SGV/WHITTIER PREP SPORTS ZONE: FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2023 - BALDWIN PARK
Maxie takes over as head coach at BP and we project them to winning it all in 2023.
Baldwin Park High School
Coach: Robert Maxie (1st Year)
2022 Record: 10-3
Number of Returning Players: 6
Number of All-League Players Returning: 1
OFFENSE
Offensive Coordinator: Colin Gavin Hrey
Number of Off. Returning Starters: 2
Number of OL Returning: 2
Number of Off Skill Players Returning: 2
Rushing yards: 1,860 Yards (143.1 Yards Per Game, 5.4 Yards Per Carry)
Passing Yards: 2,822 Yards (217.1 Yards Per Game, 14.2 yards per Completion)
Key Offensive Skills Players Returning
Caleb Calvin 11 5'9 165 WR League offense POTY/ 6 Offers
Harley Wirth 11 5'11 185 RB
Key Offensive Lineman Returning
Eric Hernandez 11 6'2 290 G/C/T
Steven Lopez 12 6'1 260 C/G
Jonathan Reyes 10 6'4 250 T
Juan Trujillo 11 6'4 240 T
DEFENSE
Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Guyton
Number of Def. Returning Starters: 4
Number of DL Returning: 0
Number of Def. Skill Players Returning: 2
Key Defensive Skills Players Returning
Corey Lacy 12 6'1 230 LB
Chase Blackwell 12 5'10 165 DB
Carlos Lacayo 10 5'8 155 DB
Francisco Navarro 10 5"9 190 LB/DE
Key Defensive Lineman Returning
Vincente Navarro 12 6'1 240 DT
Mario Madrigal 11 5'11 230 DE
Erick Martinez 12 6'0 225 DE
John Salas 10 5'10 235 DT
TOP NEWCOMING/TRANSFER SKILL PLAYERS
Elvis Diaz 10 6'0 180 ATH
Randle Tebo 11 5'10 165 ATH
Jacob Garcia 11 6'2 195 QB
Jayden Maxie 10 5'8 140 DB
Dahryion Vaughn 9 6'1 175 ATH 2 Offers
Sinsere Ellis 11 5'10 160 DB
COMMENTS FROM COACH MAXIE: “We will be young this year, but we are talented across the board. We have very few guys with Under the lights experience so i believe that’s a weakness but a good one to have because by time league comes around, they will be more seasoned. We have two tough backs in Harley Wirth and Corey Lacy that I believe can carry us far but also, we have a dynamic QB and explosive WR core lead by Caleb Calvin Caleb is a game changer and if you add in Elvis, Dahryion and Tebo we will have a top core in the area. Our Oline lacks experience but have a great work ethic and are very athletic. Steven Lopez and Eric Hernandez has done a great job leading by example for our young guys like Jonathan Reyes who I believe can be a big-time recruit. Defense Lead by Chase Blackwell and Corey Lacy will be very stingy. I inherited a very good team and with the great staff i assembled i believe we can Top last year’s performance. It won’t be easy but we're up for the challenge.”
2023 Schedule (with 2022 season records)
Week 0: vs. Montebello (6-6, CIF-SS Div. 12 Quarterfinalists)
Week 1: at El Monte (5-6, CIF-SS Div. 13 First Round)
Week 2: vs. South Pasadena (10-3, CIF-SS Div. 11 Semifinalists)
Week 3: vs. Schurr (6-5, CIF-SS Div. 11 1st Round)
Week 4: vs. La Mirada (4-6)
Week 5: vs. Diamond Bar (12-2, CIF-SS Div. 12 Finalists)
Week 6: (Thurs.) at West Covina (5-6, CIF-SS Div. 9 First Round)
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: at Montclair (3-7)
Week 9: vs. Sierra Vista (7-4, CIF-SS Div. 12 First Round)
Week 10: vs. Wilson (1-9)
CRYSTAL BALL: We had a feeling that the Braves were going to have a big season in 2022 and that’s what happened. We had them pegged at 7-3, they pushed for an 8-2 mark and a deep run in the playoffs as they made the semifinals. Aguilar shocked many when he decided to step down as coach. That didn’t stop the administration from making the splashiest hire of the offseason by alluring Maxie over from Pasadena to become the new head coach. He brings an innovative mind to the offensive side of the ball and knows how to get the most out of the players. We had a chance to watch QB1 Garcia this summer and he looks terrific. The skill player is where the action is. With two players already getting offers (Calvin and Vaughn) that makes this team evaluation more interesting. We are concerned about the defensive line, but that might be a work in progress. Even though the Braves have seven teams in their schedule that made the playoffs last year, they were in Divisions that should give Maxie that much concern. I am projecting not only a deep run for the Braves but a CIF Southern Section championship. That’s how good this team is.
Projected record: 9-1
