SportsFootball

Rookies blend into football program

Just two of the many new additions to this year's football team, junior tight end Jason Flick and transfer offensive lineman Allen Jackson stand tall in their faded practice jerseys as they prepare for Saturday's game against Whittier. / photo by Echelle Avelar
Just two of the many new additions to this year’s football team, junior tight end Jason Flick and transfer offensive lineman Allen Jackson stand tall in their faded practice jerseys as they prepare for Saturday’s game against Whittier. / photo by Echelle Avelar

by Ramzi Rabadi
Staff Writer

A new season starts for the University of La Verne football team with many high expectations, one of which includes a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) championship, which the veterans and rookies want to endure this year.

“Up to this point they have worked this hard, to assimilate into our program. I am very pleased with our new group of players,” said head coach Don Morel.

The ULV football team will feature many new faces on the field this season, including junior cornerback Dereck Dedeaux, who transferred from the University of Idaho.

In choosing a college, Dedeaux considered two other schools, UC Berkeley and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The head football coach at Citrus College also informed him about La Verne and encouraged him to contact Morel.

“I wanted to come back home and go to school and play football . . . and do well with my family and friends there,” Dedeaux said. “Don [Morel] knew my situation and I checked it out.”

Along with Dedeaux is free safety Bert Martin, who also transferred from Division I University of New Mexico.

Martin will be kick returning and playing receiver, and he expects “big things” for himself and the team.

On the offensive side, senior tight end Jason Flick, is seeking a SCIAC championship.

“I want to make it through the season, not make any mistakes and go undefeated and win SCIAC,” he said.

Flick, during the summer was influenced to play football appreciated Morel’s training in practice.

“Morel kept me disciplined and kept me on the right page,” said Flick about “hell week” practice.

Sophomore offensive guard Allen Jackson is another player who came to ULV due to Morel and what he called “the winning tradition combined with academics.”

Jackson, who is a redshirt transfer from San Bernardino Valley College, will take on the responsibility of protecting the quarterback.

Along with Jackson is newcomer and freshmen safety Andy Chambers from El Camino high school.

According to Chambers, his decision to come to ULV was based on the closeness to home and the very good football program. “I was nervous, there were big boys out there,” Chambers said, describing his first practice.

The new rookies will have the opportunity to showcase their talent for the first time as the Leopards play against Whittier tomorrow.

La Verne’s last matchup against Whittier ended with ULV winning 38-22 and Anthony Rice scoring three touchdowns.

The Leopards rushed a total of 219 yds. and passed 59 yds. compared to Whittier’s total of 242 yds. rushed and 58 yds. passed.

The last time the Poets beat the Leopards was in 1988, 28-7. Since ULV has won 23-19, 28-14, 12-2, 21-18, 24-17, 35-6, 59-7, and last years 38-22.

“The key to our success this Saturday will be our ability to limit mistakes and execute on both sides of the ball,” said Morel.

Ramzi Rabadi
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