kids really want to learn."
Offensive Overview:
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Freshman Ricardo Azucar is expected to be a big part of the rushing attack. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Memorial Football Practice Photo Gallery |
One place where the Tigers remain intact from a year ago is in the passing game. Junior Bobby Bailey returns at quarterback, after starting nine games a season ago. He also returns three of his top pass-catching targets in juniors Jorge Ortez, Ruben Rivera and Jimmy Rodriguez.
Rivera starts at tight end with Ortez and Rodrigurez at receiver. At 6-foot-4 with speed, Rodriguez is a mismatch for most defenses.
"Any time you've got a kid of his size and his athletic ability on an island is a favorable matchup," Guerrero said. "He's definitely a matchup we'll try to take advantage of. He's definitely starting to understand his potential."
Jon Montez and Henry Molina bring added depth at receiver.
Memorial will have five new starters, all juniors, on the offensive line. Julio Rodriguez starts at left tackle with John Paul Bueno (6'3", 260) at right tackle. Carlos Moreno and Elijah Azucar are the guards with Harold Berrio at center.
The running back spot is also up in the air, with juniors James Hernandez and speedster Jonathan Ramirez along with sophomore Arithe Fernandez fighting for playing time. Freshman Ricardo Azucar (5'10", 180) expected to also have a big role in the running game when he recovers from a broken thumb suffered earlier in the preseason.
"We're very excited about his abilities," said Guerrero about Azucar. "He's got great vision and the way he runs you can't really teach. It's just a matter of getting him some game experience and I definitely think he has a ton of potential."
Defensive Overview:
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Junior defensive end Ruben Rivera is one of eight new starters on defense. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Memorial Football Practice Photo Gallery |
At 6-foot-0 and 230 pounds, Moreno might not have the look of a prototypical defensive tackle. It hasn't stopped him for reaching the quarterback as the junior recorded five sacks a season ago with his interior pressure.
"He's definitely someone who's quick off the ball and he's very active," Guerrero said. "He's not a kid that's just going to lumber around on the field. He's really going to get after it and really get after the quarterback and run at the ball."
Elijah Azucar starts at the other tackle spot with Rivera and Jonathan Ramirez at defensive end.
Junior James Hernandez and sophomore Arithe Fernandez start at inside linebacker with Jimmy Rodriguez returning as an outside linebacker/strong safety hybrid in Guerrero's defense. Berrio and Ricardo Azucar will also see plenty of time at linebacker.
Derek Joselen (5'8", 165) is a returning cornerback and is the only projected senior starter on either side of the ball. He will line up opposite Ortez. Bailey is the starting free safety.
Star Spotlight: Bobby Bailey, QB/S
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Junior Bobby Bailey started nine games at quarterback last year for Memorial. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| Memorial Football Practice Photo Gallery |
With such a senior-heavy lineup a season ago, the pressure to win last year was immense. The burden of those high expectations was placed upon the shoulders of quarterback Bobby Bailey in week two even though he was just a sophomore.
"It was a little unfair to him since it was baptism by fire, said coach Oscar Guerrero. "I think sometimes for a kid like him it's the best way to learn and it definitely prepared him. Being able to lead all of those different personalities and older kids and being able to command their respect showed a lot of character on his part and a lot of leadership ability."
Bailey finds himself in a completely different situation now as one of the few players with significant varsity experience. Being looked upon as a veteran leader, doesn't seem to faze the junior after the on-the-job training from last year.
"Last year was a big step with big shoes to fill," Bailey said. "I don't feel much pressure this year."
On the field, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound quarterback, is a dual threat under center. Undeterred by his short stature, Bailey feels he has made significant progress in his footwork.
2012 Memorial Overview |
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| HCIAL National; North 2, Group IV |
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