This season will pit the Mesa College Football team against all odds, as every game will technically be a road game.
Due to construction Douglas Stadium will be used as a primary parking lot for students, leaving the Mesa College Olympians to host home games at Cathedral Catholic High School’s Manchester Stadium in Del Mar.
This means that the Olympians will be without a natural residence for games, a situation similar to last year when the San Diego Chargers had to practice in Arizona as wildfires burned through San Diego County. Unfortunately for Mesa, this will last for the longevity of the season.
During the summer, Mesa football coach Matt Kofler and his coaching staff established an effective off-season workout program that allowed walk-ons and returning players an opportunity to properly condition themselves and prepare for the upcoming season.
Last season Mesa College Football team had 22 players transfer to four-year institutions. This season Mesa has full intent on reversing last seasons dismal of a performance as they went on to win three games while only winning one game in conference play.
In 2008 the Olympians bring back 10 returning starters, six of them being from Defensive Coordinator, Henry Browne’s defensive unit.
“We have a balanced attack this season, our defense looks good as well as our offense.” Browne said.
Browne is entering his 14th season as Mesa College’s defensive coordinator.
“We really are looking forward to this season.”He said.
Since 1994 Coach Browne has experienced his share of great defensive units. So with a solid defensive unit the remaining issue is the offense. With last seasons top offensive performers quarterback Rob Sagarian and running back Corey Thompson transferring to four-year institutions, the Olympians will need a big year out of first year starting quarterback Philip Staback, wide receivers Theo Sharp and Mark Andrews and their offensive line in order to propel the Olympians offensive attack.
Also along with venue changes for the fall 2008 season, new changes also occurred with the alignment of the conferences. Mesa College will now compete in the Mountain Conference alongside Mt. San Jacinto, San Bernardino Valley, Golden West College, La Harbor College, Victor Valley, Southwestern College and Compton College. This means Mesa will no longer have to play Cuyamaca, Grossmont, Imperial Valley, MiraCosta, and Palomar in conference play.
Unfortunately for Mesa, they couldn’t eliminate Grossmont off of their schedule and this resulted in their first loss as Grossmont spoiled the Olympians season opener with a 31-14 victory.
Mesa’s next game will be a home game at Cathedral Catholic High School on Saturday, September 20th against Palomar College at 6:00 PM. Conference play begins on September 27 with Mesa on the road, as Mesa College will open up against Mt. Jacinto.