HS football preview: Warren Bears

The turnaround that was expected for Warren High’s football program when Raul Lara took over as head coach before the 2014 campaign has come swiftly with the Bears combining for 13 wins and a playoff appearance over the last two seasons.

Despite being in the midst of a bit of a youth movement, the coach still anticipates even more this time around.

“We’re going to be young, we have a lot of tenth graders playing,” he said. “Our lines are kind of the senior group, the veterans, so we should be strong up front on both sides of the ball. It just depends on our young guys and how they step up. So far all summer they’ve done a real god job of surprising people, surprising me too.”

Lara made it clear that he fully expects sophomore quarterback Chris Venegas to make an immediate impact as one the team’s main young leaders.

“Definitely right away it has to be the starting quarterback,” the coach said. “He’s filling some pretty big shoes. Jordan Yancy (1,900 yards passing, 22 touchdowns, 3 interceptions last season) was a pretty big-time player for us. But so far I’ve been very, very pleased. In fact, since camp, if I had to do an offensive MVP it would probably be him since he stepped into that role pretty well.”

Venegas said he learned a lot as a freshman and is ready for his new extended role.

“We expect big things this year,” he said. “We may be young, including myself, but I see a lot of high standards for us. We’ve just got to work hard, get behind each other and motivate ourselves to get better.”

With the Bears making major strides back into prominence under Lara the last two seasons, the coach credited the SGVL from top to bottom for its competitive nature, which has continued to breed co- and tri-champions.

“Obviously Downey’s pretty good and they’re the ones on top right now,” he said. “Dominguez is another one and then Paramount’s always scary. I think Lynwood’s going to be pretty good and probably be the surprise this year. You can’t underestimate any team in the San Gabriel Valley League. You have to be on your game.”

Venegas agreed.

“It means a lot,” the quarterback said of being a key piece in Warren’s continued resurgence. “Anyone would kill to be able to play with Warren High School. I’m just very happy that I’m in this position right now and just able to play under Coach Lara and my teammates.”

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The Bears open the season Friday with a 7 p.m. tilt at Don Lugo.

“Our expectation is to win every game,” Lara said. “I think our preseason is going to be a little bit tougher than it was last year, so we’ll be tested. The key for us is we need to stay healthy. If we’re healthy, then I think we’ve got a shot.”