CHATSWORTH — The thudding base of hip-hop songs burst out of the loudspeaker of Sierra Canyon’s stadium during football practice on Wednesday afternoon — a special treat for the Trailblazers.
The playlist had players feeling loose and dancing as they pulled on shoulder pads and warmed up for the evening practice. A switch has flipped for the Trailblazers, who are unafraid after three nonleague games.
“We’re playing freer, we’re playing faster,” Trailblazers defensive end Jonah Nadley said. “At the start of the season, we were just kind of playing scared. Scared to make mistakes and all that. So we’re just kind of playing freer, hungry and faster.”
JSierra quarterback Michael Tollefson is sacked by Sierra Canyon’s Jonah Nadley during second quarter action in the first game of the season Friday, August 18, 2023. The nonleague game was the first game of the season for Sierra Canyon and JSierra. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Sierra Canyon’s tough nonleague schedule continues with a Saturday night game against St. John Bosco, which is ranked No. 3 in the country by MaxPreps and No. 8 in the country by CalPreps.
The Trailblazers, Maxpreps’ No. 45th-ranked team nationally, will be without starting running back Dane Dunn, but are feeling confident in the depth, preparation and mindset that have all been developed through a home opener in Hawaii, a loss to JSerra and a bounce-back win against Oaks Christian.
Dunn was injured on a scoring play against Oaks Christian and was seen at practice on Wednesday wearing a sling on his left arm. Head coach Jon Ellinghouse did not disclose his injury but said that the three-star back is expected to return for Mission League play.
“We’re not the type of program that’s going to lose a running back and act like we have no chance,” Ellinghouse said. “I think Dane would be the first to tell you that we’ve got talented, guys that are going to be just fine. I’m excited to see some of these guys get a chance.”
Sophomore Jaxsen Stokes as well as juniors Dallas Jones and De’Markus Barnes are all running backs who are poised for breakout games.
Stokes is a versatile player who is currently being recruited as an athlete by colleges. He’s a wildcard in Sierra Canyon’s offense due to his ability to play multiple positions.
“He adds to some deception of our offense and you never know where we’re gonna hit you from,” Ellinghouse said. “He’s one of those guys that’s super dynamic and has got the complete skill set. He can play receiver, he can play at tailback and we’re gonna do both of them.”
St. John Bosco quarterback Matai Fuiava has passed for 568 yards and five touchdowns in the Braves’ first two games of the season. He connected with receiver Carson Clark for two touchdowns and 78 yards in the team’s most recent 71-14 win over Eastwood (El Paso). Madden Williams and Darren Tubbs also recorded over 100 receiving yards in the game.
Trailblazers backup quarterbacks Chase Everett and Demarco Hernandez have been simulating Fuiava’s style and the scout team offense has mimicked the Braves’ looks all week. It’s helped ready a secondary that includes USC commit Madden Riordan, Cal commit Jae’on Young, three-star corner Havon Finney and up-and-coming sophomore Myles Baker.
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Sierra Canyon’s pass rush, which features Nadley, Mikhal Johnson and Richard Wesley, is feeling good about its chances against St. John Bosco’s offense as well.
“As a D-line, we gotta say in our rush lanes, keep him in the pocket,” Nadley, who is nicknamed “Baby Bosa” said. “Don’t let him escape and create big plays. Their o-line is good, protects him, gives them time, so we gotta get after him and hit him a lot.”
A strong performance on Saturday can set Sierra Canyon up for success for the following week’s Saturday night game against Orange Lutheran. That game will mark the third straight Trinity League opponent for the Trailblazers, who have their sights set on making Division 1 in the CIF Southern Section playoffs for the second straight season.
“We’re ready for this challenge,” Stokes said. “A lot of people have been doubting us after our loss against, JSerra. This time, everybody’s more in sync. We have a better game plan this week and everybody’s locked in and we’re ready for the challenge against St. John Bosco.”
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