Football: Home-grown Thousand Oaks players ready for challenge
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In the era of transfers galore, Thousand Oaks is trying to succeed with neighborhood kids. The Lancers had zero transfers last season when they made it to the Northern Division semifinals.
This season, Thousand Oaks moves to the Pac-5 Division, making it an even tougher challenge to succeed.
‘We work a lot harder,’ Coach Mike Leibin said. ‘The bar has been raised.’
Thousand Oaks will get an early test on Friday when it faces Serra League favorite Mission Hills Alemany in a 7 p.m. scrimmage at Thousand Oaks.
The Lancers are excited, because returning are quarterback Clark Abourisk (2,435 yards passing) and running back Nathan DeBeikes (1,313 yards rushing). DeBeikes, a Brigham Young commit, is also to play inside linebacker and has gained 15 pounds.
Beware of junior receiver-defensive back Nick Julier. He has moved up from junior varsity, and Leibin said he thinks Julier can be an impact player.
The Marmonte League has been divided into a Marmonte League West and Marmonte League East. Thousand Oaks is in the Marmonte League West with Oaks Christian, Calabasas, Moorpark and Agoura.
Leibin said he plays with whomever shows up. ‘I’m proud of how we conduct ourselves and how we run this program,’ he said.
-- Eric Sondheimer