The562’s coverage of Aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
The Jaguars will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and have plenty of motivation coming into this season. Last year, they were a fixture in the CIF-SS Division 7 Top 10 poll until the playoff bracket was released and Cabrillo was left on the out.
“The program plan is still intact and we know we can go deep in the playoffs if we get a chance and work together,” Cabrillo coach Lawrence Durand said. “I’m really getting on this team and pushing them to make the most.”
Durand has six seniors and high expectations this year as he teaches his squad a dynamic system on both sides of the pool with lefties Aharon Villegas-Resendiz and Emilio Jimenez. The Jaguars are able to run a variety of double post sets on offense that caters to the lefties and their speed. Villegas-Resendiz finished second in the Moore League boys’ swimming 50 Freestyle a few months ago.
Mosheh Villegas-Resendiz is also very fast and Cabrillo will try to out swim teams on the counter attack. Junior goalkeeper Kevin Carrillo will hold down the defense where guys like Jacob Jacinto and Kristopher Mendoza can really help the Jaguars.
“Win or lose, as long as they prepare and play with championship caliber, that’s the goal,” Durand said. “We always keep the brotherhood intact. Even for the entire Moore League. If we treat each other like brothers, that’s a successful season. And usually that also produces some great results.”
