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Encinal Football Preview: Jets Will Lean on Allen in Tenorio's Fifth Season

The Jets should be favored to win their third-straight BSAL title

Head Coach: Joe Tenorio, fifth season

2009 Record: 12-2, 7-0 BSAL

Returning Starters:  12 (Six on offense; Six on defense)

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Top Offensive Players: Jon Allen RB; Mustafa Whitehead G, Paul Oakamura RB-WB; Josh Morrow  T

Top Defensive Players: Mustafa Whitehead DT; Jon Allen OLB; Bo Banks CB; Paul Oakamura FS; Kaniela Kahuinui OLB; Joe Gill ILB

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Rising Star: Jon Allen

Team Strengths: Returners, offensive line and defensive pursuit

Rivalry Game: Sept. 24 at Alameda.

Mark the Calendar: Sept. 18, at Serra

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The Encinal High football team has been one of the most successful programs in the East Bay the past two seasons.

Since moving from the Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League to the Bay Shore Athletic League in 2008, the Jets have gone a perfect 14-0 in league play.

When it comes to the North Coast Section Division III playoffs, the Jets have been nearly as impressive impressive. Two years ago, they won the section title that capped a 13-0 season before coming up short of another section title in a 27-0 loss to Marin Catholic in the championship game last season.

Now it's time for the Jets to lean on this year's group of seniors to guide what should be another successful season.

"It's their time," said Encinal coach Joe Tenorio, who begins his fifth season at the helm. "They're seniors. There are a lot of guys who aren't going to play after this. For them, this is definitely the last ride."

With 12 returning players on a squad of 23, Tenorio is looking for leadership to continue the winning tradition.

One of those returning players is Jon Allen, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back/defensive back who has been at the varsity level since his sophomore year.

"One thing we do here is have some sophomores up here every year," said Tenorio, who will start three sophomores. "They need to get up here to get used to everything."

Encinal will open the season without quarterback Andrew Ve'e. The junior has a left knee injury that will sideline him for the opener against El Cerrito on Friday. He should be available by next week when the Jets travel to San Mateo to take on Serra.

"He's going to be a stud for sure," Tenorio said.

Ve'e is the younger brother Jonathan Ve'e, who is an Alameda and Laney College alum. He is now a linebacker at Western Washington University.

Filling in for the first week at quarterback will be Devonyo Dils, a transfer from Berkeley. After the first week, he'll move back to his traditional tight end position.

On the offensive line, the Jets will look to the leadership from returners Mustafa Whitehead, a guard and tackle Josh Morrow. Running back/wide receiver Paul Oakamura rounds out the top offensive returning players.

As is the case with most small schools, a lot of Encinal's players will play both sides of the ball. That's the case for Allen, who doubles as an outside linebacker. Other defensive playmakers include Whitehead (tackle) and Oakamura (free safety).

Tenorio considers his defensive pursuit as one of his team's strengths. A lot of that pursuit will come from the afore mention top defensive players as well as Bo Banks (cornerback), Kaniela Kahuinui (outside linebacker) and Joe Gill (inside linebacker).

"We've got a good core group of kids that have bought in," Tenorio said. "I hope their work ethic brings us."

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Schedule

9/10 EL CERRITO, 7 p.m.

9/18 at Serra, 1 p.m.

9/24 at Alameda, 7:15 p.m.

10/1 at Piedmont, 7 p.m.

10/7 JOHN SWETT, 7:30 p.m.

10/15 ST. PATRICK-ST. VINCENT, 7 p.m.

10/22 at Albany, 5:30 p.m.

10/30 at St. Mary's, 1:30 p.m.

11/5 KENNEDY-RICHMOND, 7 p.m.

11/11 at Moreau Catholic, 7 p.m.

HOME GAMES IN CAPS

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