The buzz is getting louder and louder at Sanger High as the Apaches football team gets set for its season opener. The Apaches, who finished 6-6 a season ago, are charging into the new year with a more-experienced group that’s feeling more confident than ever.
Like his teammates, offensive lineman Jonathan Ybarra can’t contain his excitement as the Apaches prepare to open the season against Dinuba on Friday.
“We can’t wait to get out there and make a statement to the whole Valley,” Ybarra said. “We’re here to compete this season. We have a very talented squad.”
Ybarra spent most of the summer traveling to various camps and racking up MVP awards. The junior earned one of those MVP honors in June when he attended the Cal Poly lineman camp. Now, the Sanger student-athlete is eager to get the season started and show the improvements he made in recent months.
“This offseason I’ve just gotten after it in the weight room and at camps,” the junior said. “I’ve seen improvement in my technique, training constantly and just grinding in the weight room.”
In July, Ybarra was named to the CalHi Sports Preseason All Central Section First Team, making him the only junior lineman on the list.
“It was a honor being selected to the All Central Section First Team,” Ybarra said. “Being the only junior lineman was special to see it definitely gives me a confidence boost and just makes me want to show people that I am that player and live up to the name.”
As a team, the Apaches have their eyes set on making history.
“We’re definitely going to make a deep playoff run,” Ybarra said. “I believe we got the guys to win a section championship and get a state game and bring back that winning culture to Sanger.”
