Menlo School looks to be a contender

Knowing how fleeting success can be, the Knights are approaching this season with no regrets, amping up the intensity level at their practices like never before.

"Our practices have set the tone for the season," middle linebacker/running back Ryan O'Holleran said. "We have a lot more depth and better all-around athletes than last year's team."

That's saying quite a bit, and a big reason why hopes are high for the Knights, who return 10 starters, including captains O'Holleran, wide receiver/safety Jerry Rice Jr. and two-way tackle/guard Nick Lycette. Rice Jr. has developed into one of the league's premier playmakers, capable of reaching the end zone on a moment's notice. Lycette, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound senior, will go down as one of the best -- if not the best -- lineman in Menlo history, Knights coach Mark Newton said.

O'Holleran is a physical player on both sides of the ball, especially on defense, where he rarely misses a tackle. He'll also receive some carries in Menlo's running game along with fellow linebackers David Miracchi and Nick Maruyama. O'Holleran basically spent his entire summer working out and going to various football camps. No one is more excited to start the season than O'Holleran, who played in only three games in 2007 before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

Menlo's run-and-shoot offense should dizzy defenses once again. As of two weeks ago the quarterback competition involved junior Danny Diekroeger and senior Paul Schemel. Neither has seen much action at the varsity level, but Newton feels both are plenty capable of running the offense. Whoever is starting will have options to work with. Rice's cousin, Donald Davis, transferred from Mississippi and should make an impact at receiver and cornerback.

While things look good offensively, it's the defense that has Newton and Co. particularly excited. This year's unit could be special, as it is loaded with playmakers and hard hitters. The Knights have a strong defensive line in Jack Mudd, Matt Calvi and Alipate Faletau, and they should have no problems holding their ground and getting penetration, which will allow the linebackers to make plays. Safety Chris Ryan and fellow safety/receiver Clay Robbins are expected to make an impact.

"We're hoping to build on last year," Newton said. "If this team can stay healthy it can be one of the best the school has ever seen. I'm optimistic our defense can be one of the better ones we've had. We have a tough schedule but the kids are working hard to try to make this season a special one."

No one worked harder than O'Holleran, who is drawing interest from schools such as U.C. Davis and University of San Diego. O'Holleran was a PAL first-team all-league selection as a sophomore, and was shaping up to have another fine season before getting injured last year.

"I got some feedback from the coaches at the camps and one of them said I needed to work on my tenacity and getting off and attacking the ball," O'Holleran said. "That's exactly what I did for the rest of the summer."

Newton agreed: "No one worked harder than Ryan over the summer. He's poised to have another good year."

Just like the rest of his teammates.

Coach: Mark Newton,

5th year

2007 record: 4-3 Bay

Division, 7-3 overall

Returning starters: 10

Key returners: Jerry Rice Jr. (WR/S, sr.); Ryan O'Holleran (LB/RB, sr.); Nick Lycette (OL/DL, sr.).

Key newcomers: Chris Ryan (DB, sr.); Clay Robbins (WR/S, jr.).

2008 Schedule (home game in CAPS): 9/5 at Hamilton City, 7 p.m.; 9/12 vs. EAST NICHOLAS at Woodside, 7 p.m.; 9/20 at Justin Siena-Napa, 7 p.m.; 9/27 vs. LOWELL at Woodside High, 7 p.m.; 10/10 at Terra Nova, 7 p.m.; 10/18 vs. SOUTH CITY, 2 p.m.; 10/24 at Woodside, 7 p.m.; 11/1 at Menlo-Atherton, 2 p.m.; 11/7 vs. Aragon at Woodside, 7 p.m.; 11/14 vs. Sacred Heart Prep at Woodside, 7 p.m.;