With a veteran line and many key offensive and defensive playmakers, the varsity football team hopes to regain its preseason success. Led by second-year head coach Jeff Kalb and sporting new uniforms, the team hopes to succeed in the more competitive De Anza League, yet their opening league games resulted in three losses.

Although the team lost some key players from last year, according to Kalb there should be no doubt that this year’s team will live up to the standards set last season.

“The team is developing, maturing and finding their identity,” Kalb said. “We’re not living in the shadows of last year at all.”

Assisting Kalb and the other returning coaches is first-year defensive coordinator Chris Vasseur, whose past football experience at the University of Miami will likely benefit the team this year.

Varsity went undefeated in its three preseason games, although the season began with a disappointing 17-19 loss to Mountain View. However, junior David Amorese said that the team was playing below their potential. In addition, many noted that only 3 points were given up by their defense, the other 16 resulting from punt returns or interceptions.

“We definitely should have won, just some things didn’t go our way,” David said. “We worked on special teams a lot, so it’s better.”

The team lost its second game against Wilcox by a large margin of 7-41. Los Gatos was just as difficult, with Los Altos losing 21-56.

Quarterback senior Danny Young, who enters his second year as a varsity starter, leads the offense. According to Kalb, many seniors play a large role for the team. Receivers Patrick Stockwell and Kenny Peterman provide solid targets for Danny.

“The line is strong, the defense is strong and we have three-hour practices,” Kenny said. “No one sees Los Altos making it, because we just got into the division, but I think we can surprise a lot of people.”

Although they lost many seniors, the team has matured and bonded this season. According to senior Charles Olaires, the team is quite strong this year and is also very close-knit.

“We understand how each other think and react to different situations,” Charles said.

Seniors Justin Arcune, Michael Dorricott and Mitchell McGillis all add strength and experience to the starting lineup. In addition, kicker Kevin Serviss made a 35 yard field goal against Mountain View, his only attempt in league play.

Three sophomores have also earned spots on the varsity football team. Sophomores Austin O’Such, Scott Abramo and Roy Abousamra contribute to the team and will likely play key roles in the years to come, according to Kalb.

“There’s lots of pressure, but I just try to do my best and fit in with the team while giving it my all,” Scott said.

As of press time, the team is currently 0-3 in league and 3-3 overall.