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The Cabrillo football program is ready to kick-off their season under first-year coach Malcolm Manuel.
The Jaguars hit the road Friday night against Artesia, a team they lost to 29-26 in the final moments of last season’s season opener.
The Jaguars welcome back junior Fernando Leanos at quarterback, and he had a nice day against Artesia last year. The junior will be a big part of what the Jaguars look to do in coach Manuel’s fast-paced offense – a system Leanos has enjoyed learning in the offseason.
“This (offense) has been the easiest for me to memorize,” Leanos said.
Leanos will have some new receivers, but Danny Lopez will be a key factor in what the Jaguars want to do on Friday night. Along with Lopez, Will Colbert, Zyaire Hughes and Stephen Walker will be involved in passing game.
“Danny will be one of the focal points of the offense,” Manuel said ahead of the season. “He may not leave the field very much.”
Cabrillo will lean on Amer Hicks in the backfield as he carries the load while Keewane Foster is coming back from injury.
The Pioneers were tough at home last season going 6-0, on their way to a 9-3 season that ended in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division 13 playoffs.
Artesia will have a new face at quarterback with two sophomores on the roster in Zyir Lewis and Jorge Velasquez.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
