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By David Armendari. The 2007 version of the Shafter High School Bucks football team was unveiled last Friday at Shafter’s foot ball stadium as the locals hosted Stockdale High School's Mustangs in a controlled scrimmage. Coaching the Bucks this year is former General Doug Thompson who assisted at Bakersfield’s North High School last year before coaching as a head coach in 1978 in Bakersfield. “It's good to be home,” said Th ompson of his new assignment, which includes teaching at his alma mater. The coach was somewhat elated after his team outplayed Stockdale behind the three touchdown perfor mance of fleet-footed freshman run ning back Alex Guzman. Calling the signals at quarterback for the Bucks and reaping his praise from his coach was Mark Jara. “He’s going to be a good one,” said Thompson, of his starting quarter back. The locals appear to be loaded with talent from top to bottom on both sides of the ball. Assisting Thomp son on the sidelines with this ener getic group of “hungry” players are assistant coaches Gabe Espinoza and Manuel Melero. All three coaches addressed their team in the north end of the end zone following the scrimmage. Thompson told the team that they displayed “lots of class and were well disciplined.” The coach also cited the importance of everyone taking part in the scrim mage as “we're only good as our least experienced played,” in regards to potential injuries that occur in games. Thompson summed up the Bucks ef fort by saying, “We did a good job tonight and lots of good things hap pened.” Coach Espinoza said the team has “a big improvement on both sides of the ball and took constructive criticism well.” Coach Melero told the young teams that “We need work on our atti tudes and that things are not always gonna go our way (four turnovers).” The Bucks’ outlook this season looks bright with defensive players such as “Nuffy” Martinez, Tyler Mobley, J.T. Smith, Fernando Salcido, Gustavo Guzaman and Garzon handling the hitting depart ment. On offense, a big front line comprised of Erik Peralta, Garrett Couch, Kyle Horn, Gustavo Guzman, Taylor Nightengale and Alfonso Perez will be protecting Jara and opening holes for the speedy Garzon. The Bucks open their season on the road on Thursday as they face the Delano High School Tigers. A Stockdale Mustang ball carrier looks for an opening as Bucks lineman Erik Peralta closes in for the tackle. Shafter outscored Stockdale by one touchdown, 3-2. Pictured in the foreground is Tyler Mobley.
Newspaper Details
Shafter Press
Shafter, California, US
Wed, Aug 29, 2007
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Mark J.
USA 31 Aug 2026
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