Bobcats take on Santaluces in spring game

Published May 23rd, 2008

By Mario Sarmento
SPORTS EDITOR

The Boca Raton High football team lost 10 players from last year’s 7-3 squad, but Coach Eddie Giersbrook is hopeful his younger players will give him a glimpse of good things to come in Friday’s spring game against Santaluces.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Olympic Heights High.

The biggest losses are on the offensive and defensive lines, and at key skill positions. The Bobcats have to replace quarterback John Garrish, leading rusher Tony Cornelius, all-world cornerback Antonio Fenelus, and top wide receiver Jerry Harris.

“We lost a good majority of kids, but I know one thing, my coaches do a great job coaching these kids up,” Giersbrook said. “I’m kind of anxious to see how we’re going to respond.”

Giersbrook was happy with the offensive line play in last week’s Blue and Gold game, and he singled out Atlantic transfer Jo’El Petival for his work at linebacker. Giersbrook also praised defensive end Marcus Sutton for his performance, and Jeremy Retzsch, who plays tight end, defensive end and receiver.

Canadian transfer Lewis Mota will give the Bobcats depth at the tailback position, where Willie Cyrus is slated as the starter.

The secondary will be fortified by transfer Alex Muzzi from Pope John Paul II at safety, and senior Brandon Bishop will be one of the better safeties in the area.

Terrell Williams will fill Fenelus’ role this season as lockdown cornerback, punt and kickoff returner.

“I see him playing in the ACC or SEC,” Giersbrook said.

Senior Paul Fulton, another Atlantic transfer, will start opposite Williams.

At quarterback Cole MacDonald will get the nod against Santaluces because transfer Eddie Sullivan is not eligible to play. MacDonald was Garrish’s backup last season.

In fact, none of the transfers are eligible to play in Friday’s game. But Giersbrook thinks that may be a good thing because it will allow more of the younger players an opportunity to perform in a game situation.

Santaluces plays a different defense than Boca Raton normally sees, the 3-4 and the stack, so Giersbrook said this would be a good test for his young squad.

But don’t expect too many gadget plays, as both of these teams meet again in Week 2 of the regular season and thus will be playing it close to the vest.

“It’s just to see where we’re at,” Giersbrook said.

“I want to see where our kids are at, see how they compete against adversity.”