Don’t call South East a new kid anymore
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South East is in its third season of varsity football. But the Jaguars, now 3-0 after defeating Santee, 35-13, on Friday, are playing on a level that should make them a factor in the Eastern League race.
Coach Roger Satti credits the season-opening, 17-0 victory against Maui High in Kahului, Hawaii, for giving his team a surge of momentum that hasn’t faded.
‘Over the winter assistant coach Juan Carrera and I wanted to do something special for the team, and we decided on a Hawaii trip,’ Satti said. ‘Normally that’s a trip that takes two years to plan. But Carrera, parents and the city (South Gate) raised $70,000 for us to go. The kids only had to pay $485 each.’
The Hawaiian high school season normally starts a month before the City Section season does. But South East got lucky; Maui had an open date on Aug. 23, and the Jaguars received permission from City Section officials to play the game.
Satti and Carrera have spent three years developing a team from the collection of students that came to South East from Jordan, South Gate and Huntington Park. Of the 70 players who suited up in the maiden 2005 season, 30 are still with the team. And the progress is noteworthy; from 0-10 in 2005, to 4-6 last year (with three of the wins in league), to this year’s fast start.
The talent has matured on schedule. Senior quarterback Luis Barraza, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another against Santee, is a steady, confident leader. Junior running back Senen Carson, a three-year starter, has scored six touchdowns in three games. Senior receiver Bryan Munoz caught both touchdown passes against Santee, and has caught four touchdowns in the last two games.
On defense there is senior safety Julio Segura, who has 16 tackles and two interceptions. Segura is getting recruiting interest from Nebraska, Nevada and San Diego State.
‘I think taking third place in league last year proved to the kids they could compete as a still new school,’ Satti said. ‘But putting in the work to get to Hawaii, and winning the game, shows me they believe in the program.’
- Mike Terry