(Walnut, CA) The Mt. SAC Football team looks to improve on last years' 5-5 record as they prepare for the season opener Saturday September 7 at Bakersfield College.
The Mounties have an 8-4 record under Coach Bob Jastrab over Bakersfield, including last seasons' 45-24 blowout victory.
The new stadium at Mt. SAC (Hilmer Lodge Stadium) on campus is still one year away for football, as the Mounties will call Covina District Field home for the fourth and final year.
The Mounties enter the second year of competition in the newly revamped National Conference Central Division and will play Cerritos, Palomar, Fullerton, San Diego Mesa and El Camino.
"It's time to play," said Jastrab recently after a long off season.
The Mounties return a good portion of their defense, including defensive backs Jontavis Walker and Colin Keanu. They will be joined by safety Levon Barnett, who is a transfer from last years' CCCAA state champion Laney College. Also a starter from last season is defensive lineman Lovell Mariney. Another player to watch on defense is freshman linebacker Taimon Faimalo.
"We lost one of our starters on the defensive line, Vince Rollins," Jastrab said. "He had an opportunity to transfer to the next level and we're happy for him. That's what it's all about" Rollins, who had some interest of the NCAA Division I level, will be playing for Azusa Pacific University this season. Rollins had recorded 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, was a team captain and made the Presidents Academic list.
In fact, Rollins is one of 36 players from the 2018 team that has transferred to the next level. Jastrab is very proud of that number, as it's ".......the most off of one team in my years here at Mt. SAC. It's helping these kids move on and getting their degree that's important."
On the offensive side of the ball, returning at the skill position, is running back Rachaad White. White was second on the team with 392 yards gained, two touchdowns and averaged 5.6 yards a carry.
Scheduled to start at quarterback is freshman Zach Rangel. Sophomore Dylan Flenniken will also see time under center for the Mounties. "We feel very comfortable with both quarterbacks," Jastrab said.
At wide receiver, the Mounties only return one starter, Jonathan Schofield. Schofield was second in receptions with 35 and total yards with 491 and three touchdowns. The Mounties will have a few new faces at the wide out position this year.
With the new stadium still a year away for football, Jastrab and the team is already getting a feel for the excitement of taking the field.
"We had a practice on the new turf field last Saturday that will be used for our weekly practices," Jastrab said. "The whole facility is massive and it will be beautiful. We're excited about the stadium for next season. It's top notch."
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.