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Football: PHS more versatile, deep at WR

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A strong running game and stingy defense powered the Poway High football team to a 6-6 finish, including a first-round CIF San Diego Section Division I playoff victory, in 2015.

Now the Titans are hoping the addition of speed, athleticism and depth at the wide receiver position will help put them in contention to win a Palomar League championship and make a run at a Division II section title.

“We went down a division this year and the opportunity is there,” Poway coach Damian Gonzalez said. “I think the kids definitely have the ability to get there. But it is a long season and our opening schedule is tough. We will see how well we can compete early on.”

The Titans open the season Friday at home against Bonita Vista. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. The Barons are coming off a 12-3 year, which included a Division III section championship and a Division IV-AA SoCal Regional title.

After the Barons, Poway will play at Mt. Miguel, at home against Olympian and then at the always-tough La Costa Canyon. The Palomar League should also be a challenge with rival and defending CIF Division III-A state champion Rancho Bernardo tagged as the favorite.

The Titans relied a lot on the 6-foot, 1-inch, 180-pound Jared Adelman out the backfield last year, but will look to open up the passing game with all of the depth at receiver. Track stars Cody Slawson, Saimon Georgari, Matt Blackburn and Noah Araujo will all be in the rotation with Chris Butler.

“I think having those receivers is really going to open up the things we can do,” Gonzalez said. “We probably have seven deep at wide receiver and any of those kids can be on the field at any given time. We haven’t had as much depth as we do this year for a long time.”

The quarterback position could go to returning starter Robbie Sullivan or Mira Mesa transfer Tristan Hughes. Hughes tossed 12 touchdowns to just three interceptions while starting for the Mauraders last year. The Titans feel confident in both signal callers.

The offensive line is young and could ultimately decide the fate of the 2016 Titans. Seniors Wesley Thompson and tight end Chasen Cowling figure to be the leaders of the unit.

“We are essentially replacing the entire offensive line,” Gonzalez said. “Some of the younger kids ended up starting in the playoffs for us last year, but the bulk of our offensive line is new. They are all cerebral players which is nice.”

Butler, linebacker Mimi Castillo and returning defensive end Sean Miller will be the anchors defensively. Butler, who has received offers from Sacramento State and Dixie State, is healthy after dealing with back and shoulder issues.

“We are expecting huge things from him,” Gonzalez said. “He is such a force back there for us and we have great kids around him.”

Poway went 2-0 to start last season and then failed to win back-to-back games the rest of the way. Gonzalez thinks the young group can take a step forward in that department this year.

“I think this group is confident in their ability and I believe they are more mature than last year,” Gonzalez said. “Hopefully they will be able to handle winning and keep competing and working hard every week.”

Poway

Coach: Damian Gonzalez, 12th year

2015 record: 6-6, 2-2 Palomar League; eliminated in Division I quarterfinals

Division: II

Key players: S/WR, Chris Butler, Sr.; RB/DB, Jared Adelman, Sr.; OL, Wesley Thompson, Sr.; LB, Mimi Castillo, Sr.; TE, Chasen Cowling, Sr.

Outlook: The Titans, who dropped from Division I to Division II, have a solid one-two punch returning with Adleman at running back and corner and Butler at wide receiver and safety. But there are plenty of other capable athletes on the roster, especially at wide receiver.

“We have a ton of skill kids returning,” coach Gonzalez said. “We have a lot of team speed and athleticism. We have not had this much depth in a long time. We have had teams with great athletes before, but we did not have the kind of depth behind them that we do this year.”

The Titans featured a run-heavy offense last season, but are expected to throw the ball more this year with their long list of talented receivers. The growth of a young offensive line could be the deciding factor for the Titans in 2016.

Poway is expected to be one of the teams chasing Palomar League favorite and defending champion Rancho Bernardo. The Titans will be challenged early, as they open against the defending San Diego Section Division III champions and CIF Division IV-AA SoCal Regional champions Bonita Vista.

Prediction: Poway 24, Bonita Vista 21

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