Jorge Reyna knows something about CIF championships
By SHEL SEGAL
Pasadena High quarterback Jorge Reyna knows something about CIF championships. The starting QB for Downey High two seasons ago as a sophomore, Reyna is hoping to do make CIF again as a member of the Bulldogs.
And if Friday night’s season opener—a 50-7 thrashing of South El Monte High—is any indication, Reyna just might have his prediction come true.
Reyna said it is his leadership that will make a difference in this team. He added, however, it is a building process.
“The team’s coming together,” Reyna said. “We’re learning different schemes. We’re learning to play as one, as a family. It’s a great experience.”
He added his experience on the field – and in the locker room – will be invaluable for this young team.
“I’ve been in this situation,” he said. “In crunch time they need someone to look up to hold the reins and take control of the game. You need to manage it, on and off the field, do your homework, on the field, off the field, keep everyone in line and win a game.”
Growing up Reyna said football was sort of a family affair.
“My father got me into football,” he said. “From what my family says he was a great football player – a defensive end – and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Reyna said he transferred to Pasadena as his family moved here from Downey. He added last year he passed for more than 2,000 yards and rushed for more than 1,000 yards.
So, what will it be like taking over a team that was 1-9 last year and has fallen on tough times?
“They’ve had some issues, from what I’ve heard about, but this is a new team, driven by ambition and it’s looking really good,” Reyna said.
And what about playing in the uber-competitive, eight-team Pacific League?
“It will be real interesting,” he said. “I love a challenge.”
In addition, he said his expectations are quite simple.
“I want to be undefeated. I believe we can do it. And I want to win a league championship. And win CIF.”
And if someone pays attention to him along the way, well that’s OK, too.
“I love the glory,” he said. “I love the spotlight. I’ve always been like that.”
(Shel Segal can be reached at ssegal@beaconmedianews.com and followed via Twitter @segallanded).