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Leigh's Shawn Thomas had the privilege of serving as the North head coach for the 2003 Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Football Game. It was "a great experience," said Thomas, and he undoubtedly was proud of the six Longhorns who were part of the North squad. But there might have been just a few thoughts about what the future held as he walked off the field that summer night.
Those six all-stars were among the 22 seniors that Thomas lost to graduation from a Leigh team that contended for the league title in 2002 in the always-tough Mt. Hamilton Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League. The Longhorns finished the season in a three-way tie for second.
They made it to the semifinals of the Central Coast Section Division III playoffs before bowing to eventual co-champion Los Gatos.
Those graduating seniors definitely left a lot of holes to fill and represented a wealth of athletic talent that must be replaced.
Facing a situation such as that, it's always good to have a strong foundation to build upon, and Thomas certainly has that.
As a junior last year, Erik Schlief (6-foot-6, 365 pounds) was chosen as the Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the Mt. Hamilton Division. He has been a three-year starter at offensive tackle and is the anchor of the offensive line.
He has been selected as a pre-season High School All-American and should provide excellent leadership and experience for the Longhorns.
One challenge that Thomas has facing him is finding the solution to replacing the outstanding offensive production provided by graduating senior Chris Orozco, who finished the year among the league leaders in rushing (fourth), receiving (third), and scoring (second).
Thomas is optimistic that young players from last year's frosh-soph team will develop and be able to provide needed offensive punch.
This group of young talent is led by quarterback Kiel Trudeau (6-foot, 175). He should provide solid leadership as he directs the offense. He will be joined in the backfield by last year's frosh-soph starting fullback John Brown (5-foot-10, 190).
Trudeau will be throwing to two of his former frosh-soph targets, all-league wide receiver Matt Hoffman (6-foot-1, 170) and all-league tight end Brian Wendt (6-foot-3, 205). Wendt also does double duty as a linebacker.
Another upcoming frosh-soph standout is Mike Nustedter (5-foot-9, 180). He will be seeing time on both sides of the ball as a running back and as a defensive back.
Thomas is in his fourth year at Leigh—third year as the head coach after a season as the defensive coordinator. Prior to being at Leigh, he served three years on the coaching staff at Los Gatos.
When asked how he thought the Longhorns would fare this season, Thomas was quick to reply. "We will challenge for the title."
Much depends on just how quickly those young varsity players can develop and be able to respond to the high level of varsity competition in the Mt. Hamilton Division.
The Longhorns' three pre-season games are with 2002 Central Coast Section Division II CCS finalist Homestead; West Catholic Athletic League powerhouse Bellarmine; and the always-competitive Lowell High School of San Francisco.
Thomas acknowledges that defending league champion Piedmont Hills and the always-solid Oak Grove should also be contenders for the 2003 league title, but, as Thomas says, "to be the best you've got to beat the best."
Leigh 2003 Football Schedule
Sept. 12 Saratoga 7 p.m.
Sept. 19 Bellarmine 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Lowell (SF) 1 p.m.
Oct. 3 Silver Creek * 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 Pioneer * 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 at Piedmont Hills * 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 Independence 7 p.m.
Oct. 31 at Gunderson * 7 p.m.
Nov. 7 Santa Teresa * 7 p.m.
Nov. 14 at Oak Grove * 7:30 p.m.
*Denotes Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division game.
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