The California High School varsity and JV football teams saw their first action of the 2014 season Friday night at the jamboree at Blair Oaks High School, Wardsville, where head coach Marty Albertson said, "I think we played okay. We made a few mistakes, missed a few blocks, but all-in-all we played pretty well."
The Pintos started off the night by scrimmaging Owensville, then Moberly.
"We scored six times against Owensville and twice against Moberly," Albertson, who is in his fourth season with the Pintos, added. "I think we're progressing. We need another good week of practice, then we'll be ready to break in the new field."
Friday's opener at home against Boonville will be the Pintos' first official game played on the new Riley Field, which is adjacent to the high school.
California, currently ranked #4 in Class 3, finished the 2013 season 12-2 after losing the state semifinal game 22-13 to state champion Maryville.
With a "good group" of 14 returning seniors, Albertson said he's confident their experience will be an asset for the Pintos this season.
"We've got some new faces in the offensive line," Albertson said. "Seniors Garrett Imhoff, Matt Oerly and Gavin Pickering. Seniors Zach Cummings, Nathan Squires and Ramiro Garcia are our three returning starters. Matt's coming off of an injury and Garrett Imhoff and Gavin Pickering were backups last year and played JV. This is their senior year, so hopefully they're going to have a good year. In the backfield, we've got senior Jaden Barr, who is a three-year starter, at quarterback. Seniors Walker Borghardt and Allan Burger, and junior A.J. Kendrick are our top three running backs. They're doing real well. Our outside receivers are seniors Drew Norton and Alex Dalbey, and junior Landon Mouse, who will also be our backup quarterback."
Regarding Friday's season opener, Albertson said, "As always, Boonville has speed in the backfield, and it looks like their new quarterback has a good arm. Boonville is always decent, and I think we're ready and we will play well."
California has won the last two meetings with Boonville.
Friday's kickoff will be at 8 p.m.
A pep rally will be held Thursday beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the old Riley Field, with a procession that will end at the new Riley Field, followed by a special ceremony.