The Comeback Kids Look to Build on Surprising 2023 Run
The Grossmont Foothillers, just one season removed from a winless campaign, hired former standout quarterback Anthony Lawrence as the new head coach, replacing Tom Karlo another former Hillers QB. While there were growing pains, the Foothillers made an unexpected trip to the 2023 Division III championship game. Now, as the 2024 season approaches, the second-year head coach faces a daunting question: Can lightning strike twice in El Cajon?
2023 In Review: From Zero Wins to Heroes
Record: 7-6 (2-3 Grossmont Hills League, T-3rd)
Highlights: Division III Championship appearance, First winning season since 2019
Key Wins: Steele Canyon (39-36), Santa Fe Christian (24-21, Playoffs)
Notable Losses: La Jolla Country Day (D-III Championship)
2024 Outlook: Regression or Reload?
The Foothillers' journey from cellar-dwellers to title contenders was remarkable. In his debut season, Coach Lawrence orchestrated a complete turnaround, guiding Grossmont to its first winning record since 2019. Losing key players on both sides of the ball suggests a significant step back, but don't tell that to the Foothillers. This program has already defied expectations once, and they're hungry to prove the doubters wrong again.
Key Departures and Returnees
Graduating Talent:
RB Ian Aceves (778 yards, 7 TDs)
WR Cody Bigley (1,131 yards, 13 TDs)
QB Hudson Herber (3,105 yards, 37 TDs)
FS Josh Ferrara (7 INTs, 106 tackles)
DL Jacob Suter (10.5 sacks)
Returning Stars:
WR Noah Walker (Jr.) - 597 yards & 11 TDs as a sophomore; Colorado State offer.
WR/K Parker Vanderburgh (Sr.) - 407 yards & 5 TDs last season.
X-Factor: The Quarterback Question
With Hudson Herber's graduation, the most pressing concern is under center. His brother, Joshua Herber, transferred from Steele Canyon but will have to sit out until September 26th. When Josh suits up, it could provide much-needed stability to the offense. For now the keys belong to senior Thomas Donovan, who threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns in the eight games he participated in last season.
Circle These Dates: Revenge Tour 2024
10/4 at Mount Miguel - The Matadors set a new team record for points in a single game, drubbing the Hillers 66-20 last season.
10/18 vs. Helix - The 57-8 loss to their arch-rivals extended a streak that dates back to 1992. Will this be the year?
11/1 at Granite Hills - The eventual Open Division champions secured an undefeated regular season campaign by handing them a 44-22 defeat.
Keys to Success in 2024
Defensive Leap: Grossmont surrendered 36.2 points per game in 2023. Shoring up the defense is crucial for another playoff run.
Establish the Run: With uncertainty at quarterback, a strong ground game could take pressure off the passing attack.
Walker, Texas Ranger: Get the ball to Noah Walker early and often. The junior wideout has game-breaking potential.
Weather the Storm: A brutal league schedule means the Foothillers must stay resilient through potential early struggles.
Bottom Line:
On paper, Grossmont faces an uphill battle in 2024. But if last season taught us anything, it's that you can never count out the Foothillers. Lawrence has instilled a winning culture, and with a chip on their shoulder, don't be surprised if Grossmont defies the odds again. The hill may be steep, but these Hillers are ready to climb back to a title run. It starts Friday night when they host the Patrick Henry Patriots to open the new campaign.
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