Considering last year’s story book success, this year’s varsity football team has a lot to live up to in the post season.  Most students, faculty and area residents will recall how the Cougars, picked to finish last in preseason polls, marched all the way to the California state championship game.

This year, despite an injury marred season that has already seen the loss of quarterback Brett Stephens, lineman Wesley Brumbraugh and other starting players, the team has managed to climb to the top of the Diablo Foothill Athletic League again, with a record of 9-1. Their lone loss came against El Cerrito in a non-league game.

According to varsity coach Kevin Macy, the injuries have been somewhat problematic, causing frequent reshuffling of their roster.

“The difference between this year’s and last year’s teams is that they are going in different directions, with the physical wear and tear on the players,” said Macy.

“We’re definitely confident despite all of the injuries,” said running back Nicky Aikawa. “It’s kind of weird to say this, but the injuries probably had a positive impact on the team. We’ve all had to step up and do more.”

Tight end Jack Davis said, “We’re confident; we have a lot of role players ready to step up.”

While the NCS championship of 2011 was memorably, they hope to be defined by this year’s post season accomplishments.

Davis said, “We’re looking to prove everybody wrong. We had zero expectations. A lot of the seniors didn’t play last year, so we want to have a place in Campo history.

“We’re confident. We have a lot of role players ready to step up. We’ve had some intense practices and we’re ready for the playoff grind,” he added.

Macy said, “We don’t have any goals based on last years’ season. The team had to start fresh and establish their own identity and make goals that fit their own personality.”

“The kids did a great job winning league, but it’s hard to say how well tooled we are for the playoffs,” he added.