Montwood Rams hopeful for playoff run in 2016

Last season, the Montwood Rams reached a decent 6-4 record under Coach Chuck Veliz’s last year with the team.

Now, the Rams are headed in a new direction behind new head coach Ariel Famaligi, who was a former offensive coordinator with Del Valle.

“Around here the expectation is to win,” Famaligi said. “I knew that coming in and I make no bones about that, we prepare for that and prepare for nothing but success.”

The Rams are hopeful to make a postseason push in 2016, led by the team’s stout defense.

“It’s a system that allows athletes to be athletes,” Famaligi said. “It allows them to fly sideline to sideline. We occupy up front and we let our athletes go do what they do.”

Former Coach Veliz totaled 134 wins as head coach during his career, but Famaligi doesn’t let that big number intimidate his new role.

“We try not to look back and always look forward, and our motto this year is burn the ship,” Famaligi said. “What that means is no matter what, you jump off the ship, plant your flag in the ground, band together and get it done.”

The coaches and players are on board, and now it remains to be see what type of progress the Rams can make in District 1-6A.

Montwood opens the season against Frenship on Aug. 26.