With a three-year starter returning at quarterback, Los Banos aiming for another WAC title

David Herrera was at the top of the list on every scouting report of any football team facing Los Banos High School last season.

The Tigers quarterback was one of the most dynamic play-makers in Merced County, rushing for 879 yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 1,206 passing yards and another 16 scores through the air.

Herrera was named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Tigers to the WAC championship with a perfect 7-0 conference record last year.

The third-year starter should be even better this season.

“The game has slowed down a lot for me,” said Herrera. “I’m able to understand our offense, what we’re looking to do and what we’re looking for coverage-wise. My throwing is a lot better. I’m more accurate and consistent.”

With Herrera returning — along with a handful of starters on both sides of the ball — Los Banos will be aiming for a second consecutive WAC championship.

“A lot of our guys are returning, and they know what that feeling is like going undefeated in league and winning a championship,” Herrera said. “They know what it takes and they want to experience that again. We want to chase that feeling.”

The Tigers return three starters on the offensive line in seniors Jett Lindeman, Philip VanderPoel and Jackson Silva. Running back Joel Alveranga has looked impressive early, and Herrera has weapons at receiver in Cade Torres, Yahir Zuniga and Byron Zuniga.

“This group is awesome,” said Los Banos head coach Dustin Caropreso. “There’s no complaining, no arguing, nobody asking why are we running this? They just come in, show up on time, get the work in and get out.”

The defense will be anchored by Lindeman and Silva, who were both all-WAC selections last year.

“Both of those guys will be big for us,” Caropreso said. “Jett is special in many ways. He doesn’t say more than two words half the time. He works his butt off. I think his work ethic is what stands out the most about him.”

Caropreso says Herrera is the first three-year starter at quarterback he’s had as he begins his 12th season as the Tigers head coach.

“It makes it so much easier because he knows what we’re trying to do,” Caropreso said. “He knows what is going on. I think the biggest difference I’ve seen in him is in the weight room. He’s put on muscle and he’s grown a couple inches. He’s getting bigger and throwing the ball better.”

With the Sac-Joaquin Section undergoing realignment next year, this will be Los Banos’ final year in the WAC. The Tigers will join the Central California Conference next year.

“We’re going to have a target on us,” said Caropreso. “Not only did we win the league championship last year, but we’re also leaving the conference.”

Los Banos 2023 Schedule

Sept. 18 vs Dos Palos

Sept. 25 vs Hilmar

Sept. 1 at Orestimba

Sept. 15 at Beyer

Sept. 22 vs Davis

Sept. 29 vs Mountain House

Oct. 6 at Johansen

Oct. 13 at Ceres

Oct. 20 vs Lathrop

Oct. 27 vs Pacheco