While the first game may be over two months away, Tehachapi is currently in full-practice swing, evident this past week in the high school gym where on average 46 Warriors and 60 junior varsity/frosh athletes were in a daily workout routine enhancing their agility, endurance, and strength in the weight room.

“Football’s my sport, I love it,” said lineman Kevin Ruiz. “I just want to get ready for the season, work out with my buddies. That’s what it’s all about.”

Expectations are high for the Warriors this year with so much talent and depth at a variety of positions. In a brief glimpse, Tehachapi is returning one of the top linebacking corps in the entire central valley spearheaded by 2006 leading central-section tackler Alek Taliulu. They will also have one of the top runningback arsenals among Division III teams in Josh Strauss, Adam Mullen, Kelly Lorenz, Will Clark, Armando Salcido, and Franky Rodriguez.

“To have as many kids as we have had (46) get up at 6 a.m. everyday to come out and workout that’s pretty good,” said head coach Steve Denman. “The kids seem really enthused, we have some solid leadership from some of our seniors, kids are stepping up and doing a good job organizing and doing what they need to do.”

With music blaring in the background during the workout, sounds of grunting and weights clanking on the gym room floor could be heard at all ends of the building. For the Tehachapi coaching staff, it was music to their ears.

“If our guys can keep up what they are doing this week we should be in great shape. But that’s the key, not letting down from the high intensity level,” added Denman. “We want them to get consistent lifting but also use the summertime to recharge their batteries. Coming as early as we do, it gives our kids a chance to go out and have summer jobs, vacations, have fun, and do other things. But we need to still come out and work.”

Tehachapi is predicted to be strong at the skilled positions this season, but small on the line of scrimmage. That is a sentiment that is balked by most of the players including standout lineman Kevin Ruiz.

“A lot of folks out there may say we have a small line this year, that’s fine with us,” added Ruiz. “If I remember right the last time we took CIF we had a small line. We’re confident and we’re all excited; I think we’re going to do good this year.”