Eagles improving

Rick Devereux

The Estancia High football program is progressing step by step.

Coach Craig Fertig took over a program that had gone 1-18 in 2001

and 2002.

With Fertig at the helm, the Eagles have gone 7-13 since and

generated some excitement.

Several seniors came out for the team that had not played football

in a few years.

Tailback/linebacker Bryce McKendry, who led the team with 603

rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 125 carries, did not play

football his junior year.

Quarterback Nick Cox led the team with 755 passing yards with five

touchdowns while completing 58 of his 114 attempts even though he had

not played since his sophomore year.

Ryan Sanford was a force at receiver and outside linebacker for

Estancia. He led the Eagles with 31 receptions for 368 yards.

“To see those guys mature in such a short amount of time was a

real joy for me this season,” Fertig said. “I just wish [they would

have played last year so] I could have been around them more.”

Estancia missed the playoffs with a 4-6 record, but the Eagles won

the Battle for the Bell against crosstown rival Costa Mesa in the

season finale.

“We played with great intensity,” Fertig said. “I’m not in it for

the money. I’m in it to see that look in their eyes like they had

before the Costa Mesa game.”

The Eagles improved in several categories from the 2003 season.

The offense scored 192 points in 2004 compared to 144 last year.

Opponents averaged 23 points this fall compared to 29 in 2003.

The 2003 team suffered two shutouts, whereas a seven-point outing

against Golden West League champion Westminster was the lowest point

total this year.

The fewest points allowed in a game last year was eight by

Magnolia in the opening week.

The Eagles shutout Buena Park in Week 3 this year.

“I want to be back [as the head coach],” Fertig said. “We have a

solid group of juniors, sophomores and freshmen. We have a good thing

going right now and I’ll stay here as long as they let me.”