2010 Season Preview

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - Featuring a roster of young and somewhat inexperienced freshmen and first-year players, College of the Canyons head coach Garett Tujague and the 2009 Cougars produced an equal share of memorable moments and disappointing defeats.

Losing three games by seven points or less - and two contests by just three points apiece - the Cougars finished the season with a 6-5 record and an appearance in the Western State Bowl against Saddleback College.

However, for a program that enters every season with a goal to win a conference championship, secure a playoff spot and win both a state and National Championship, the season was marked by building blocks and learning, rather than victories.

"2009 was a struggle for most of us in the Cougar football family," Tujague said. "We were very young defensively, and I think that may have contributed to some of those close games, but I was very impressed with how the young kids handled adversity.

"I think those are the types of building blocks you use throughout the offseason to create a work ethic for the upcoming season," added Tujague.

With the memory of last year still serving as a motivating factor, this offseason the Cougars have been working hard in the weight room, on the field and in the classroom, as the team has matured and leaders have emerged.

"Without question, the strength of this team is our ability to work hard," Tujague said.

As last year's freshmen have transformed into this year's sophomore core, Tujague and his staff have continually been impressed by the development of several key players and position groups.

"All the guys that played an integral part in last year's success, have done an amazing job this offseason," Tujague said. "They're working together, and leadership on the team has been at an all time high."

Included in that group are sophomore defensive linemen Jeremy Boone, Deshawn Cassell and Cameron Merchant, and linebackers Justin Cudworth, Gary Johnson, Vincent Holder and Khalil Bass - whose collective experience should bolster the Cougar defense.

"Defensively we have a lot of competition going on at linebacker," said Tujague, "and we're pretty loaded in the secondary too. Every five minutes we have a depth chart change at corner back."

On the offensive side off the ball COC will look to sophomore running back Ryan Zirbel, wide receivers Cameron Bailey and Mychal Prieto and quarterback Justin Morales to lead the way.

"Ryan Zirbel, has had an amazing offseason and is doing a great job for us," Tujague said. "The depth chart for the other skill positions is starting to fall in order, and as a staff we're pretty excited about that."

Other Cougars looking to make a mark on the 2010 season are freshmen safety Josh Irvin, wide receiver and Florida transplant Rickeem Jackson, and local wide receiver Frankie Madero of West Ranch High School.

However, this season the COC will need to improve on its 3-3 record in the National Division, North Conference in order to get back to the post season.

With a schedule that includes matchups against Ventura, Allan Hancock, Bakersfield, Grossmont and defending national champions Mt. SAC, the Cougars will need to be on top of their game each week.

"We'll find out where we stack up within our conference right away," said Tujague. "It's going to be week-in and week-out a top opponent, every single Saturday."

New for the Cougars this season will be 1 p.m. day games - against Mt. SAC in week two, and against Bakersfield college to close the regular season in week 10. However, Coach Tujague does not think the new start time will affect the way his team plays.

"We'll play anybody, anywhere, anytime," Tujague said.