CCS champions want their just desserts

"You can't just, the next day, have the dessert again. You have to build to it. The appetizer is summer camp and the salad is two-a-days (practices). The main course in the PAL (schedule) and you don't do anything without a main course. It makes or breaks the meal. If the main course is bad, you don't even want dessert."

All the talk about food and dessert has made the young Bearcats hungry to taste more of that success. Although the team was gutted by graduation, the work ethic installed by former coach T.J. Ewing laid the foundation for this year's squad.

"T.J. built a great, solid program and I'm just trying to build on it," Parodi said. "It makes my job that much easier, it's easier to get the kids motivated."

Despite a dearth of starters, there are a number of players who saw significant playing time last season. It just may not be in the same spots they're playing this year. C.J. Easter, who played mainly defensive back, is taking over the quarterback reigns this year.

"C.J.'s extremely intelligent and super athletic," Parodi said. "between his decision making and athleticism, we'll be OK. He knows how the who offense works … . After about a week of working with him, he was telling me what would work against a particular defense."

Expect a number of backs to get work in Parodi's one-back offense. Junior Aipolo Green saw limited time last season - which was to be expected with County Player of the Year Toke Kefu getting the bulk of the carries - but Parodi likes Green's enthusiasm.

"He has a motor that doesn't quit," Parodi said. "He has a good football sense on the field. He understands we're trying to put him in the right spot to succeed."

Versatile sophomore Vai Liu will find time all over the field. Parodi envisions Liu to play some at running back, wide receiver, safety and linebacker.

"He's going to play everywhere we need him to play," Parodi said. "It's just a matter of finding the right spot for him."

When the Bearcats do go to the air - which should be more than in the past few seasons - Easter will have a number of targets to choose from. Senior Nick Montgomery has the hands to be a big-play guy. He made several outstanding plays as a defensive back last year and will get a chance to make a difference on offense this year.

"Him and C.J. are probably the two most recruited players," Parodi said. "[Montgomery] is a big, fast kid. He's a football player. He understands what we're trying to do."

Chris DeTrinidad gives San Mateo some experience at the wide receiver position as a backup last season. He should move into the starting lineup this season.

Kevin Helenius will also see some time on the flanks.

The offensive and defensive lines will be anchored by David Havoka, a 6-2, 290-pound junior. Senior Karl Cox holds down the center and defensive end positions while Joe Simon, 6-1, 230 pounds and also a junior, gives the lines some depth.

With most of the Bearcats' key players going on both sides of the ball, they have to do double-duty in the thinking department. That's why Parodi encourages his players to constantly ask questions.

"I've [coached] junior college for the last eight years and the JC players can handle tons of information. I think [high school] kids can too," Parodi said. "I tell them if they're not sure, ask me. It makes no sense to have a negative [repetition in practice.]"