East Union coach Mike Kuhnlenz is sticking with the freshman quarterback for the Lancers’ first-round playoff game against Nevada Union.
Both teams are 4-6 going into the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV opener, but East Union landed a favorable sixth seed and home-field advantage because of its strength of schedule.
Kuhnlenz’s squad has dropped five of its last six contests, the latest being a tough-to-swallow 36-30 setback at Kimball. The Lancers played well enough, especially in the second half, to win their Valley Oak League finale but could not overcome their early miscues.
The result has not deterred Kuhnlenz from committing to Kirk Simoni at quarterback. Simoni started on East Union’s VOL co-championship freshman team, which did not have a game in Week 10.
Despite a few young mistakes, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound QB showed enough poise and promise to follow up his varsity debut with his postseason debut. Simoni completed 12 of 26 passes for 175 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions last week.
Usual starter Dylan Lee will still see some snaps behind center, but the three-star rated linebacker can now get more time on defense while getting to use his size and skill at wide receiver.
“(Simoni) will definitely be back there again for us this week and we’re really excited,” EU coach Mike Kuhnlenz said. “He’s super smart and he knows the offense. … I thought he played really well last week. He sat in the pocket looking downfield and not at the guys trying to take his head off. Anytime you get a guy like that, especially a freshman, it’s a sign of good things to come, for sure.”
Another bright spot for the Lancers of late is running back David Flores, who is back to full strength after missing about a month with a leg injury. The 5-7, 191-pound senior bulled his way to 191 yards on just 12 carries two weeks ago in a blowout win over Sierra and rushed for another 137 yards and three touchdowns at Kimball.
With Simon at quarterback, Flores at running back and Lee at wide out, Kuhnlenz is hoping his spread offense can breakthrough with a consistent effort.
“He’s a bruiser for us,” Kuhnlenz said. “We’ve been impressed with how he’s been running since he’s been back. He is seeing the holes clearly and moving the pile forward.”
Nevada Union is rolling into postseason play with two straight wins, needing both to qualify. Like EU, the Miners’ six losses were all against tough opponents. They finished fourth in the Foothill Valley League.
“They have some size everywhere and play in a tough league,” Kuhlenz said. “Our advantage is that they have to drive two hours and we don’t. We’re expecting a tough matchup, for sure.”
Junior QB Dustin Philpott (1,205 yards, 14 TDs, eight interceptions) directs Nevada Union’s spread attack. He’s supported by 6-foot receiver Brett Cota (38 receptions, 694 yards, nine TDs), Andrew Webster (28-399-5) and Drew Menet (28-331-3).
Six-foot-4, 260-pound left tackle Nate Via and 6-4, 245-pound defensive end Clay Renner (105 tackles, five sacks) anchor the Miners in the trenches.
“They’re a spread team that does a lot of what we do,” Kuhnlenz said. “Their quarterback looks pretty good, they have athletes at receiver and their line is solid. It’s going to be a challenge on Friday.”
