Torres Leads Football with New Offense

VINCENT LIN

Sports Editor

Amongst a bustle of shifts in the coaching staff of Alhambra High School in its new sports season, the eye of the school is keeping an eager gaze on the classic hundred-yard field. Following the retirement of Gil Ruedaflores, perhaps the biggest name associated with Alhambra athletics, fans wait to see where 22-year assistant coach Lou Torres will take the football program as he assumes the position of head coach of the varsity team.

Torres’ tenure and overall familiarity with our football program and its players provides a smooth transition in beginning both a new leadership and season. In mutuality, the team returns recognition for their coach that is advantageous to their confidence and disposition towards the change. In any case, there have been no differences too large for the team to handle.

“We’re continuing the same values as before, but we’re doing it in terms of how I believe it should be done,” said Torres.

The most noticeable adjustment is Torres’ different offensive philosophy compared to previous years. The team now operates under a new main offensive formation: the Wing-T offense. In the past, the players focused mainly on throwing, whereas the Wing-T is characteristically more of a throw and run play, which Torres judges to be better suited for the players this year. It is characterized by an additional backing position known as a wingback, which calls for different runs and passes.

“The Wing-T is a good offense. It’s hard work and there’s a lot of movement in the backfield, but we get used to it,” said offensive tackle Chris Salgado, a four-year member.

Head coaches who direct offense come with assistant defensive coaches, and, with Ruedaflores’ leaving, there was the departure of some of his assistants as well. Therefore, returning defensive coach Jacob Ochoa has stepped up to pair with Torres. Under their management, the players have progressed into a solid and cooperative team.

“Coach always makes us work hard and tells us [seniors] to help the underclassmen players at practice. I know we can go somewhere with this team to playoffs,” said Salgado.

The Moors currently stand with a tied preseason. They lost their first two games to Roosevelt and La Canada with scores of 13-16 and 0-17, respectively, but won their latest games against Temple City with a score of 20-14 and against their Wilson game with a score of 24-20.