This 2024-2025 football season is filled with excitement as there is a new head coach Nathan Claunch, who is joining the pack from West High School. Their current standing is 0-5, but they are still going to continue the fight no matter what.
Senior Aaron Palma, defensive line, states, “Recently the games haven’t been the best, but we still fought hard in the end.” Palma believes that his best quality while being on the defensive line would be his speed. When asking Palma what could be done to improve on the field he states, “We could possibly pass the ball more to at least have a better possibility of a touchdown.” Palma explains that the toughest school that they have faced would be Sunnyside High School because he feels that the players were all pretty fast. Palma states, “ They all had intense speed, but we still played our hardest.” His encouraging words show determination in how he is going to play for the rest of the season.
Junior Eric Ellis-Moya, wide receiver, started his football journey at just four years old. With him starting at a young age there’s no doubt of the hard work and dedication Ellis-Moya has put in over the years. Ellis-Moya states, “ Coach Claunch has been very helpful and makes me like football more than last year.” When asked what the toughest school they would go up against would be he states, “I think the toughest schools would be Tulare Union High School and Bakersfield High School because Bakerfield High has Brison Abbott.” Ellis-Moya then goes on to explain how Tulare Union may be tough since their whole team is D1 commits. Despite their current record they are all happier and Coach Claunch gives everyone chances no matter what. When they went against Sunnyside High School, Ellis-Moya had an unexpected injury and is out for the remainder of the 2024 season due to a tear in his meniscus. Ellis-Moya states, “I will be back next year.” Even though Ellis-Moya is injured he is still helping out as the assistant coach for defensive backs.
Head coach Nathan Claunch has just recently started his position here at Ridgeview High School and is looking forward to the years to come. When asked what made Claunch want to coach Ridgeview he states, “ I have always admired the program and now I have the opportunity to lead my own program.” As this is his fifteenth year coaching, he believes the team is close to turning the corner to success. Claunch explains that his goals for the end of the season is to continue getting better every week and putting in the effort and determination. Claunch states, “ My goal is just for us to get better week in and week out.” Overall, this team’s work integrity will soon show and improve on the field which will get them outstanding outcomes for the rest of this season.
