According to senior tackle Miles Tyree, there is a “combination for success” for this year’s varsity football team: a new head coach, a new league, and a veteran roster that returns 26 seniors and the nucleus of last year’s playoff squad. 

A Program Reset

“Respected,” “effective,” and “focused” are words this year’s varsity football players use to describe new head coach Justin Villasenor, who took over a program that went 5-6 overall, and 0-3 in Crestview League, under previous head coach Jae Kim, history teacher. 

Although new to varsity head coaching, Villasenor is not new to the BOHS football program. 

Villasenor, who also serves as Special Education Department Chair, has been a part of Wildcat football since 2008 when he was head coach of the frosh/soph team, and an assistant coach on varsity.

Villasenor’s transition from assistant coach to head coach was a welcome one for the returners, in particular the seniors who competed for Villasenor on his 2021-2022 frosh/soph team. 

“Over the years we’ve gotten to know each other and the team is super excited to be coached by him,” Cullen Doyle, senior, and starting quarterback, said.

Villasenor’s impact on the team was immediate. 

“It feels as though the team has been reset and we’re certain that we’ll achieve our goals under his coaching,” middle linebacker Jake Owens, senior, said.

Along with the 16 years of experience on Wildcat sidelines, Villasenor also brings new team principles, represented by “three pillars” that embody the team’s mentality: commitment, compassion, and humility.

“For humility, I want players to be committed to the program, being on time, and no excuses,” Villasenor said. “Compassion is helping each other and building each other up. Having humility is being happy for one another even if you aren’t getting all the yards, and if we win we have to act like we’ve been there before.”

Discipline and hard work are among Villasenor’s “nonnegotiables.” He emphasizes the importance of details, like wearing the proper uniform at all times. If players fail to meet these standards, he holds them accountable with extra running.

The team has bought into “Coach V.’s” changes. 

“We believe in [him],” linebacker and tackle Jake Brooks, senior, said.

New Season, New League

A factor that will contribute to the Wildcat’s success this season is the revamped Orange County football leagues.

Last season, the Wildcats, who compete in Division 10, finished fourth in the Crestview League, which was comprised of Division 2 Yorba Linda and Division 3 Villa Park high schools. The lopsided games — the Wildcats were outscored 170-13 in three league games —  left the team demoralized. 

However, after the new leagues were announced last spring, Jack Dooley, senior and first team All-Crestview League offensive lineman, said, “These new leagues are so much more balanced skill-wise than they were before.”

More competitive match-ups are expected this year in the Kappa League, which consists of:

• Esperanza (Division 11, and 5-6 last season)
• Garden Grove (Division 11,3-7)
• Segerstrom (Division 10, 6-5) 
• St. Margaret’s (Division 9, 6-5)
• Westminster (Division 11, 8-4)

“These new leagues give us a much better chance of winning [Kappa] League and I think we are all ready to see how we do when we face teams our level,” Vincent King, senior cornerback, said.

League play begins Oct. 4 when the Wildcats face Westminster High School in Wildcat Stadium.

A Veteran Offense 

Even though there have been changes on the sidelines, on the field, the team will be led by familiar names, like All-CIF Southern Section running back Nathan Aceves, senior, and two-year varsity starting quarterback Doyle. 

Aceves, who was also named First Team All-Crestview League and Wildcat Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for 1,070 yards, a team-leading 12 touchdowns, and a team-best 131.1 all purpose yards per game. 

QB1 Doyle threw for 14 touchdowns and 1,670 yards, and was named Second Team All-Crestview League in each of his sophomore and junior seasons.

Villasenor has high praise for his veteran signal caller. “Cullen is a leader vocally, but he leads more by his actions and how he carries himself. He is a good representation of Wildcat football,” Villasenor said.

Sophomore Gavyn Nicholson is expected to contribute as Doyle’s back-up quarterback as he is expected to earn the starting spot once Doyle graduates. 

“I’m excited, but also nervous to try to fill Cullen’s shoes,” Nicholson said. Last year, Nicholson led the frosh/soph Wildcats to an 8-2 record.

Protecting Doyle is a veteran offensive line consisting of four seniors, one junior, and a sophomore. Commanding the O-line is senior center David Baker; Brooks, who suffered a hand injury early last season against California High School but rebounded with Second Team All-Crestview League honors; and First Team All-Crestview League left tackle Jack Dooley, senior.

Aceves acknowledged, “I wouldn’t be able to have the stats I do if the offensive line didn’t do their job.” He added, “My teammates impact my success.” 

The receiving corps is led by Ryan Nero, junior. Nero led the Wildcats in receiving yards, averaging 39.8 yards per game, and was second in touchdowns with two.

Joining Nero on the flanks is Elijah Sanchez, senior wide receiver, who averaged 38 yards per game, including one TD, and Addison Altermatt, senior, who averaged 32.9 yards per game.

The Wildcats gained another offensive asset with Brandon Elder, senior wide receiver, who was unable to play last year due to a torn ACL. 

“Having [Elder] back on the team gives us a lot more offensive opportunities,” King said.

An Improved Defense

Owens returns as one of the Wildcats’ leading tacklers, averaging 6.4 tackles per game from the defensive end position. Owens also had one interception, two sacks (tied with Brooks for team best), and nine quarterback hurries last season.

A veteran defense means an in-sync defense. 

“Since the team is full of upperclassmen, we all know how each other plays, which is a big advantage communication-wise,” Owens said.

‘The defense will also be led by King, who averaged 6.5 tackles per game and 14 passes defended, and senior cornerback Isaak Rivas-Melendez who had 70 yards in fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and 5.3 tackles per game.

Friday Night Lights

On Friday, Aug. 23, the Wildcats will face local rival Sonora High School at La Habra High School. 

The Division 9 Raiders finished with a 9-3 record last season in the Freeway League, but are competing in the new Iota League this year. 

King said, “The game is going to be a dog fight, but at the end of the day it will come down to who wants it more, and we have been working all summer for [this] Friday.” 

In order to secure the win, the Wildcats will need to stop Raiders running back Anthony Abad, senior, who averaged 122.5 yards per game and had 20 total touchdowns last season.

“Coach V. has prepared us all off-season not only physically, but also mentally, so we gave a good chance of winning this game,” William Robinson, senior right guard, said.

The new-look Wildcats seek to prove themselves against the Raiders. 

“The whole team is ready to win and this season we’ll see how the hard work has paid off,” Baker said.