Bishop Amat Football Prepares for Season with Two-Way Threat Richie Munoz Leading the Way

Bishop Amat Football Prepares for Season with Two-Way Threat Richie Munoz Leading the Way

Bishop Amat High School’s football team is gearing up for the upcoming season, with Richie Munoz, a versatile player who excels on both offense and defense, at the forefront. Despite losing several key starters from last year’s squad, the Lancers have a strong foundation to build upon.

Munoz, a four-year varsity player, primarily played quarterback last season but also made significant contributions on the defensive end. As a sophomore, he earned the title of Mission League Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his exceptional skills. This year, Munoz is expected to make an impact on defense once again, while also seeing some playing time as a quarterback. His ability to excel in multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for the team.

Junior Frankie Villalbazo is set to take over as the team’s starting quarterback. The Lancers have high hopes for Villalbazo, who displayed glimpses of his talent last season. Another player to watch is sophomore running back Ryan Salcedo, who impressed as a freshman, rushing for 358 yards and scoring four touchdowns. With a year of experience under his belt, Salcedo is expected to take on a more prominent role in the team’s offense.

While the team may be thin in terms of experienced offensive starters, the Lancers have a few key returnees on the offensive line, including John Rodriguez and Melecio Campos. The wide receiver position will feature sophomore Eric Osorio, a transfer from Los Alamitos, and Brandyn Wetherspoon, who also contributes on defense.

On the defensive side, Bishop Amat boasts a formidable lineup. Munoz and junior safety Noah Fa’apito are expected to anchor the unit and provide leadership. Linebacker Dylan Rodriguez and lineman Matthew Salazar are among the main returning players, adding strength to the team’s defensive core.

Despite losing several marquee players to transfers, including Stacy Bey, Cameron and Rodney Sermons Jr., Malik White, Foster Slaughter, and Luke McNulty, the Lancers remain optimistic about the upcoming season. The team’s strong tradition, depth, and consistency have been evident over the past decade, as highlighted by their impressive run to the CIF Southern Section Division 2 semifinals last year. Bishop Amat will enter the season as the number one-ranked team in the San Gabriel Valley rankings.

While concerns have been raised about the number of departures from the program, the Lancers have a lot to offer. Richie Munoz’s versatility and leadership skills, combined with the team’s skill players and unity, provide a solid foundation. Coach Steve Hagerty acknowledges that their experience upfront is a weakness, but remains confident in the team’s ability to compete.

Bishop Amat’s nonleague schedule includes matchups against Valencia, St. Paul, Santa Margarita, and Rancho Cucamonga. The Lancers may not be the favorites in the Mission League, but they are poised to secure a top-three playoff spot in their division. Regardless of the division they are placed in, except Division 1, the team is expected to be competitive.

As the season approaches, Bishop Amat Football is well-positioned to continue their winning tradition. With players like Richie Munoz leading the way, the Lancers have the potential to achieve success on both sides of the ball. Fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead as Bishop Amat aims to build upon their past achievements and make their mark in high school football.