For almost three straight high school football seasons, the heart of Soaring Eagles of Union City remained practically intact.
But now, most of those key players, like offensive lineman Steven Gonzalez (Penn State) and wide receiver/defensive back Daiquan Kelly (UMass), have graduated and moved on to college football.
It’s left head coach Wilber Valdez to pick up the pieces and move forward without them.
“It’s definitely an adjustment to the whole program,” Valdez said. “I felt like they were here forever. Seven of them were three-year starters. That says a lot.”
But Valdez isn’t hanging his head in dismay with the mass exodus of last year’s 8-3 squad off to the next level.
“Sometimes change isn’t always a bad thing,” Valdez said. “The kids we have on the field were backups or JV [junior varsity] players who all got chances in practice and sat in on the same meetings. They learned. We coached them all. They just have to understand our philosophy of always playing hard and always being prepared. That’s our makeup now. These guys waited their turn while the others held it down for three years.”
Valdez also doesn’t waste any sunlight while preparing the Soaring Eagles for the coming season. On a daily basis, the Soaring Eagles, some 60 players in unison, were all up before the crack of dawn, climbing to the rooftop of their school – the unique Roosevelt Stadium – to practice at 6 a.m.
“We understand that it’s a major sacrifice,” Valdez said. “It definitely takes them out of their comfort zone. The sun hasn’t even come out yet, but we’re out there stretching and running at 6 a.m. It’s good to see how they respond that early. I like it.”
Apparently, so do the players.
“It’s better than anything else we can do,” said senior two-way lineman Ulises de los Santos, one of the top linemen in the state. “I think we’re all used to it now. We’re up at 5 a.m. every day, getting ready to go. It’s much better than sleeping.”
Most teenagers would not agree.
But that’s what it takes to be a member of the Soaring Eagles, being up and at it before the sun comes up over the Manhattan skyline in the background.
“In order to be extraordinary, you have to do extraordinary things,” said Valdez, who said he had to get up early for workouts when he was a player at the University of Miami. “I think they’ve all developed the mindset that it really doesn’t matter what time of day I will call practice. They all have developed that team chemistry that is important. Getting up early is the first part of team chemistry. I made that very clear.”
As witnessed in the early morning hours one day last week, the message was heard loud and clear. There was almost 100 percent attendance at the 6 a.m. workout. Those who were late heard the wrath of Valdez.
Valdez believes that his team can be a very good one, despite the losses to graduation.
“They’re willing to learn from their mistakes,” Valdez said. “I can see it on and off the field. They’re a very humble group. They’re hungry for success. It’s their turn. They have to earn the respect and they have to prove it. I can see they’re committed.”
Valdez believes that this team is different than the one he coached in the recent past.
“I honestly can say that this group is a little different,” Valdez said. “They’re smart, talented, humble kids who want to make a name for themselves. They were tired of hearing the same old names for the last three years. They’ve worked really hard at becoming a good team. I love a team that has a chip on its shoulders.”
Leading the newcomers is junior quarterback Harrison Fernandez (6-1, 190).
“He’s a very talented kid,” Valdez said of Fernandez. “He ended up last year as our starting outside linebacker. He’s a hard-nosed kid with great work ethic. He’s a true competitor.”
Senior Raven Josiah (5-9, 185) is one of a host of kids who will carry the football for the Soaring Eagles.
“He has some moves, has an excellent burst of speed,” Valdez said. “He makes you miss in the open field.”
Senior Juan Cruz (5-9, 180) is another running back.
“He’s more of a downhill runner,” Valdez said of Cruz, who scored four touchdowns in limited varsity action last year. “He has the ability to get some yards for us.”
Junior Andres Carrillo (5-9, 170) is perhaps the fastest of the Union City running backs. Junior Josiah Negron (5-9, 160) is in the mix. Sophomore Isayah Reyes (5-11, 170) is an explosive runner with big play capability.
A pair of seniors, namely Jeremy Torres (6-1, 240) and Fernando Breton (5-11, 220), will share the fullback duties.
Senior Steven Sanchez (6-1, 190), the basketball standout, returns to his slot at wide receiver but will get more catches with Kelly gone.
“The position is his,” Valdez said.
Senior Isaias Alberto (6-0, 190) is another pass catcher in the mix.
Tight end duties are being shared by seniors Raul Fernandez (6-2, 240) and Keven de la Cruz (6-3, 225), whom Valdez said “has emerged as a good football player.”
The tackle slots are held by de los Santos (6-4, 280), who has already received offers from Rutgers, Syracuse and Georgia State, and will likely receive more, and either junior Elizer Olivieri (6-3, 230) or junior Andy Gonzalez (6-0, 240).
Senior John Arias (5-9, 260) and sophomore Jose Tavares (6-4, 240) are the guards. Young Tavares has the chance to be a very good one.
“He has amazing potential,” Valdez said. “Everyone is already watching him. He is already a good student who has a shot to become something special.”
The center slot is a battle between juniors Leo Cruz (5-11, 250) and Josue Collazo (5-10, 260).
The Soaring Eagles play a 4-3 defense, with Torres, Tavares at defensive end with junior Raymond Perrozo (6-1, 190).
Aries, Leo Cruz and de los Santos mix and match at defensive tackle.
Fernandez will remain at outside linebacker, despite being the starting quarterback.
“He likes to hit like anyone else,” Valdez said. “It’s hard to take him out.
Juan Cruz and Breton are joined at linebacker by junior Ryan Feliz (5-11, 180) and sophomore Josean Diaz (5-11, 190). Josiah and junior Andrew Liverman (5-7, 155) are the cornerbacks, along with Negron, Reyes and Carrillo. Sanchez returns to the safety slot he played last year, with Alberto, Reyes and Carrillo also seeing time there.
The Soaring Eagles begin the season Saturday afternoon against Seton Hall Prep up on the roof at 1 p.m.
“I think we have a chance to compete this year,” Valdez said. “I like getting as many kids ready as possible. It creates competition every week in practice. We’re playing such a competitive schedule.”
After Seton Hall Prep, the Soaring Eagles square off with Montclair, who beat the Soaring Eagles twice a year ago.
“It is what it is,” Valdez said of his team’s schedule.
Union City should contend for NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group V playoff honors again this season. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.