Villanueva Makes Impressive Return

A year ago, Stanley Villanueva thought his days playing college football probably were over.

After four years playing for Century High, Villanueva had been relegated to backup quarterback duty behind starter Archie Lappin in his first year at Santa Ana College in 1997. With Lappin coming back the next season, Villanueva decided to leave the team in 1998 to spend more time working.

“I didn’t think I would see much playing time,” said Villanueva, who also had the responsibility of helping raise his young son, Stanley Jr.

But Villanueva’s football career didn’t end there. He is now the starting quarterback for Division III Chapman.

Villanueva said he’s grateful to the Santa Ana College coaches, particularly offensive coordinator Tom Shine, who recommended him to Chapman Coach Ken Visser.

“We’re happy that he’s back playing again,” Santa Ana College Coach Dave Ogas said. “He’s real motivated, and he’s a good athlete and good student.”

Villanueva is replacing Greg Hyland, who completed his eligibility as the school’s career passing leader. Villanueva passed for 203 yards Saturday to help lead the Panthers to a 37-3 victory over Millsaps College in their season opener at Jackson, Miss.

Villanueva won the starting job when he completed 14 of 15 passes, two of them for touchdowns, in a preseason scrimmage against Fullerton College.

Villanueva said he quickly felt comfortable running the Chapman offense.

“I played some flag football during that time on Sundays, and I played some soccer to stay in shape,” Villanueva said.

Chapman’s offense emphasizes high-percentage passing, and Villanueva, who is 5 feet 10 and 185 pounds, said it suits his style.

“I never had a big line when I played at Century, so I always had to have a quick release,” Villanueva said. “The offense here is similar to what I played in high school. There’s not a lot of dropback passing. We throw a lot off play action, and the key is to make quick reads and good fakes.”

A MATCHED SET

Nothing like a little competition to hone your game.

UC Irvine setter Teri Zartman was mostly a solo act last season, with no true setter to back her up. This season, that has changed dramatically.

Jamie Pilbeam, a 5-foot-10 freshman, was brought in with a file full of accolades on the club circuit in tow. Pilbeam, who was named All-State at Apple Valley High School last season, made an impact even before the season began.

“She has really pushed me to get better,” said Zartman, a 5-6 junior. “It really helps in practice to have this type of competition. We have a lot of fun together.”

Zartman, who has been a starter since she was a freshman, has improved considerably from last season, due to a rigid summer program. She knew she had to be sharp because of Pilbeam.

“Teri has never played stronger,” Coach Merja Connolly-Freund said. “She has two years experience in the Big West and that has really helped her.

“This is the first time we have had competition at setter in practice. It has been great. Teri has had the edge because of her experience, but Jamie has a size advantage.”

The two have worked together well. In fact, Connolly-Freund has used them both on the floor at the same time.

Staff writer Chris Foster contributed to this story.