Brandon

By Brendan Galella
Published August 31, 2007

Multiple Choice

What is tattooed on running back Samair Bakere_SSRqs back to describe his football abilities?

A) I'm a beast B) Can't hold me down

C) Always in the end zone D) Don't try me

Answer: A. Serving as the backup to Mike Brown last season, Baker showed flashes of his ability. Against Bloomingdale in the spring jamboree, Baker proved he could become the team's workhorse, rushing for two touchdowns and more than 130 yards in only one half. Defensively, he intercepted three passes as a linebacker. "He has a tattoo that says 'I'm a beast' on his back and he is," coach John Lima said.

True-False

Brandon is returning the same coaching staff that won the district last season.

Answer: False. After posting a 3-8 record but still winning the district, Lima opted to bring in a new staff because he felt the Eagles didn't show the commitment necessary to become a state title contender. Among the new coaches is defensive coordinator Dale Caparaso, who won four state titles at Bellingham (Mass.) High but went 20-21 the past four seasons at Pasco.

Yes or No

Does Lima believe his offensive line is the Eagles' greatest strength?

Answer: Yes. Brandon returns all five starters on the O-line and they're expected to provide Baker with plenty of holes. "I expect that to be the strength of our team come Week 6 or 7," Lima said. "That position takes a lot of work. Once they learn everything, they're going to be awesome. They'll be able to block anybody."

Essay

Newsome coach Ken Hiscock on Brandon:

"Coach Lima has done a solid job and really turned that program around. He brought back discipline back to the program and is doing an outstanding job. They're one of the toughest teams in the district because we know Samair Baker is a force to be reckoned with."

Lima on the Eagles:

"We're very deep, we're a little bit small but our kids have a chip on their shoulder. We've had a great offseason and the kids who needed to step up have done that. I feel like taking the field; we will be mentally and physically prepared."

Extra Credit

Baker has been recruited by USF, Florida State, Florida and Louisville. Lima said he has the potential to be the best running back he has ever coached . ... Offensively, the Eagles will run a pro-set look; defensively, they'll use a 4-4 base . ... Lima spent two seasons as a graduate assistant to Nick Saban at Michigan State.

Brendan Galella, Times correspondent

[Last modified August 29, 2007, 15:21:35]