A good chunk of the returning players for Watsonville High spent a majority of the offseason staying busy.
Whether it was on the football field or in the weight room on campus or at Guerrilla Underground Fitness in Watsonville, the grind never stopped.
That included senior running back and team captain Alex Arevalo, who pointed out that good things will come to those who put in the extra work.
As a result, he said this year’s Wildcatz group seems a lot more focused, determined and disciplined.
“We definitely share a bond this season,” Arevalo said.
It’s a good sign after Watsonville went through three coaching changes in one year after the departure of Anthony Valdivia in 2022.
Former Pajaro Valley head coach Joe Gregorio was brought in to replace Valdivia, but then stepped down a week before the 2023 season began when Gregorio was named Watsonville High’s new principal.
Former athletic director Marcus Northcutt became the interim head coach for one season before hiring Manny Contreras as the full-time skipper.
The ‘Catz placed tied for third in the Pacific Coast Athletic League Mission Division–North standings going 3-3 in league play, and finished with a 4-6 overall record in 2023.
“We had to adapt and make a lot of changes,” Arevalo said.
Contreras gives Watsonville some hope for stability.
Prior to taking the helm, Contreras was an offensive line coach and played the position at Stagg High in Stockton before making his way to Cabrillo College where he won the Shrine Bowl in 2007.
His goal was to build from the inside out, starting with the offensive line and involve quality players such as junior lineman Lisandro Pantoja, a massive left tackle who is both strong and agile.
Pantoja’s goal is to protect starting quarterback Anthony “Tino” Razo, who will run a spread pistol offense this season.
Razo should have plenty of options at receiver with seniors Patrick Miller-Brown and Nate Aguliar, who spent the past two seasons under center at quarterback, at his disposal.
“The o-line has been putting in a lot of work,” Arevalo said. “I’m excited to see what they have in store for us.”
The ‘Catz have been working since the beginning of summer. Arevalo saw a dramatic improvement from the receivers with the addition of plyometrics to their program.
“Tino [Razo] has great vision, he’s created a great bond with our receivers and great chemistry. Definitely looking forward to seeing that,” Arevalo said.
Contreras loves what the defense is bringing to the table thus far. Especially the big boys on the defensive line who are making life a living hell for the offensive linemen during the first three weeks of practice.
“I tell the kids, iron sharpens iron. We go at it every single day at practice. I’m excited to see what we can actually put together,” Contreras said.
Senior linebacker and team captain Adan Magaña mentioned they recently pumped up the physicality during practices, hitting a lot harder as they go into the season-opener at Greenfield on Aug. 30 at 7pm.
“I feel like that’s only gonna get us better day-by-day,” he said.
Magaña said this year’s focus is stopping the run. The ‘Catz are implementing a 50 front defense that features a five-man defensive line.
“I feel like we could adapt to the passing while running five linemen, we’ve proved it before,” he said.
Luis Marquez, a junior, will play a significant role on offense as a tight end and full back, and also make his presence felt on the defensive line.
Abraham Martinez will play at defensive tackle, and could see some time carrying the rock at running back.
Senior safety/linebacker Gabriel Lara is “the guy you want on your team,” Contreras said.
“We’re gonna be good. Thinking about that, it pumps me up. I hope I’m not tooting my horn, but these kids are special,” Contreras said.
Arevalo is thrilled to see a couple of newcomers in juniors Brijido Rodriguez on the offensive line and Isaias Gonzales at running back/linebacker come into the mix.
“They bring a lot of fire, they really energize our team,” Arevalo said. “They liven up the practices and it motivates me being around those players. It’s important to have them around. It’s important to have people like that when you’re feeling down.”
Arevalo said there’s tons of potential for both Rodriguez and Gonzales, and “they just need to keep progressing every single day and focusing on what they need to improve on.”
Alex Paniagua is the lone sophomore that was brought up from the junior varsity squad. Fans will get a chance to see how special he is in what Contreras believes is already a stacked backfield.
“The underclassmen look up to us, so we gotta set an example for them,” Magaña said. “We gotta show them to give it your all.”
Arevalo said one thing the veterans addressed is to work harder than the day before and have fun, just enjoy the time.
“Because time here is limited,” he said.
He’s confident they’ll have a great season and hopes it’ll be one in which they clinch a Central Coast Section playoff berth.
It’s been 15 years since the ‘Catz reached the postseason when they played Piedmont Hills High in the D-I quarterfinals in 2009.
That season was also the last time Watsonville won a league championship after capturing the crown in the now defunct Monterey Bay League.
In order to achieve any of those feats, the ‘Catz will have to go through the PCAL Mission Division–North featuring Monte Vista Christian, St. Francis, Seaside, North Monterey County, newcomers Alisal and defending league champion Scotts Valley.
Watsonville’s non-league portion the schedule won’t be any easier going up against defending Santa Lucia Division champion Greenfield, Santa Cruz, Aptos and Pajaro Valley for the annual Belgard Kup.
“We’re gonna bring that excitement back to Watsonville. I’m excited for it, but just focusing on the team alone. I’m hoping we could bring the community together, which we are,” Contreras said.
Watsonville High 2024 football schedule
Aug. 30: at Greenfield, 7pm
Sept. 6: Santa Cruz, 7pm
Sept. 13: Aptos, 7pm
Sept. 21: at Pajaro Valley, 12:30pm
Sept. 28: Monte Vista Christian*, 7:30pm
Oct. 4: St. Francis*, 7:30pm
Oct. 11: at Seaside*, 7:30pm
Oct. 18: at Scotts Valley*, 7:30pm
Nov. 1: Alisal*, 7:30pm
Nov. 8: at North Monterey County*, 7:30pm
*PCAL Mission Division–North game
