After only one year of coaching, Coach Corey Constanza left the program to return to Santa Maria High School. This left the Trojans looking for a new head coach for the second year in a row. Fortunately, someone who is very familiar with Alisal applied for the job. Coming from Hossana Christian, Jim Lockwood first heard of the job opening at Alisal from a former player. Having previously coached at Alisal 20 years ago Lockwood decided to return once again because he saw it as a “great opportunity” and added “I really like the people and culture of the school.”

Lockwood’s connection to the area goes way back.  He played wide receiver, defensive back, kick returner, and punt returner at Salinas High School. Lockwood’s playing career ended in high school, and after his playing days were over, Lockwood decided to begin coaching. He has coached in various schools including Hosanna Christian in Oregon and the Trojans’ bitter rivals, Alvarez.

Going into the season Lockwood aspires to accomplish great things in his return. On the top of Lockwood’s list is preparing the team for this year’s competition. “My plan is for the coaching staff to get players ready to play in the games and grow as individuals,” he said. Besides Lockwood’s individual goals, he stated that the team has five main goals that they would like to accomplish this season which include: winning league, making the playoffs, beating Alvarez, having 100 % eligibility, and having no players getting U’s.  Senior running back Sammy Jimenez states that their goals can be accomplished by “Everyone on the team being a leader on the field.”

Being a new head coach has put a lot of pressure on Lockwood, but fortunately for him he has been able to rely on returning players to take on a leadership role. Lockwood has set the bar high for his retuning players as he stated, “I expect them to lead by example.” Although Lockwood is evaluating the players solely on their performance from this year, there have been some players who have stood out to him as being potential leaders for his team. Among those that have caught his eye are quarterback Hector Alejo and offensive lineman Marcos Rojas because of “the way they carried themselves, they have talent and are very respectful.”

After a season ending injury his sophomore year, David Alejo’s future was unclear. However, he made a full recovery and he now stands as the starting quarterback. This year Alejo said that he has high expectations for the team, as he looks to lead the team to a league title in the Pacific Division of the MBL and a return to the playoff.  Despite having to learn a new offensive scheme he feels confident the team can perform well.  “It gives us a better chance at winning, the team seems to be taking a great liking to the new offense,” he said.  Coming off a 2-8 season, Alejo recognizes, “The odds are stacked against us,” but he plans on forgetting the past and focusing on the challenge that this season brings.

For third year returning varsity player Marcos Rojas, this is his last year to achieve glory in an Alisal uniform. Being part of the record breaking 2012 Alisal team that made it to CCS playoffs and finished with a league record of 8-2, Rojas has the much needed experience to be a leader on this year’s team. “I don’t let my teammates slack off on the field and especially not in the classroom,” he said. Learning from last year’s results has been a major help in improving the performance on this year’s team. “We didn’t like the results from last year, so now we know what to do,” he said.

The season did not start as the Trojans envisioned, as they dropped their first two contests, losing to the North Salinas Vikings, 6-35, and to rivals Alvarez, 6-49.  Lockwood said in both games, “The plays were there to be made but we didn’t execute.” Lockwood was pleased with the effort that his team showed saying, “I was glad that the kids battled the whole game in both games.”  While the lopsided losses are tough, Lockwood is more encouraged by what he sees than discouraged.  “It’s about getting them to buy in and getting better,” he said.

The Trojans now look to shake off their early struggles in the preseason and establish a competitive team in the Monterey Bay League’s Pacific Division as they try to turn things around against King City this Friday.