The James Logan Courier

Courier Staff Report

James Logan's varsity and junor varsity football teams opens their seasons tonight against Arroyo High School in the Judson E. Taylor stadium after a long summer of practice.

"Arroyo is a decent team; we've got to do our best," said Marcus Agraviador, a senior linebacker/runningback and former Courier staffer. "My coach thinks we have to step up on defense and offense."

The varsity team has already been undefeated in three scrimmages in preparation for the season.

Members of the teams said they're confident they'll do well tonight against a dangerous opponent.





"If we play as one team, we'll have one heartbeat," said Jason Tran, a junior, who admitted that he's "a bit nervous. It's the first varsity game. It's exciting."

Tran predicted that the team will "definitely have a winning record" this season.

Johnnie Vasquez, a sophomore, said the team has to "stop the run, and set the tone on the first drive."

Jacob Alcazar, senior, was more direct: "We've got to pound that a**," he told The Courier.

"I just want to win," said team member Emilio Rogo.

Na-Jee Davis his plan was to "stay focused and do my best."

According to players, the two teams have been taunting each other via Facebook in advance of tonight's game, which starts at 7 p.m.. The junior varsity game starts at 4:30 in the stadium. Arroyo's players have used the social media site to "talk a lot of ****."

Monique Walton, Logan's activites director, said "the football team is going to take care of Arroyo. At a lunch time rally, she urged students to "check out all the action."

The Colts have spent many hours this summer practicing for tonight's non-league game and the upcoming start to the Mission Valley Athletic League season.

Omeed Gardezi, a junior linebacker on the j.v. squad, said that he didn't initially see the need for the long practice sessions. "At first, I thought it wasn't necessary, but it conditions you well for games." He added that he thought the tough practice schedule gives the Colts an "edge over the other schools."

Agraviador said," I feel like we came hard, and got a lot accomplished."

Na-Jee Davis, a j.v. running back, said the practices were "a little hard, but through hard work and determination, I was able to get through the summer camp."

Kelly Bua, the president of the Logan football booster club, said her expectations for this upcoming season are "a winning year, good health and safety for the boys, and for the Logan community to show their spirit."