By Robert Haugh
The Wilcox Chargers have dominated Mission City football over the last 40-plus years. This year is no different, as a stellar squad is a bona fide CCS championship contender.
The Chargers (5-0) have cruised to a perfect start, including wins over CCS-ranked teams Valley Christian (10-6 on Aug. 24) and San Benito (37-6 on Aug. 30). They crushed cross-town rival Santa Clara 63-7 on Sept. 14 in the annual Mission City Bowl.
They open De Anza play Friday evening against fellow De Anza powerhouse Palo Alto (5-0), which is led by star QB Jackson Chryst. The Vikings should be a formidable foe for the Chargers.
The Chargers, known for their patented veer rushing attack, surprisingly have a well-balanced offense. A few backs have broken huge runs — with six players recording runs of 40-plus yards. The Chargers have amassed 1,360 rush yards for an average of nine yards per carry. Junior Paul Rosa, Jr., tops the rushing ranks with 562 rushing yards including nine TDs.
A formidable aerial attack keeps opponents on their toes, too. Senior QB Alex Adame has gone 27-for-43 for 526 yards, seven TDS and two INTs.
The Chargers are averaging nearly 400 yards from scrimmage per game, compiling 224 points, while an underrated Chargers defense has been stout, allowing only 40 points. The defense has recorded six sacks, four INTs and two blocked kicks.
Anchoring the D is junior Roan Poulivaati who has 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
We’ve asked a few mission city prep sports fanatics their take on the Chargers team. One says “their defense doesn’t get enough credit — they fly to the ball.”
While the Chargers usually field stellar teams in the always-potent De Anza division, this team may be something special.
