Under a new head coach, Coyotes prepare for football

New Calabasas High head coach Ken Papotta knows his Coyotes have a lot of hard work ahead as they prepare for a second season of football in the Marmonte League. But he’s philosophical as the team completes its second week of practice.

"If we do the basics, everything else will take care of itself," he said. "I never talk about winning and losing with the kids, and make sure the coaching staff doesn’t either.

"Play for the moment. We’ll be here for a short time. ‘Lose yourself in the moment’ as Eminem sings. We don’t talk to the kids about the score. If you do these things, the score will take care of itself."

Papotta, in his second year on the Calabasas campus after coaching at Moorpark, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks high schools and California Lutheran University, hopes the moments of strong play increase over last year when the Coyotes were 5-5 overall and 2-5 in league. It was the first year for Calabasas in the Marmonte League.

Several players have already impressed Papotta in early practices as Calabasas gets ready with a scrimmage tomorrow at Crespi at 7:30 p.m. The first two games are at Calabasas, on Sept. 12 against El Camino and Sept. 19 vs. Oak Park. Kickoffs are at 7 p.m.

Papotta said Keith Bennett (6 -2, 185) will return at quarterback. "He’s gotten bigger, faster, stronger—and that’s what has made him what he is now," Papotta said. "His confidence has done a 180 from last year."

Three of Bennett’s wide receiver targets will be David Appelbaum, Dylan Conrad and Damon Rodriguez.

Appelbaum (5- 9, 165) also plays defensive back. "He is one of the quickest, shiftiest kids that I have ever had in my coaching experience," Papotta said. "That comes from basketball talent. He is one of those quick, scatback type kids."

Conrad (5-10, 175) also plays cornerback. "He has worked so hard in the weight room and in the off-season," the coach said. "He was in track. He has improved his speed tremendously by working hard."

Rodriguez (6-2, 175) was a running back last year. Papotta said he discovered Rodriguez during the summer passing league. "He has great speed," the coach said. "He was one of the top 400 meter runners in CIF track and is bigger, faster, stronger. He’s had to work so hard on his grades and went to summer school. He worked hard in the classroom and in the weight room to be where he is today."

Two others expected to carry the Coyotes on offense this season are Rick Harrison and Obi Ikemefuna.

Harrison (6-5, 225) plays tight end and defensive end. "He’s a big college recruit," Papotta said. "He’s our biggest (NCAA) Division I standout and one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached in my 12 years at high school level."

Ikemefuna (6-0, 205) is a running back. "What makes him special," the coach said, "is his core character to the team and dedicated hard work ethic. He realizes his importance to the team as a team member. The kids look to him as a leader."

Dan Melancon (6-2, 225) is the only three-year varsity player at Calabasas this season. He plays right tackle and offensive end. "He’s the most sound player on fundamentals at his position I have ever come across," Papotta said.

Adam Silver (6-2, 255) is an offensive lineman. "He is a very intelligent, hardworking kid who picks up things very, very quickly," the coach said. "He has great feet for the center and defensive tackle positions."

Chase Smith (5-10, 255) plays offensive right guard and inside linebacker. "He is also one of the hardest working kids in the program and one of the kids everybody would like to have on their team," Papotta said. "He’s the ‘must have’ person every team needs as a team player and he’s a friend, a companion to everyone."

Eric Polansky (5 -11, 175) is a strong safety. "He is another core leader as a senior," the coach said. "Regarding work ethic, his is one of the best on the team in practice. He keeps the team motivated."

As he looks ahead, Papotta—a ninth grade English teacher who also teaches investments and the Young Entrepreneur Regional Occupational Program class—said he’ll continue to stress to the team how football relates to life.

"My approach has always been the complete program, the complete kid program with four values: school, work ethic, football and family.

To underscore the coach’s philosophy, Papotta said his team breaks daily practice with the motto: "Better every day."

The support group in teaching these values, Papotta said, is his assistants: Fletcher Reel, Dave Ochoa, Ed Harrold, Nick Galvin, Mike Moore, Greg Dobin, Lance Mockny, Don Qusak, Nick Bascil, Steve Mazza, Dan Rappa and Andy Falk.