Winning tradition to be tested at East Nicolaus

Just last year Mark Varnum was looking for a small town with a big football program — now at East Nicolaus, needless to say, he's found a home.

Varnum, a former first-team all-Northwest Conference guard at Puget Sound University, he has relocated after serving as offensive coordinator for Salinas High for three years and will take over at East Nicolaus for former head coach Matt Ray, who led the Spartans to back-to-back Northern Section titles in 2006 and '07.

"I was looking for a smaller town," Varnum said. "I just wanted to get away from home for awhile."

Some consider small town football more authentic than at larger schools, which have more resources available. And while the idea is certainly debatable, East Nicolaus' rich history with the game is not.

According to Northern Section records, in the past 22 seasons, the Spartans have only missed out on seven Section title games.

"This is not a program that needs to rebuild," Varnum said. "These kids already have that winning attitude coming in here."

In the past 12 seasons, East Nicolaus has played for nine Section titles and won six.

Varnum isn't the only change for East Nicolaus.

The Spartans will kick off their 2008 schedule as a member of the Mid-Valley League, rather than the Sacramento Valley League.

However, opponents, for the most part, will remain the same as Colusa, Quincy, Portola also have moved over to join Biggs, Esparto and Hamilton to make up the new-look, but very competitive league.

The coach, however, is just focusing on his team.

"It's a new league for us, but I expect us to be competitive," Varnum said.

While the Spartans lost big-time running back and linebacker Alex Daddow, who led the Northern Section with 206 tackles (fourth in state) and compiled nearly 1,500 yards on the ground, East Nicolaus virtually returns everyone.

Leading the Spartans offensive pro-set formation, which doesn't stray far from former coach Ray's playbook, is quarterback Andrew Rubalcava.

Rubalcava, last season's Appeal-Democrat All-Area quarterback, finished with 1,701 yards and 14 combined touchdowns in '07.

"He's the leader on the team," Varnum said. "He's got a big-time arm."

There's no question who the senior quarterback will look to down the field.

"Brian Johnson is a big-time player," Varnum said. "He's got good hands and Division I speed."

Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 165-pound senior, brought down 43 passes for 895 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Jessee Gardner, Joey Silva, Travis Andrade and Adam Michel will also line up as wideouts, while a large group of backs continue to compete for a starting spot in the backfield.

"We don't really have that big number one back to go to right now," Varnum said. "We kind of have a running back by committee. Passing will be a strength, but we'll be balanced on offense."

Alex Cundiff, Jason Acuff, Elliot Adams, Anthony Bassett, Ethan Downs, Colton Fiterre-moos and Garry Burdick will all see time carrying the ball.

"Jason Acuff is a hard-nosed player. He's kind of a blue-collar player," Varnum said.

Acuff, who will also start as a linebacker, rushed for 414 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Senior returner Austin Beck (6-3, 215) will anchor the offensive and defensive lines, while tight end and defensive end Jared Depaul is also expected to be force in the trenches.

"Those two guys show a lot of leadership," Varnum said. "Our line isn't big, but we're nasty."

And with all of those returners, still, Varnum believes it will be on the defensive side of the ball that East Nicolaus thrives.

"Defensively, we're going to be pretty strong," Varnum said. "We're pretty much returning everyone."

EAST NICOLAUS SPARTANS

Head coach: Mark Varnum (first year)

Last year: 9-3; won Northern Section Div. IV championship

League: Mid-Valley League

Key Returners: Andrew Rubalcava, Sr. QB; Brian Johnson, Sr. WR/DB; Jason Acuff, Sr. RB/LB; Jared DePaul, Sr. TE/DE; Austin Beck, Sr. OL/DT

Key Newcomers: Jesse Haenggi, Jr. G/DT; Alex Cundiff, Jr. RB/LB; Adam Michel, Jr. WR/QB

Offense: Pro-set T

Defense: 5-3

Strength: Leadership at skill positions and depth on defense

Weakness: Nagging injuries

Outlook: As long as team stays healthy, the Spartans should compete for title.

2008 Schedule

Date Opponent Time

Aug. 29 at Rio Vista 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 5 FERNDALE 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 MENLO 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 BYE

Sept. 26 at Williams* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Biggs* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 PORTOLA* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 COLUSA* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Quincy 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 ESPARTO* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 HAMILTON* 7:30 p.m.

*Mid-Valley League