A new beginning for El Camino football

"We've had a winning record for every year, except one, since I've been here," Jacobson said.

This year, the Colts return only a few starters from last year, but they are all keys to success this season. Another key will be the continued maturation of starting quarterback Blake Linnel, who was the back-up signal caller last season. Look for the Colts to be more of a passing team this year than in the past.

"I'd like to be a running team, but I'm not the offensive coordinator," Jacobson said. "We're going to do what needs to be done. We're not going to set our jaw and just say, 'This is the way it's always been done.'

"You'll see us air it out."

Linnel didn't see a lot of action last season, and Jacobson said he was a bit timid as a junior. But what a difference a year makes. He was an integral member of the basketball team and played baseball as well. Jacobson believes success in those other two sports has translated to a more confident football player this season - as well as the hard work Linnel put in over the summer.

"The summer was huge for him," Jacobson said. "He went to the Stanford quarterback camp with (Stanford coach) Walt Harris. He was at [El Camino] every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, learning his reads. He really knows the offense."

Backup Quarterback Jules Gracia may also see some time under center, just as a reward. Jacobson said the team didn't have a backup and asked Gracia to take over the role, knowing that it would cut into his time at wide receiver and defensive back. But Gracia didn't blink.

"He's a total team player," Jacobson said. "You have to try to get kids like that on the field."

Since the Colts will be going to air a lot, it helps to have wide receivers who can catch the ball. El Camino has one of the best in Myron McDaniel.

"He's kind of a track star," Jacobson said. "If he gets one-on-one (coverage), you might as well throw it up there and let him jump after it."

Ricky Meza, a senior and another good leaper, will hopefully take some of the pressure off McDaniel.

Despite a lack of experience, look for the Colts to stay in the hunt for an Ocean Division title.

"Everything's got to click. Right now, we have a chance to be right there. Some good things have to happen for us," Jacobson said. "My goal, as coach, is to make CCS. I told the kids, CCS starts Saturday (against Sacred Heart Prep)."

Coach: Eric Jacobson

2004 record: 4-6 overall, 3-4 Ocean Division

Key returners: Chris Tomasello (FB/LB, sr.), Myron McDaniel (WR/DB, sr.), Joseph Perera (OL, sr.)

Key newcomers: Blake Linnel (QB, sr.), Jules Gracia (QB/WR/DB, jr.), Mike Lallas (LB, sr.), Ricky Meza (WR, sr.).

2005 schedule (Home games in CAPS): 9/3 at Sacred Heart Prep, 2 p.m.; 9/9 at Washington, 3:15 p.m.; 9/23 at Half Moon Bay, 7 p.m.; 9/30 at Jefferson, 7 p.m.; 10/7 HILLSDALE, 3 p.m.; 10/14 MENLO SCHOOL, 3 p.m.; 10/21 at Capuchino, 3 p.m.; 10/28 SEQUOIA, 3 p.m.; 11/4 at Mills, 2:45 p.m.; SATURDAY 11/2 SOUTH CITY, 2:30 p.m.