A positive step forward

DN boys soccer team looking to improve this year

Jesus Herrera kicks the ball while pursued by Brandon Bloyd during a Del Norte High soccer practice on Tuesday. The Warriors opened the season on Wednesday against fellow Humboldt-Del Norte Conference team McKinleyville on the road. For more photos, go to triplicate.com/photos.The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

The second-year head coach took over the program only a few weeks before the start of the season in 2010. While the team finished with a winning record at 8-7-1, Sanyaolu believes it is capable of more and hopes it can be more competitive and sport a better mark in the Humboldt-Del Norte Conference.

Orignally from Nigeria and a math teacher at Del Norte High, Sanyaolu grew up with the sport and believes that if the team can play smart, fundamental soccer that focuses on teamwork, hustle and crisp passing, positive results should follow.

“I want them to play good soccer they can be proud of,” he said. “We’re a work in progress, but there are good things I’ve been seeing ... If you pass well and if you can work as a team you can do well.”

The season began Wednesday on the road against HDN foe McKinleyville on the road.

Del Norte plays again next Wednesday at 5 p.m. at home against Eureka.

This year, there will be no boys junior varsity squad, but Sanyaolu plans to keep a large roster. This should give the younger players a chance to be part of the team and learn the system.

Members of the Del Norte high boys soccer team during practice on Tuesday. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

By insisting his players work hard and know they have to earn playing time with their performance on the field, Sanyaolu hopes to see even more discipline and passionate play this season.

“I’m trying to build competition,” he said. “I always want to put out our best team.”

The junior varsity team ended last season undefeated with one tie, so there are a number of players from that team that are looking to contribute.

Not coming into the season so last-minute this year certainly has helped during the first few weeks of practices, Sanyaolu said.

“I’m more comfortable since I’ve worked with these players before,” he said. “They know my philosophy and what I expect.”

On defense, Sanyaolu has been impressed with his center fullback, junior Tanner Walker, who brings good speed, aggressiveness and knowledge of the game to the sport.

At right forward, senior Scott Sousa is expected to contribute.

“He’s got good skills and passes the ball well,” Sanyaolu said.

A pleasant surprise for Sanyaolu has been senior center midfielder Yinghoue Chang, who played football last season.

“He goes out and fights for the ball,” his coach said. “He passes the ball well, already knows the playbook and listens. He’s a workhorse.”

Sanyaolu has also liked what he has seen from a number of other players. This includes seniors Colby Japp, Ian Roy and Salvador Ochoa, along with others who he said should contribute in 2011.