Leaders have San Mateo poised for success

Of course, every team needs senior leadership, and that's where Patrick Latu comes in. The 6-foot, 240-pound offensive tackle/linebacker is a force on both sides of the ball. He actually played running back last year but in June volunteered to play on the offensive line, reasoning it would give the team a better chance to win.

"He's our quiet leader," third-year Bearcats coach Jeff Scheller said. "We went to a (football) camp and he saw we were thin on the line when he told me, 'Coach, I'll play line.' Things like that don't happen much. You want a player who will do whatever it takes to win. He's sacrificing his carries to make us a stronger team. You want to have 30 guys like Patrick."

Latu is one of the many reasons why Scheller feels his team is going to have a breakout year. The Bearcats once again will utilize a shotgun option offense, spreading defenses out in the hopes of gaining mismatches while keeping them honest. Scheller is confident that quarterback Mitch Labbie, who was the backup signal-caller in 2007, can operate the offense effectively and produce some big plays.

One of San Mateo's strengths lies in its run game. In David Rango, Chris Ponce Deleon, Taukei Taimani, Lemoto Filikitonga and George Maufahu, the Bearcats have a number of ballcarriers who can get the job done. Rango, a 5-foot-7, 155-pound junior who also plays safety, is capable of pulling off a number of highlight-reel runs.

"He's shifty, quick and can stop on a dime," Scheller said. "You watch him walk on campus and he's slower than everyone. But get him on the field and he's all over the place."

Taimani doubles as a linebacker and tied for the team lead in tackles last year. At 6-4 and 225 pounds, tight end/linebacker Tu'u Liu has the potential to be a big target in the passing game. Wide receivers Johnny Niupalau, Simon Kang and Shek Kumar give the Bearcats athleticism and playmaking ability on the outside, while two-way linemen Alex Bowman and Ramez Butros anchor the play up front.

Scheller feels his defense will be much improved because its timing and execution is ahead compared to this point last season. After that dreadful first year -- "I'm never going to forget about it because you don't want to go through anything like that again," Scheller said -- the coaching staff got the players in the weight room early in the offseason, setting the tone for things to come.

"We're happy with the progress we're making and if we want to take that next step it means winning our division," Scheller said. "If we're not competing for that No. 1 spot (in the Ocean Division), I think everyone will be disappointed. This is the most talented team we've had since I've been here. I may be totally wrong but I think we're gearing up to have a good season."

Coach:

Jeff Scheller, 3rd-year

2007 record: 4-6 overall, 4-3 PAL Ocean

Returners: 15

Key returners: Patrick Latu (Sr. OT/LB), David Rango (Jr. RB/S), Alex Bowman (Sr. OT/DT).

Key newcomers: Lemoto Filikitonga (So. RB/FS), George Maufahu (So. RB).

2008 Schedule (home game in CAPS): 9/12 vs. HILLSDALE, 7 p.m.; 9/20 vs. GUNN, 2 p.m.; 9/26 at ARAGON, 3:15 p.m.; 10/3 vs. HALF MOON BAY, 3 p.m.; 10/10 vs. CAPUCHINO, 3 p.m.; 10/17 vs. SACRED HEART PREP, 3 p.m.; 10/24 at Carlmont, 3 p.m.; 10/31 at Jefferson, 3 p.m.; 11/15 at Burlingame, 11 a.m.