In Moorpark High's Football Program, the Defense Does Not Rest

The focus is going to be on Moorpark High football quarterback Grant Rohach this coming season—that’s what happens when you return one of Southern California’s top passers—but the Musketeers have always prided themselves on defense, and there are plenty of key hitters returning, too.

In fact, defense could be the X factor this season, as Moorpark tries to improve upon last year’s un-Moorpark-like 6-6 record and quarterfinal playoff finish.

“I think we’re going to be pretty good,” said defensive end Brandon Hughes, one of the top returnees on defense. “We kind of grew up last year and got some experience, so I would definitely say we’re an experienced defense. With the guys we have back, I think we can come out as a better team than last year.”

Surviving the tough Marmonte League—fortified last season by the addition of state powers Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure—and making it to the second round of playoffs would be a good year for most programs. But Moorpark has advanced to the section final four times over the preceding five seasons, so there are bigger expectations for the green and gold.

“A record of 6-6? I hate it,” Hughes said. “I definitely feel like we are going to come back from that. This year, we’re not going to let up for a second. We all have that mentality.”

As for Rohach, he passed for 1,897 yards and 23 touchdowns and scored seven touchdowns as a junior, and he has committed to Iowa State. This past week, he competed in the highly prestigious Elite 11 competition at Pepperdine University in Malibu, and Hughes and others were there to support him.

“I think he’s pretty impressive. I expect Grant to do really well this season,” Hughes said. “There is a lot on his shoulders.”

Rohach has a fast returning receiver in Alex Tolliver (20 receptions, five touchdowns), an experienced running back in junior Aaron Stanton (496 yards, two touchdowns) and a couple of top returning blockers in Anthony Peterson and Anthony Sarrocco. 

“Aaron has lot of potential,” Hughes said. 

As for the defense, some of the key figures in addition to Hughes are defensive linemen Tyler Puccio and Jayce Foster and linebackers Tony Mack, Bobby Eckert and Christian Dearborn.

“The defense is coming around,” defensive coordinator Ron Wilford said. “We got to the finals of one tournament and the semifinals of another passing tournament, and they were both high-status tournaments,” Wilford said.