Cubs get pumped for football

CUBS IN THE SUMMERTIME:
Varsity football players spend some of their summer conditioning in the weight room at Anderson Union High School. Here, senior defensive lineman Europa Mataia lifts while Mo Hursey, senior fullback and middle linebacker, waits his turn.

Loud rock and roll that became deafening upon entering the weight room indicated that football will sleep in the summertime at Anderson Union High School.

About 15 football players were putting in extra conditioning time with coach Lance Gosch.

Gosch got his first glimpse of his 2009 Cubs varsity football squad practicing in pads at a football camp in Ashland, Ore. in June.

"They played really hard. Drew DiPrima had a really good camp," he said of the running back. "He showed some good moves in open field, and that's good to see from a senior."

DiPrima, Gosch said, may take on the role of running back that graduate Victor Timmons carried for the Cubs last year.

Senior Europa Mataia had a great camp at defensive end and at center, Gosch added.

After graduating nearly 18 players last year, including key positions such as quarterback, running back and several linemen, the Cubs team now sports a mix of juniors and seniors to start.

"We have a long way to go, but they're showing they are willing to work hard," Gosch said. "That's all you can ask."

In the meantime, Gosch is asking players to spend their summer lifting and running to prepare for the beginning of football practice on Aug. 10.

Although Gosch said he already has a good idea of who all would make the team, the coach declined to expand on any of the team's strong points.

"It's too early to identify our strengths," he said, "but with a strong offensive and defensive line we have a chance to be pretty good."