Players are shown with their awards as several are named to first and second all league teams. Photos by Amanda White
What a season it’s been for the Mariposa County High School varsity football team.
After going 0-10 and 3-7 over the last two years, the Grizzlies went 9-2 this year and were Southern League champs.
“In 94 years, four teams have won nine regular season games,” said coach Chase Pometta.
“It didn’t end the way we wanted it to but this is a huge accomplishment and we’re going to celebrate this.”
After attending a league meeting, the coaching staff met with a group of players from the football team last week to inform them of the awards they had won.
“All league and specialty awards were selected and I got to hear what the other coaches had to say about you guys,” Pometta said.
“They talked about how hard it was to plan for our offense and how talented our offensive line was. They were also very curious about what goes on here and what kind of weightlifting program we do.”
The Grizzlies had two honorable mentions — sophomores Austin Battles and Jhovany Marquez.
Laten Butler was named Southern League MVP while Rusty Bull broke the school’s single game rushing record this season against Le Grand with 10 carries, 330 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
“They couldn’t believe Battles is a sophomore,” Pometta said.
“Two other coaches commented that not only can Jhovany kick, but he made the tackle several times. The little things stand out and I was very proud to hear it.”
MCHS had three players earn second team honors — Mason Bissmeyer, Drew Canter and Eamon Fluharty.
“They talked about what a problem 56 (Fluharty) was on the defensive line and how Bissmeyer was great on both sides of the ball,” continued Pometta.
“You (Bissmeyer) bought into the O line this year and paved the way for our run game.”
Canter may be on the smaller side but his presence speaks otherwise.
“All I heard was ‘man that kid is tough,’” said Pometta.
“You were a leader on the O line all year long and I’m very proud of all of you guys.”
The Grizzlies had several players earn first team honors — Beau Pokora, Lyell Marcis, Rusty Bull, Kayden Ogden, Connor Filgas and Laten Butler.
“Last year Beau (Pokora) was an honorable mention and this year he jumped up to first team utility defense,” Pometta said.
“There were several guys nominated but Beau won almost unanimously.”
Marcis has made huge progress very quickly.
“Named to first team in only his second year of playing football,” the coach said.
“We’re looking forward to big things from Lyell.”
Bull was named first team all league running back.
“At almost 10 yards a carry, coaches were upset to hear you’re only a junior,” said Pometta.
Ogden was only one vote away from being the offensive lineman of the year in the league while Filgas was one vote away from defensive lineman of the year.
Butler won first team in two positions — utility offense and defensive back.
“To win it in two spots is pretty rare,” said Pometta.
“The bigger picture is that Butler ended his career here with about 300 tackles and 4,200 yards. We’ve had a lot of great players up here but there hasn’t been a career like that at MCHS.”
There were five players nominated for Southern League Most Valuable Player and Butler won it.
“The biggest thing that everyone talked about is how dynamic you are and how they had to account for you on every play,” said Pometta.
“It’s a big deal and it shows you what can happen with a few years of work.”
The amount of MCHS juniors and sophomores who received awards is a testament to the program.
“Juniors and sophomores don’t win these awards, it’s always the seniors,” explained Pometta.
“You guys forced your way in and that’s a big deal.”
The Grizzlies had the highest number of players to win awards.
“The next highest was five and we had 10 total,” the coach said.
“We have a lot to be proud of.”
Pometta emphasized carrying the culture that has been established into winter and spring sports.
“Let’s have that trickle down into all sports from you guys as leaders,” he said.
“You’ve set the standard and we want to carry that in everything we do.”
Even though the season has ended, the team will carry these memories for the rest of their lives.
“This was a hell of a season and something that was very special,” said Pometta.
“For the community and the school, that’s a pretty special deal. That’s something that will always be remembered.”
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