Fifteen Bulldog football players named all Palomar League

By Bill Tamburrino

Fifteen Ramona Bulldogs earned All Palomar League honors in football, and Coach Damon Baldwin is very pleased with the selections.

“Ramona High football defied all odds and many people’s denial that we could not play in the Palomar League. For this we are extremely proud of our kids! We earned second place in the tough football league and for this we were granted some exciting honors for our players.”

Six Bulldogs were selected to the first team. Two senior Dawgs made the first team offense.

Senior Hunter McHargue was a unanimous pick at quarterback.

“Hunter is one of the most improved players that I have had the opportunity to coach. He is the first unanimous pick at quarterback since I have been at Ramona High School,” said Baldwin.

Josh Allen made the squad at center. He joins a long list of offensive linemen and centers that have been all league in Baldwin’s tenure. The center calls the offensive line blocking scheme on every play and is the leader of the O-line.

“He is a leader and leads by example. He is a devastating run blocker and protects well on passing plays,” said Baldwin.

Four defensive players made All Palomar first team.

Senior Daniel Kemp made the squad as a defensive lineman. “He is a sack machine. He spends a lot of time in the opponents’ backfield. He also started at guard on offense,” said Baldwin.

Javier Dominguez returns as a first team selection at defensive back.

“He holds the distinction of being the only Ramona athlete to be All Palomar first team twice in a row in any sport,” Baldwin said.

Two juniors made the first team.

Christian Drews made the squad as a tight end. “Christian has made the tough catches and blocks well. He will be back next year,” said Baldwin.

Patrick Hastings made the team as defensive lineman. “He could have made the squad as an offensive guard as well. He has been a true warrior for our team on both sides of the ball,” the coach said.

A senior and four juniors were named to the All Palomar second team.

Senior Brandon Fitzpatrick made the squad as a wide receiver.

“Brandon is proof that hard work pays off. He played on the junior varsity last year and had an awesome year this season,” said Baldwin. “He not only was a go-to guy for passes he is an awesome downfield blocker.”

Travis Kerchner made the squad as a linebacker.

“Travis is tough and versatile. He moved from safety after four games and adjusted instantly as a linebacker, which was his original position,” said the coach.

T-Bone Williams also made the team as a linebacker.

“He is a second year starter for us at linebacker and he led the team in tackles,” Baldwin noted.

Anthony Moreno was selected as an offensive tackle.

“At 6’4” and 260 pounds, he has a chance of being a Division I recruit next season,” Baldwin said. “His hard work in the weight room in the off-season has made him who he is.”

Nathan Cherek made the team as a running back after being moved from wide receiver and defensive back during the season.

“He was close to making the first team. He is only a junior and he is a big play guy. Every time he touches the ball he is a threat to score,” said Baldwin.

Four Bulldogs were named All Palomar honorable mention. Senior Zack Berg made the team as a defensive lineman. Berg played nose tackle for the Dawgs. Junior William Rieve made the jump from JV to varsity and had a solid season at offensive tackle. Sophomore Garrett Binkley was a two-way performer. Binkley played wide receiver and defensive back. Sophomore Brandon Gansch made the team as a running back. Gansch pounded the ball between the tackles and reads blocks well.

“We have nine all leaguers returning for next season. The leadership of the senior class and the graduating all league seniors will pay off for us in the future. There will be some exciting times ahead,” stated a very proud and happy Baldwin.