This year, Ridgeview Football is focused on perseverance. So far, with a 2-3 record, no matter how much adversity they face, they are willing to push through by any means necessary.
Senior Ej Ellis Moya has been playing football since he was four years old. “It’s in my blood, my whole family plays football.” Moya is a three-year varsity player at Ridgeview. He mentions, “I just love RHS. I watched my uncles play here, I watched them win Valley Championship after Valley Championship, and I’m trying to repeat what they did…They’re really big inspirations on what I do in life.” His drive for the sport this year ultimately comes from his grandmother; her passing has impacted his mindset in a way that makes him hungrier to succeed in football. As a captain, he stresses that his goal for the team is to help his teammates experience the playoffs. This year, he believes the toughest opponent of the season will be Bakersfield High School. However, with the help of Moya’s drive, determination, and leadership, the team will be in good shape to have a good fight against the Drillers. “Always believe in yourself,” states Moya.
Also a Senior, Chris Nunaz has been playing for ten years now. His inspiration for the sport comes from his family. “My baby brother, my mom, and dad. That’s who I do it for.” Nunaz notes his ultimate strength as defense. He can successfully pursue the ball and identify the play before it starts. He describes a moment when he overcame adversity during his sophomore year while playing with a torn meniscus. “They doubted me, but I was able to come out and lead the team and get that win,” Nunaz notes that this year, Tulare Union High School is going to be one of their toughest opponents, they have a lot of chemistry and a couple of D1 recruits on their team. Hopefully, with the help of Nunaz and his defense skills, leadership, and motivation for the sport, the team will experience a good fight against Tulare.
Football coach Nathan Cluanch has been coaching football for about sixteen years now. In those 16 years, he has learned not to take things so personally. “Block out all of the noise. Just stay focused on you and your players,” states Claunch. He believes that the number one strength the team has this year is defense, “We have a lot of team speed.” One of the team’s weaknesses is finishing games. However, they have a plan to fix it in due time. Cluanch also believes their toughest opponent this year will be Tulare Union because they have a lot of 4-year varsity players on the team. He mentions that a lot of the seniors seem to be bought in, “I think we have a good core group of kids that want to win.” He also mentions his number one goal for all his players as being good men at the end of the day. Win or lose, the team values the Pack’s support and wishes that we understand the team is working hard.
Ridgeview football is a great defensive team. The team has a lot of potential and, most importantly, heart. With the support from the school and the consistency and hard work from the players, Ridgeview football seems to be in good shape to finish the season strong.
