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Woodside coach Justin Andrews, in his eighth season, reached deep into the football archives and brought out the single wing for his team to use on offense a couple of years ago. Opposing defenses certainly don’t see it very often, something the Wildcats hope will work to their advantage.
“We try to update it and apply a few tweaks,” Andrews said of a formation that was in wide use as the predominant formation in American football throughout the first half of the 20th Century
Ben Giovanetti (6-1, 230), described as “big, fast and powerful,” by Andrews, played mostly on defense last spring but will be utilized at running back this fall. He provides a power back dimension.
Kevin Lagarde, “a touchdown threat every time he carries the ball,” according to Andrews, will be utilized to complement Giovanetti.
Obed Echeverria will also get carries in the three running-back formation.
Ben Shepard will play quarterback.
“He’s a smart kid,” Andrews said.
Marco Parodi, son of Hillsdale coach Mike Parodi, will start at wide receiver.
“He will probably be our leading receiver,” Andrews said. “He has good hands, runs great routes.”
Andrew Nordgren is another receiving target for Shepard as a wingback and slot receiver.
The team lost a promising sophomore tackle to a season-ending injury. Isaac Torres (5-9, 225) and Emanuel Aguilera (6-0, 265) will be tasked with opening holes for the ground game along with Tau Latu (6-1, 290).
“He loves to hit,” Andrews said of Latu.”We’re looking at him to be the anchor of the defensive line.”
The Peninsula Athletic League Lake Division will only have five teams this fall with South San Francisco not fielding a varsity team. Who’s the favorite?
“I have no idea what to think,” Andrews said. “With South San Francisco out the remaining teams are all competitive.”
The Wildcats open the season with a home game against Silver Creek on Aug. 27. They host Rancho San Juan and Aragon and play at Cupertino before opening Lake Division play at San Mateo on Oct. 1.
