Kaiser football team gets ready for new season

Kaiser High School has enjoyed much success on the football field ever since 2001, and the Cats are aiming for another splendid season this fall.

Coach Phil Zelaya's team, led by a strong group of returning players, will be one of the top contenders for the Sunkist League title. The Cats are ranked No. 6 in the CIF Central Division pre-season poll.

"We're really happy with our returning guys at the skill positions; they're doing a great job," Zelaya said. "But we still have some areas in which we need to improve."

The Cats won 10 straight league championships (the longest streak in the history of prep athletics in Fontana) before finishing in second place behind Summit in 2011.

Two of the team's powerful running backs from last year, Taleeb Isom (an All-CIF player) and Marquette Washington, are enthusiastic about their upcoming senior campaigns.

"The backfield is looking good," Washington said.

Stepping in at quarterback will be Ray Padilla, a junior.

"Ray is a very athletic, tough, and smart kid," Zelaya said. "We love to run the ball, but we know we need to be able to throw the ball also."

"Whether the coach wants to run or pass, I'm happy with whatever he wants," Padilla said.

On defense, the Cats have several talented players, including senior linebackers Anthony Saenz and Kevin Trujillo (a returning All-CIF selection) and cornerback Desmond Ferrera.

"It will be a fun year," said Saenz. "Everybody is stepping up and getting ready to do their job."

Kaiser will have a very tough non-league schedule, starting with the opener on Friday, Aug. 31 at Apple Valley.

The Sunkist season will get under way with a home game against Summit on Oct. 5.

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Source: http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2012/08/24/sports/doc5036539d6c2f0070324435.txt

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