Falcons optimistic about big 2022 season
NORWALK – After opening the 2021 season with a win, the Cerritos College football team lost the next three games, but rebounded and won five of the last seven games, including a 32-14 win over San Diego Mesa in the Western State Bowl.
The post-season win was the third consecutive year for a bowl victory that came with two major program records. The Falcon defense recorded 14 sacks, had four interceptions and held the Olympians to -18 yards rushing.
It was a dominating defensive win and fifth-year coach Dean Grosfeld hopes to continue with last years’ late season success into the 2022 season.
“We’re very hopeful this year,” fifth-year Cerritos college Football coach Dean Grosfeld said. “This is the best team we have put together in the four years I’ve been the head coach here. We have a lot of talent, a lot of depth, really good character kids. We’re really looking forward to it. We have a mature group coming back.”
The Falcons will start working in pads beginning this next Monday, August 8.
Grosfeld, who has been with the program for 28 years, was asked what was needed for the team to be successful for this season.
“Just building that continuity between all of the freshmen coming in and the sophomores that are coming back,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing in junior college when you get that mix. The kids are coming together really well. But that’s the hardest thing is building that continuity.”
Expected to be a big part of the offense is sophomore running back Devon Booth.
Booth, who led El Monte High School in its run to the CIF-Southern Section and state championship in 2019, led Cerritos last season with seven touchdowns and 564 yards on 122 carries.
“He is definitely a top talent and should be one of the best running backs in the state,” said Grosfeld, who said that Booth was just named a team captain.
“We will have the most talented backfield in the state and country with fellow captain Puka Lauago (La Mirada HS) returning and freshman Mike Hayes (St. John Bosco). Those three running backs will be big contributors and to an explosive offense. They are all Division I talents that will provide many options for us this year. We have what we feel will be the best running backs we’ve had here in a long time as a group.”
Leading the way at quarterback for the Falcons will be sophomore Jordan Simpson.
“Our quarterback position is a position of strength,” Grosfeld added. “Jordan Simpson is a returning starter, so that ought to be really big. It’s always nice to have a returner at QB. He has great size and arm talent and is a well-respected leader.”
Simpson, a Gahr HS graduate, played in 10 of the 11 games last season and threw for a team-high 11 TDs and was 67 for 129 for 835 yards.
Grosfeld, a graduate of Utah State University, also pointed out the importance of his offensive line.
“I think a definite strength this year is our offensive line,” said Grosfeld, who played quarterback for the Falcons in 1990-91 and holds the single-game passing record with 388 yards. “We have great numbers there, with a lot of kids returning.”
Leading the charge on the line will be captain Jonathan Manzo (tackle), along with the other top players: Angel Hernandez, Adrian Manzo, Edward Fonua, Pewter Umi, Robert Hamilton, Adrian Ayala, Sebastian Lefeiloai, Izayah Manu, Lawrence Pecheco, Joseph Perez, Isaiah Vaifanua, Fienny Fehoko, Myles Foy and Thomas Finch.
Other top offensive players include: All-State tight end Jacob Leija will return with two new additions – David Chavez and Emmanuel McNeal.
The wide receiving corps includes: freshman Jaceon Doss (St. John Bosco), returning redshirt freshmen Tyron Bates, Keyshawn Abreu and Dillon Laurer.
The kicking team is led by All-State punter Abraham Delgadillo, along with Moz Bojorquez, who will kick PATs and field goals.
Defense was the name of the game near the end of the 2021 season and Grosfeld has what he thinks will be a very talented and physical defense.
Led by All-State candidate at safety and captain, Milo Lopez (La Serna HS), a high-character person on and off the field, the defense also includes: Linebackers – Captain Gio De Leon, Jonathan Fuamatu, Angel Garcia and Silas Bravo. Incoming freshmen at linebacker also include: Aiden Chapman and Rocky Tautai.
Also in the secondary will be Arna Bontemps, a high school teammate of Lopez. Brothers Chase and Chandler Nixon will be in the secondary and on the defensive line will be Alama Collins, Izaac Tauilliili, Malachi DeBose, Zyier Thornton and Macc Manu.
“We are very excited about this team,” Grosfeld said. “We have something special brewing in Norwalk. “We have the toughest schedule in the state and the boys will be ready. This team will be special with great character, as well as very talented, tough and competitive.
“We have a great coaching staff and with continued hard work and staying healthy, will be the keys to a very successful season.”
The Falcons will open the season Saturday September 3 at Pasadena City College.
What they said:
Devon Booth, Sophomore, running back: “I love it here. It’s a good experience and environment and helps me to be a better man.
Right now, I’m looking forward to being the best person I can be. I’m trying to get to the next level and get better every day.
Jordan Simpson, sophomore, Quarterback: “I’m just looking forward to capitalizing on all of the mistakes I did last year and just be better.
To come over for what we did last year at the end of the season and continue that success and just have a way better season.
I like to see our defense fly around and get the ball back and see our receiver Tyron Bates and the other receivers.