By David A. Willauer-Contributing Writer

Fallbrook CA— After three consecutive years in the CIF Section Playoffs and a rebuilding year in 2016, Darius Pickett the former assistant football coach at traditional football power, Oceanside High, where they have produced a number of outstanding football players that have moved onto the college level, is ready to start his first year as Fallbrook High School’s new football coach.
Darius Pickett on the Fallbrook Football Squad for 2017:
In the running back positions we have Ethan Martin. Martin is running the ball well for us training camp also has good blocking ability. We also return another person at running back in Jalen Webb and he will give Ethan a battle.
At quarterback is junior Jacob McBroom. Jake has done a great job for us in camp and is showing improvement while learning the fundamentals, he is a hard worker and shows improvement every day.”
At the wide receiver spot are Michael Gross and Julian Arteaga. We will be counting on them to make the big plays along with tight ends Christian Cruz, Al Figueroa, Will Gross, there are a lot of key guys we have at the skilled positions which will help us out when we run the spread offense. I like the skilled offensive positions from quarterback to our backs, tight ends and wide receivers we will continue to improve each game as the season comes.
If everyone is healthy our offensive line will be a strong point as we have to rely on 3 seniors for their leadership on our squad in Mikell Jackson, Caleb Maxwell and Junior Santana along with two juniors in Corbin Nash and Darius Watson. They are healthy and working very hard for us in practice.”
Mikell Jackson will be solid for us on defensive line along with Darius Watson who will fit in well for us. Our Defensive Ends, we return Joseph Portillo on one side along with Jared Casillas and Caleb Maxwell.
Our field goal and kickoff specialist is Esteban Camacho. Punting will be Julian Arteaga or Joseph Portillo. They are looking good in camp and it’s been a nice competitive battle.
On playing Westview: “For me it is another game. We will be preparing the same preparation that I am going to put into every game. The kids are very excited about playing their first game and they want to be successful. They will show their old coach how they are doing. It should be a fun game”

Schedule:

8/25 7:00p @ Westview (San Diego, CA)
9/1 7:00p @ Del Norte (San Diego, CA)
9/8 7:00p Torrey Pines
9/15 7:00p Christian (El Cajon, CA)
9/22 7:00p San Pasqual (Escondido, CA)
9/29 6:30p @ Hoover (San Diego, CA)
10/6 7:00p @ Escondido
10/13 7:00p @ El Camino
10/20 7:00p Valley Center
11/3 7:00p Rancho Buena Vista