For the past three years, Dominic Pierini has experienced just one winning season as the starting quarterback for the Monte Vista Christian football program.
It came in 2023 when the 6-foot-3,195-pound slinger led them to a 6-4 overall record and on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs.
On top of that, Pierini had a record-setting season. He currently owns the all-time Santa Cruz County record for most passing yards in a single season with 3,057, according to statistics on the Monterey Bay Preps website.
Yet, it still wasn’t enough for Pierini, who earned Pacific Coast Athletic League Mission Division–North First Team Offense honors.
“I’m just trying to stress that we need to win. We need to have a better season. We need to get to CCS [playoffs],” he said.
A postseason trip into the Central Coast Section playoffs would be the first for MVC since doing it in 2019. They lost, 40-13, to Branham High in the Division IV quarterfinals.
“It’s been really good to be back out here. Our energy has been good. Feels nice, for sure,” Pierini said.
The biggest concern at the moment for second-year head coach Spencer Ferrari-Wood is depth on the roster. It’s the same problem most private schools deal with on a yearly basis.
“But our first 11 out there, I really like. So, I’m pleased with where we’re at,” he said. “We’re glad the season’s here, and we’re excited to get going.”
The 2024 campaign should be similar to last year as the Mustangs will be a spread team that likes to throw the ball. Especially when Pierini has an elite receiver in senior Nico Downie.
“I love everything about it,” Pierini said. “I appreciate all that [Spencer] Ferrari’s done for me, building this offense around me. I think the sky’s the limit for our offense.”
Pierini has the utmost confidence in Downie to bail him out whether a play goes awry or it’s something else entirely not related to football.
“We have a bond on and off the field. He can basically read my mind sometimes. I think we just have that connection that is pretty rare,” Pierini said.
Downie was the top receiver in the CCS—94 total schools—with 76 receptions for 1,287 yards and 15 touchdowns.
“Athletically gifted and tireless worker,” Ferrari-Wood said.
Pierini will have some major protection from junior James Hanzlik, a three-year starter who is a versatile lineman with lots of varsity experience. He should provide plenty of leadership to the rest of the guys digging deep in the trenches.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else blocking for me,” Pierini said about his offensive line. “I think that we have a lot of potential, and think it’s gonna be great.”
MVC’s defense will have multiple looks based out of a 4-2-5 formation with senior linebacker Max Torres leading the charge. He said the tone has been a lot more serious lately, especially at this time when teammates are really locking in.
“Everyone’s showing up, just a good environment,” he said.
Torres noted the Mustangs lost a few guys from last year’s roster, yet he believes a lot of guys are coming and stepping up.
“Guys are just getting bigger, stronger, lifting,” he said. “I think a lot of teams are going to be shocked when they have to face our defense. They’re gonna be hitting pretty hard.”
Torres earned all-league first team honors on defense but he will also start on offense.
“No-nonsense team captain who I never have to worry about doing the right thing,” Ferrari-Wood said of Torres.
Torres and fellow teammate Gunner Sorensen are expected to be all over the field this upcoming fall season.
“We’re side by side in almost every play,” Torres said. “We’re gonna be doing all different kinds of things, blitzes, whatever it is, and I’m just excited to check it out.”
Rykin Resurreccion, who led MVC in tackles as a sophomore two years ago, is coming off a one-year hiatus away from football. Ferrari-Wood said his star defensive back may be the most athletic player on our roster.
“Rykin’s not a guy you want to see when you’re running with the football because, oh man, you’re gonna see black after that,” Torres said.
Jordan Ramirez was just a freshman when he became a starter at the cornerback position this past season. He is expected to start on both sides of the ball this season.
“Athletic spark plug who is a home run threat everytime he touches the ball,” Ferrari-Wood said. “He’s a really good counter punch to Nico (Downie), who is kind of a similar type of player.”
Ferrari-Wood is also thrilled to have a new crop of players who didn’t get a chance to play in 2023. He said it’s a brand new season, each team has a clean slate, but he can’t help to think it’ll be the world against the Mustangs.
“No one thinks we’re going to be any good. The kind of mentality we have is we want to be that blue collar, under the radar type team that no one expects from little Monta Vista Christian tucked in Watsonville.”
Torres is wishing the same and he wants teammates to take it personal before stepping on the field. He wants them to believe they can be the real deal.
“I’m hoping that we can prove that with our playing,” he said. “I think if guys show up, work hard, and everyone’s on the same mission, same goal, we’ll hit it.”
Monte Vista Christian 2024 football schedule
Aug. 30: at Piedmont Hills, 7:15pm
Sept. 6: at Santa Clara, 7:30pm
Sept. 13: Carlmont, 7:30pm
Sept. 20: Alvarez, 7:30pm
Sept. 28: at Watsonville*, 7:30pm
Oct. 4: at Alisal*, 7:30pm
Oct. 11: vs. Scotts Valley*, 7:30pm
Oct. 25: North Monterey County*, 7:30pm
Nov. 2: at Seaside*, 7:30pm
Nov. 9: vs. St. Francis*, 7:30pm
*PCAL Mission Division–North game
