ST. MONICA — The once great St. Monica Mariners appear to have a renewed confidence heading into today’s season opener against Mary Star of the Sea.
After being burdened by a 37-game losing streak for the better part of four seasons, the Mariners finally tasted victory during the finale last year.
For first-year Head Coach Larry Muno, that lone victory will hopefully spark something in his Mariners that may lead them to better days ahead.
Before that can happen, he’s just glad to see his team focused on the task at hand.
“We’re fired up,” Muno said. “The program has some new energy.
“Our seniors are ready to go. These kids have worked hard since January.”
Chief among those players is starting quarterback Matt Partyka. The junior had been a fixture on the school’s soccer team before moving over to the gridiron to try his hand at football.
Muno said that his shifty style will keep defenses guessing as the team heads into a season he hopes will be filled with victories.
Assisting Partyka will be a stable of wide receivers who should give opposing defensive backfields fits in coverage. Seniors Danny White and Kyle Farber will be two of Partyka’s primary targets with Sam Holguin also considered a prime pass catcher.
As for this week’s matchup with Mary Star, Muno said he looks for the team to run a veer offense that features option plays designed to control the ball and grind down the clock.
“I know they can run the veer,” Muno said. “They bring it.”
