The postseason begins for East Union on Thursday against state champion Ripon.
That's how the Lancers are treating their condensed spring season in which there are no official titles or playoff berths at stake.
With the threat of games getting canceled by positive coronavirus tests, head coach Willie Herrera
with the all-or-nothing approach, while instilling higher expectations for players coming back next year.
“For us, we haven't had a whole lot of playoff experience in the last 10 years,” Herrera said. His Lancers had first-round exits in 2016 and 17 but missed the postseason the two years since.
“Our mind set is this is the playoffs. We're treating each game like a playoff because we want to be better. Obviously, there are going to be mistakes and we'll fix things along the way, but we'll try to promote that type of mind set. That sense of urgency has to be there.
“With the testing we're doing, we could be one and done. We're not guaranteed five games.”
Herrera is relying on team leaders such as senior defensive end/running back Lane Cefalu to help spread the message. The All-Valley Oak League second-team pass rusher is bound for George Fox University. He led the Lancers with 6.5 sacks in 2019.
“We're looking to go out with a bang,” Cefalu said. “We're trying to go 5-0. We only have so many opportunities because this isn't a normal 10-game season. For most of these guys, these are their last five games. I'm going to do everything I can to help them end their football careers on a high note.”
A mixture of veteran players and new talent has Herrera optimistic for this season and beyond. Helping him guide the players are longtime assistants with elevated roles — Zach Franceschetti takes over as offensive coordinator and Carlos Herrera as defensive coordinator.
Tyler Diaz (RB/DB), Ryland Toves (TE/SS) and Anthony Vargas (G) are other seniors expected to bring experience and production. All three made all-league honorable mention last year.
Two seniors primed to break out following an injury-ravaged campaign are Carlos Alvarez (RB/DB) and Zelmar Vedder (WR/DB). Alvarez finished as the Lancers' leading rusher (471 yards, 11.8 per carry, five TDs) in 2019 despite only appearing in half of their games. He started the season with four-straight 100-yard performances before breaking a collarbone against Oakdale.
“Prior to that (Oakdale game), he was lighting it up for us on both sides of the ball,” Herrera said of Alvarez. “It will be nice to have him back.”
Vedder was able to get through the season without missing a game and was the leading receiver on the team, but he was never fully healthy. Herrera anticipates a nice bounce-back campaign for the 6-foot-2 who is being pursued by NCAA Division III programs.
With Vedder back and at full strength, East Union has a potentially prolific passing attack spearheaded by 6-3 junior quarterback Luke Weaver. His older brother Jack starred as EU's playmaking signal caller for three varsity seasons (2014-16), giving opposing defenses fits with his running ability.
“Luke can use his legs when he wants to, but he's a very accurate passer who has good arm,” Herrera said. “He gives us some stability in the throwing game. We don't want to waste the arm talent that we have and definitely want to showcase it. He's stepping in as a leader and doing all the right things.”
Kainoa Ontai (WR/DB) and Zane Salgado (G) are other key juniors, and WR/LB Dylan Lee is one of seven sophomores ready to make an immediate impact at the varsity level.
“With this team, I feel like we have playmakers on all three phases,” Cefalu said. “We have great receivers, a ton of running backs with potential, linemen and an awesome quarterback group. We're solid all-around, a very well-built team. That's one thing you need to go 5-0 this season.”
