Paloma Valley Opens Football Season at San Bernardino

Sophomore running back Demarco Prewitt will lead the way for Paloma Valley's rushing attack.

Led by a third-year starting quarterback and a standout receiver corps, the Paloma Valley High School football team opens the 2013 season at San Bernardino at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Veteran coach Bert Esposito is happy to welcome back senior Brent Boehm (left) for a third year in charge of the Wildcats' high-powered passing attack. His playing time was limited in preseason workouts due to a sore shoulder, but Boehm looked sharp in practice on Wednesday and appears ready to pick up where he left off last fall.

"We took it easy on Brent and didn't have him throw much at all the first two and a half weeks," Esposito said, "but he'll be ready to go on Friday."

Last season, Boehm (6-0, 205) passed for 2,329 yards and 22 touchdowns in leading the Wildcats to a 9-4 overall record and an appearance in the CIF Central Division semifinals. His versatility and pinpoint accuracy to several receivers once again makes Paloma Valley an offensive threat.

Boehm's primary target, C.J. Parker (6-2, 195), might not play in the opener because of a shoulder injury, but he should once again make a big impact this season. Last year, Parker caught 25 passes for 437 yards and 4 touchdowns. Anthony Smith (5-10, 160) is the speediest of the receivers, but he will be held out of Friday's game with a twisted ankle.

That means seniors Michael Valencia (6-0, 165) and Phillip Hauser (5-7, 165) could play key roles against San Bernardino, which was outclassed in last year's opener at Paloma Valley, 54-6.

"Any time you get off to a fast start, it's to your advantage," said Esposito, whose team opened last year 5-0. "That's what we want to do, put it to other teams. But San Bernardino has the athletes who can make it a game."

Paloma Valley's rushing attack will be led by sophomore Demarco Prewitt (5-10, 185). He got only two carries for the varsity as a freshman last year but has shown confidence and ability in preseason workouts. Junior Elliott Smith (5-6, 150, at left) will see action in the backfield in addition to at receiver, along with Anthony Smith when he returns from injury.

Senior defensive end Kre Webb (6-0, 230) will lend stability to a defensive unit that is "coming along," according to Esposito.

"The bottom line will be game experience," the coach said. "We may give up some sophomore mistakes in the beginning."

Senior R.J. Benz (6-0, 220) will be the leader of the linebacker corps.

Following Friday's opener on the road, Paloma Valley will have three consecutive home games against Sultana, West Valley and Moreno Valley.