Back when he was in eighth grade, Highland football coach Cliff Bolton became a part of a pigskin partnership that remains strong to this day.
During a season toiling under the tutelage of John Malesh, Bolton and teammate Del Pruitt created a bond that, as far as Bolton is concerned, went dormant for far too long.
With the high school football season getting underway Friday, Bolton had plenty on his mind with the tough Arvin Bears coming to town.
Both Malesh and Pruitt flew to Bakersfield to watch the game and attend the wedding of Bolton's daughter, Brittany. Oh, and Bolton also celebrated his wife's birthday.
Needless to say, it was a busy day in the middle of a hectic season.
During the junior varsity game, Bolton, Malesh and Pruitt took some time to look back on old times, remembering fondly a saying Malesh used quite frequently.
"By God gentlemen ..." Malesh used to say.
Pruitt told a story of how he was struggling to block a tough opponent. Malesh told him to suck it up and get back out there.
"You keep hitting and hitting and hitting," Pruitt remembers Malesh saying.
In fact, it is because of Malesh that Bolton became a coach.
"He's making up for family," Bolton said. "That's the true measure of a coach."
Sure, the 14-7 loss to Arvin hurt, but Bolton will be sure to get his troops ready for next week.
"I never knew so much could happen in one week," Bolton said.
— Mason Kelley

The Burroughs High offense is so complicated, the Burros start most days without a football. Quarterback Troy Spargo steps to the line and calls out a series of signals, each one giving a command to a teammate somewhere on the field.

Watching the Burros practice their offense Monday, one got the feeling that the offense is so wide-open even Hawaii's June Jones would be proud.

In his junior year, Spargo will try to put up Colt Brennan-like numbers. Last season, Brennan led the nation in total offense yards (4,455) and touchdowns thrown (35) at Hawaii.

"You get to throw a lot," said Spargo of the joys of playing in a pass-happy offense.

Spargo seems comfortable with the challenge ahead, finding time to joke with receiver Ben Tankersley about new movies "Snake on a Plane" and "Accepted" during a break in the action.

Tankersley is a varsity veteran and said it takes a while for the offense to mesh. But when it does, he added that it's impressive to watch.

While Spargo finished an interview, Tankersley heard it was time for 7-on-7 and said, "I gotta go."

On the first play, he curled into a soft spot in the coverage for a nice 10-yard gain. So far, it looks like the Burros are going to strong again this season.

— Mason Kelley

More coming soon!