Arcadia Apaches Football is Ready to Attack

The time to play football again has arrived and the first challenge the Arcadia Apaches face is a well-known and impressive opponent in the St. Francis Golden Knights.

The Golden Knights defeated the Apaches last year 42-27 led by quarterback Brett Nelson who completed 13 passes for 154 yards and 3 touchdowns. Arcadia’s quarterback Myles Carr had an impressive performance completing 27 of 41 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Taylor Lagace caught 13 of those passes for 154 yards.

Arcadia certainly is in position to repeat last year's success. In addition to Carr and Lagace, the Apaches return with their leading rusher from last year, junior Sheldon McKinley, who ran for a team-best 709 yards and six TDs.

“They’re not are only weapons, though, it will take a whole team effort.” said Arcadia Head Coach Joe Dimalante. “We feel in the skilled positions we are real strong.” Arcadia has been tagged as a team that could make a deep run in the Southeast Division playoffs.

If there is a question mark for Arcadia, though, it's on the offensive line where the Apaches have just one returning starter from last year in Ryan Campbell, an All-Pacific League selection last year. The Apaches new line will certainly be tested early in the season as they open the season with back-to-back home games against St. Francis and Monrovia.

“I’m real excited about this season. The kids are a joy to work with and coach. We have high goals and we’re working towards them,” said Dimalante, when asked about what he thought of this years team. 

St. Francis' junior Jared Lebowitz is set to lead the Golden Knights' offense this year and this will be his first game at quarterback for the team.

The game is scheduled to get started at 7 p.m. Friday at Arcadia High School located at 180 Campus Drive.