Could ’17 be Griffins’ year?
- Updated: August 23, 2017
Grossmont College quarterback Brad Cagle
2017 GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOOTBALL
By David Dickens
EastCountySports.com
EL CAJON (8-23-17) – The only direction to go is up for Grossmont College after the heartbreaking loss to the Palomar Comets cost the Griffins a bowl bid berth.
The Grossmont College Griffins finished 2016 5-5 and 1-4 in a stacked National Southern Conference.
“It is a very competitive conference, but I would rather face the best, Grossmont head coach Mike Jordan said. “There is a more dedicated, harder working flavor to the team in 2017 as opposed to the 2016 team.
More local talent compared to years past, Grossmont remains in the national spotlight not only for the outstanding athletic programs, Grossmont College is one of the top tiered academic educational institutions as well.
“The great thing about recruiting the local talent is they are more prepared for the academic side of the ball and remain eligible, unlike a lot of the talent from outside the south east county of San Diego, which can trip up a lot of these young athletes,” Jordan said. “The curriculum is tough.”
The biggest improvement for the Grossmont College Griffins last year, the addition of now second-year assistant coach, C.J. ARNOLD.
Arnold hails from the same college head coach Mike Jordan attended, San Jose State, and was also a fabulous coach at Cerritos College.
“C. J. is the reason we had the number 1 defense, he reminds me of how great my father, DAVE JORDAN, was,” Jordan said.
The real test will be the defense, which is young but has speed, although very few returners from last year.
This year’s defense is stronger with the addition of assistant head coach Arnold also handling the strength and conditioning program.
Returning as a sophomore, defensive lineman CHRIS JAMES along with his co-star, returning linebacker Valhalla alum LOGAN BAKER can bring the youngsters up to speed.
Marco Fowler
The Griffins seem to have the offensive attack coiled up and ready to strike, especially with key returning offensive linemen, former Granite Hills alum FRANCISCO SAAVEDRA and former West Hills lineman MARCO FOWLER.
Anchoring the line is former Helix center, MARIO BORNELL.
Gunslinging last year’s 1st team all conference QB BRAD CAGLE, threw for 1826 yards 18 TD’s, completing 130 of 268 pass attempts.
“I’m really proud of Brad,” Jordan said. “He is a quiet guy, but he knows and understands all phases of how the offense works, combined with being an elusive runner and accurate arm.”
Grossmont has four talented running backs led by big downhill runner JEROME JOHNSON, out of Valhalla.
“The Southwestern scrimmage should help us select our starting core.” Said Jordan. “We also have a great crew of young receivers.”
The Griffins play a scrimmage against southern rival Southwestern College on Friday.
“This scrimmage is our practice but the other group might treat it as a little more,” Jordan said.
When questioned about any possible game circled on the schedule, Jordan responded, “Yes! Every conference game on the schedule is a must win!”
