On a Friday summer morning in Chatsworth, California, Sierra Canyon Stadium waits patiently. Only the sound of cars and semi-trucks moving above on Rinaldi Avenue disturbs the quiet, and the promise of a scorching 98-degree day feels imminent.
Soon, a handful of football players start trickling onto the field. They begin with leg stretching, jogging, tossing a football – anything to get loose and look busy. "We practice every day," shouts one player to no one in particular as he works on side-to-side and ladder agility drills. "Monday through Friday!"
Indeed, the Trailblazers are preparing early and often as their 2024 season opener nears. Sierra Canyon will kick off for the first time in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 16 against state powerhouse Punahou. And though the team is focused on the typical summertime activities like working out, building camaraderie, and improving every day, one goal stands out for this upcoming road test.
"To win," says head coach Jon Ellinghouse bluntly with a smile. "Punahou is probably the best team in Hawaii. Very talented and hard nose. They play great football."
Expectations are perhaps higher than ever for Sierra Canyon's football program. Ranked No. 17 in the nation this preseason by MaxPreps, the Trailblazers finished 11-1 in 2023, highlighted by an undefeated regular season, a second consecutive Mission League championship, and advancement to the Division 1 playoffs for the first time in school history. The only blip: a 42-17 semifinal loss to Mater Dei that abruptly ended Sierra Canyon's season. 
"Last year was a huge success, being undefeated and going to play the top team in the country," says Ellinghouse when asked about the season-ending loss. "Hopefully, we can find a way to kick the door down. [But] I haven't talked about Mater Dei in five or six months."
The Trailblazers will try to knock down doors with a balanced run-pass attack led by senior RB Dane Dunn, the team's "heart and soul," according to Ellinghouse. Dunn battled a sprained ankle in 2023 that limited him to 120 carries, 698 rushing yards, and 13 TDs, but that's behind him now.
"I'm trying to get 2,000 yards," says Dunn, who nearly achieved that lofty goal during a healthy sophomore season when he rushed for 1,925 yards and 24 TDs on 267 carries. "I'm ready to get the job done, come back even stronger…and try to get this state championship."
Dunn is surrounded by a talented group of tailbacks. Junior RB De'Markus Barnes, an explosive athlete who contributed on special teams last season, is ready for a bigger role, and the offense will rely heavily on junior RB Dallas Jones, a hard runner and "our rock," says Ellinghouse.
Senior QB Wyatt Becker returns to lead the passing attack. Becker threw for 2,660 yards and 30 TD with 7 INT in 2023, efficiently completing 175 of 275 pass attempts. A 6'3" dual threat who can pass and run, Becker is one of the fastest athletes on Sierra Canyon's track and field team.
When he opts to throw, Becker will see both familiar and fresh faces this season. Senior WR Jae'on Young, who has committed to Cal, is a threat to score on offense and special teams, while dynamic junior WR Dino Scordia is primed to step up – "this is his time," says Ellinghouse. New targets for Becker include senior WR Jaden Nickens, ranked among the top 15 high-school wide receivers nationwide by 247Sports, senior WR Lucas Lehman, and junior WR Massiah Mingo, a difference maker on both sides of the ball.
Though very young, Sierra Canyon's defense is talented on all fronts, especially in the secondary. Junior FS/SS/CB Madden Riordan will look to create more turnovers (he had 4 INT in 2023), as well as become a more vocal leader. He is joined by sophomore safety Havon Finney, who will also line up on offense at wide receiver and could be "one of the best players we've had here," says Ellinghouse. FS Myles Baker will play a big role even as a sophomore, and safeties Nevada Miller (4 INT in 2023) and Sean Jones (57 tackles) provide much-needed senior leadership.
"I think our defense is going to be better than last year," says Riordan. "We have a lot of potential for turnovers. I think we have the best secondary in California."
Other difference makers for the Trailblazers are on the defensive line. Sophomore DE Richard Wesley is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, junior DE Jonah Nadley is a super athletic technician, and sophomore Mikhal Johnson has started every game since he was a freshman. Additionally, senior OT/OL Ashdon Wnetzrak is a 6'9", 355 lb. force for the offense committed to San Diego State, and senior kicker Ashton Zamani, who has committed to UCLA, is among the best in the area and "one of the hardest working guys on our team," says Ellinghouse.
Optimism is often plentiful this time of year (as is the San Fernando Valley heat), but the Trailblazers have good reason to expect big things in 2024. While Ellinghouse hopes to avoid a sluggish start, like their "ugly" 9-7 win against JSerra Catholic in last season's opener, he knows first games are always interesting: "You're never as good as you want to be." Still, he expects guys like Dunn, Becker, and Riordan to lead the way.
"The kids seem to be enjoying one another; they seem to be bonding," says Ellinghouse. "At some point in the season, they are going to have to play for one another. They aren't playing for me because I have rules or anything like that. They are going to have to play because they love one another."
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