2014 Prep Football Preseason Rankings: #8 Ramona Bulldogs

 

#8 Ramona Bulldogs

Location: Ramona, CA

School Colors: Blue, Red, & White

Division: I

League: Palomar

Championships: 12 (League), 5 (Section)

Head Coach: Damon Baldwin (10th Season)

2013 Recap: 10-2 (4-0, Palomar League Champions)

 

The Bulldogs got off to a 7-0 start that included a signature win over Helix. They went on to clinch their first outright league title since 1998 before their season ended with a loss to Cathedral Catholic in the Division I quarterfinal.
 

Early Outlook

 

Ramona will enter the 2014 season with a tough schedule that features six teams from Division I and three from Division II. If they can get through it successfully, the Bulldogs could be eligible for one of eight Open Division playoff spots given to Division I teams with the highest power rating at the end of the regular season. The next 12 best teams will compete for the Division I Championship.

 

"Wow, a 1,600 student school in the Open Division, well we would be privileged and enjoy the competition." said Bulldogs head coach Damon Baldwin. "We want to play the best and that division will surely challenge our program. We will play wherever we deserve."

Despite losing their leading rusher, receiver, and tackler (who also led the team in sacks), Ramona should still have enough talent to repeat as Palomar League champions.

 

Led by senior cornerback Garrett Binkley, the Bulldogs return a total of 10 starters (five on both sides of the ball). Binkley, who is also a starting receiver, recorded seven interceptions last season, the second most in the county.

 

After starting 12 games as a sophomore last season, quarterback Marco Cobain returns to help lead the run dominated offense. He'll have the help of senior running back Brandon Gansch and an offensive line anchored by two-way starter Raul Briseno.

The biggest challenge on defense will be replacing two All-CIF San Diego selections in linebacker Travis Kerchner and defensive end T-Bone Williams. Junior Keyshaun Crichlow, who filled in for injured senior Christian Drews last season, returns to replace Kerchner. Taking over for Williams at defensive end will be junior Kevin Ochoa, who ran a 4.5 40-yard dash during the offseason.

"To win the Palomar League again we will have to stay healthy and win some tough games on the road at Poway and Rancho Bernardo," Baldwin added. "This league is not easy and all the teams will be very good this season from what I hear."
 

Impact Losses

RB/DB Nathan Cherek
DB/WR Garrett Dart
OL Patrick Hastings
OL Michael Hoover
LB Travis Kerchner
TE Matt Lawler
OL Trae Rodriguez
DL T-Bone Williams
 

Impact Returners

Senior CB/WR Garrett Binkley 5'9" 170lbs
- 2013 Palomar League First-Team Defense

Senior OL/DL Raul Briseno 6'3" 225lbs
- 2013 Palomar League First-Team Offense

Junior QB Marco Cobian 6'5" 190lbs
- 2013 Palomar League First-Team Offense

Senior RB Brandon Gansch 5'9" 175lbs
- 2013 Palomar League First-Team Offense
 

2014 Schedule

August 29 @ El Cajon Valley
September 6 @ Point Loma
September 12 vs. Grossmont
September 19 vs. Escondido
September 26 @ #6 Helix
October 10 vs. Mt. Carmel*
October 17 vs. Westview*
October 24 @ Poway*
October 30 @ Rancho Bernardo*
November 7 vs. #7 Carlsbad

* League Opponent

 

Sources

Cal Preps
East County Sports
Max Preps
Partleton Sports
Ramona High School Football
U-T San Diego