By Pete Borello
Foothill College Football Preview
Owls go after sixth-straight bowl bid
Marshall Sperbeck isn’t one to make predictions.
Although the coach has led the Foothill College football team to the Kiwanis Silicon Valley Bowl the last five years, he isn’t about to guarantee the Owls will get back there this season.
He won’t even venture a guess of how many games Foothill will win.
“I really don’t know (how we will do),” said Sperbeck, in his 11th year as coach at the Los Altos Hills community college. “Potentially, we can be pretty good, but we have a tough schedule. We’ll have to see how (the players) respond.”
The Owls traditionally play a difficult schedule, but this year’s slate appears especially arduous due to the realignment of the Northern California Football Alliance. The NCFA has split into three divisions, with the Owls landing in the “A” bracket with heavyweights City College of San Francisco, Sacramento City, Butte, College of the Redwoods and Chabot.
“It’s definitely a tough schedule,” said Sperbeck, who last season guided the Owls to an 8-3 record and its fourth-straight bowl victory. “We play nine teams ranked in the top 15 in Northern California.”
Foothill’s biggest nemesis, as always, should be San Francisco. The reigning national champion Rams have dominated the Owls in recent years.
San Francisco, entering the season ranked No. 1 in Northern California, is once again favored to claim the conference championship; Butte (No. 3) and Foothill (No. 5) are expected to fight for second.
To contend, the Owls will have to rely on several new players. The 70-man roster features only 27 returners, 10 of whom started last year.
The offense will have seven new starters, including the entire backfield.
Jeffrey Williams, a transfer from the College of San Mateo, is the new quarterback in Foothill’s spread offense. Sperbeck, a former college QB with a knack for developing passers who go on to play at four-year schools, is excited about Williams’ potential.
“He’s a drop-back kid who’s a good athlete and makes good decisions,” Sperbeck said. “We’re lucky to have him.”
The starting running back position has yet to be settled, with the speedy Gerald Green (4.4 in the 40-yard dash) competing with fellow freshman Ardell Briggs. Los Altos High graduate Scotty Hamilton also is expected to get some carries.
The receiving corps features veteran Lee McLaughlin, along with newcomers Jason Girley and Michael Center-Sparks. McLaughlin, who had 23 receptions last season, is the team’s second-fastest player (4.5 in the 40). Girley is a transfer from Idaho State, a school he led in receiving a year ago with 45 catches. The elusive Center-Sparks, a transfer from Cal, doubles as a kick returner. Returning player Barry Ivers, a St. Francis High product, provides depth at wideout.
Los Altos grad Sai Pela, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound sophomore, has emerged as Foothill’s starting tight end.
The offensive line is anchored by returning guards John Terrell (6-1, 280) and Lanakila Kaoni (6-5, 315).
The Owls’ defense has six players back, including Silicon Valley Bowl MVP Joe Maningo. But Maningo and Rob Mamula, starters at defensive end last year, have been converted to linebackers. Sperbeck said both players are making smooth transitions to their new positions.
Another player switching positions is Nate Ramezane, who’s going from catching passes to defending them. Sperbeck said the move to safety “hasn’t been a problem” for Ramezane, the team’s leading receiver last year, and gives him a better chance at playing at the NCAA level.
Also back are defensive tackles Scott Jobe (6-5, 315) and Sione Tuipulotu (6-3, 275), an all-conference selection in 2001.
In addition, Sperbeck anticipates big things from new starters Justin Luettgerodt (defensive end) and Mike McCoy (cornerback). Local products expected to contribute include linebacker Marc Saguid (Gunn High) and cornerback Steve Nichols (Homestead).
Foothill kicks off its season Saturday with a 1 p.m. non-conference game at Santa Rosa. The Owls’ home opener is set for 7 p.m., Sept. 21, against San Mateo.
