by Caleb Wiley

The nation’s top ranked St. John Bosco football team has extremely high expectations, with star junior DJ Uiagalelei returning under center surrounded by a long list of college bound student-athletes.

The coaching staff and players look to keep their focus and not let the hype get to them, as they want to bring another CIF title to Bosco this season. 

Coming off last season’s defeat in the CIF Southern Section Championship game to rival Mater Dei, the team has held the feeling of losing and is motivated to come back stronger than ever. 

“It’s definitely motivation for us to come back out this and finish it this time,” Uiagalelei said.

With the schedule out already, everyone will have their eyes on the rematch between these top two teams towards the end of the season. The players and the coaches are extremely excited to get the chance to gain revenge against Mater Dei.

The off-season brought new things to the football team as Bosco announced their new athletic stadium they have been building throughout the year will be ready for use game one of the season. Not only is the team ranked at the top spot, but now they have a brand-new multi-million dollar stadium to play in. The team can not allow the high demands and expectations of winning to be detrimental to their overall success however.

Also, during the off-season the Braves said goodbye to former Offensive Coordinator Chad Johnson, who left to take the head coaching job at Mission Viejo High School. The team is sad to see him go, however they are also thrilled to have Steven Lo take over the helm at OC.

Lo is the former OC at Serra High School and has fifteen years of coaching experience along with two years at San Jose State University as a strength and conditioning coach. Lo understands the role he has on the team and is up to the challenge.

“I know I have some big shoes to fill with Coach Johnson [leaving]…but I’m not alone. We have a great staff and players and I’m gonna work my tail off.”  

Steven Lo has also affiliated himself with winning environments, having won multiple championships and titles up north with Serra as their OC.

Not only did the Braves experience a switch in a coaching position, but the overall culture of the team also changed.

“I think there is a universal love for each other. There was a little drama last season and I feel that we are more bonded this year and that will lead us to more wins,” Tight End Coach Nate Munson said.

The love and friendship between the team has really gained power during the off-season, and the coaches have seen how much compassion the players have for each other and winning.

Up-and-down the roster of this football team are highly skilled talents at every position. CB Chris Steele, TE Jude Wolfe, WR/DB Jake Bailey and WR Kris Hutson are all special talents.

“It’s hard to pinpoint on a few certain players because I feel like we have a special group of young men and everyone is going to be good at their jobs,” Lo said.

With the season already starting, the team is ready and excited to take the field in their home opener against Timpview High School from Utah this Friday and hopefully start their national championship season the right way.