The Bruins completed the 2004 campaign with a 2-5 league mark and finished 4-6 overall. It was a growing experience for the team, having advanced from the West Valley and Santa Teresa divisions into the "A" league in only two short seasons.

The Bruins will have to make things happen without the experienced services of members of the class of 2004, including nine starters who waved goodbye to high school last spring. Branham lost its entire backfield to graduation, including all-league selections at quarterback and tailback. This could be a particular challenge for Cardoza in his effort to retool the Bruins' traditional high-powered running game.

That challenge may prove not so daunting with the return of senior Chad Christiansen, a three-year varsity starter on the offensive line. At 6 feet and 205 pounds, Christiansen will anchor one side of the offensive line and be counted on to open up holes for inexperienced backs. Senior Dan Allfrey (6-foot-3, 240 ) will do the same on the other side of the offensive line. Often, a team's offensive running game is only as good as the men up front in the trenches, and these two solid seniors plan to set the pace and making sure the Bruins are a force to be reckoned with.

Ready to step in at quarterback and into a leadership role on the offense is senior Duce Ferrante (6-foot-1, 175 ). He spent last year in the back-up role behind all-leaguer and two-year starter T.J. DeStefano. Although he didn't get much playing time, Ferrante did have the opportunity to watch and learn from one of the league's best.

Senior Scott Hertler (5-foot-10, 160 ) will vie for a running back spot. He is another backup player from 2004 who saw limited action, but is ready to step up and shoulder the load as a varsity starter.

Ferrante may have the chance to expand the traditional Bruin running attack with an aerial assault since he will be looking at senior wide receiver Jason Whitcomb. At 6-foot-4 and 180 pounds, Whitcomb will be a very visible target on the outside and returns as the only varsity all-league selection from 2004. Whitcomb hopes to continue his consistent play in 2005 and contribute to the Bruins' offensive punch.

Cordoza has some rebuilding to do on the defensive side of the ball as well but is confident that part of the Bruins game will come together and solidify. He is counting on two returning starters, seniors Dan Shehan and Doug Shehan, to lead the way.

Dan Shehan will dig in on the defensive line with his 6-foot-4, 219- pound frame and dare offensive linemen and backs to come his way. Backing him up at his linebacker slot will be Doug Shehan (5-foot-11, 163 ). He may not be the biggest linebacker around, but his quickness and speed make opponents aware of his presence.

The Bruins were tested early when they opened the season at home on Sept. 3 against an always big and strong team from North Salinas High School. After the opener, Branham will use two contests on the road to tune up for the Mt. Hamilton Division league opener. The Bruins will face Homestead on Sept. 9 and Andrew Hill on Sept. 16.

Cardoza hopes to have the Bruins ready to square off against Piedmont Hills as they host the Pirates in the league opener for both teams on Sept. 30. The Pirates are coming off a dismal 2004 campaign that saw them go winless in league play, but they have proven solid contenders in the past and are always dangerous.

The Oak Grove Eagles were 2004 co-champions, and Cordoza said there's no reason why the perennial powerhouse will not be right there again in 2005. He anticipates that the Pioneer Mustangs could also be title contenders. The Bruins will have plenty of time to get ready for the Eagles since they are not on the schedule until the final game of the regular season on Nov. 10.

Cordoza anticipates a good season; his optimism born out of the fact that he sees a "good attitude among the players" and that his Bruins are "solid in most areas."

His optimism is tempered by a touch of reality.

"We hope to compete for a playoff spot," the coach said, "but we will need a strong contribution by underclassmen to do it."

The move into the strong Mt. Hamilton Division almost always proves a struggle and results in a year of transition for most teams. Cardoza had a strong group of experienced players to take his team through that transition last season and is looking forward to his program continuing its tradition of growth and success.

Key Returners

Chad Christiansen (6-0, 205), Sr., OL/LB

Dan Allfrey (6-3, 240), Sr., OL/DL

Duce Ferrante (6-1, 175), Sr., QB

Jason Whitcomb (6-4, 180), Sr., WR

Dan Shehan (5-11, 163), Sr., LB

Scott Hertler (5-10, 160), Sr., RB

BRANHAM 2005
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 3, North Salinas, 2 p.m.

Sept. 9, Homestead, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 16, at Andrew Hill, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 30, Piedmont Hills, 3:30 p.m.*

Oct. 7, Leland, 3:30 p.m.*

Oct. 15, at Pioneer, 1:30 p.m.*

Oct. 21, Leigh, 6 p.m.*

Oct. 28, at Independence, 7:30 p.m.*

Nov. 5, at Silver Creek, 1:30 p.m.*

Nov. 10, Oak Grove, 2:45 p.m.*

*Denotes Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division game