2015 Prep Football Preseason Rankings: #6 St. Augustine Saints

 

#6 St. Augustine Saints

 

Location: San Diego, CA
School Colors: Purple & Gold
Division: I
League: Eastern
Championships: 5 (Section), 13 (League)
Head Coach: Richard Sanchez (7th Season)

 

2014 Recap: 8-5 CIF-SD Division I Champions (3-1 Eastern, 2nd)

With one of the toughest schedules in the county and injuries to key players, St. Augustine got off to a 3-5 start. The Saints would go on to end their rollercoaster season on a five-game win streak that was capped by a third straight section title game appearance; where they pulled off a thrilling 49-42 triumph over Madison.

2015 Outlook

St. Augustine should have a stacked defense in 2015 with the return of eight starters from last year’s championship season. That has head coach Richard Sanchez and the Saints fan base very excited.

“We were a really young team last year with four freshmen starting at different points in the season,” Sanchez said. “Now those young athletes are battle-tested, which we’ll need with our difficult schedule.”

“It also helps having seniors Quinn Seau, Andrew Seelert, and Francoise Sims II helping the younger guys understand responsibilities, and what our expectations are in terms of tempo.”

 

On offense the Saints will have a tall and athletic line anchored by Michael Alves at guard, and the “Twin Towers” of Aidan Valencia and Matthew Thefeld at the tackle positions.

 

“They might be the most athletic offensive line I’ve ever seen in high school,” Sanchez said. “They all started last year, and Alves is going into his third year as a starter. So up front we are expecting big things.”

 

At the skill positions, leading rusher Elijah Preston returns for his senior season and fourth year as a varsity starter. He’ll be teamed up with Sims II to bring a fantastic one-two punch to the ground game.

 

Jordan Brooks and tight end Andrew Seelert are expected to be the top receiving options for the new starting quarterback. Junior Rodney Thompson and sophomore JR Justice are competing to succeed Thomas Goodridge behind center.

 

“We are excited, but with the opponents we face week in and week out, we know it’s going to be another season of adversity,” Sanchez added.

 

 

* League Opponent
(R) Revenge Game
(#) Rivalry Game

 

Impact Losses

 

CB/WR Frank Buncom IV

OL/DL Chris Gesell
QB Thomas Goodridge

OL/DL Daniel Ramirez

 

Impact Returners

 

Senior OL/DL Michael Alves
- 2014 All-Eastern League First Team Offense

 

Senior RB Elijah Preston
- 2014 All-CIF San Diego Second Team Offense
- 2014 Eastern League Offensive Player of the Year
 

 
 

Senior RB/LB Francoise Sims II

 - 2014 All-Eastern League Second Team Defense

Sources

 

Cal Preps
Max Preps
San Diego Union Tribune