Calipatria Hornets focused on moving forward after historic championship

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) - The Calipatria Hornets are starting this football season as defending CIF San Diego Section Division 5-AA champions for the first time in school history.

Last year's success has brought new energy to the program. Head Coach Rick Stewart says it's made more players want to be part of it.

"Everybody saw the success from last year and saw how much fun it is to win," he said. "They all want to jump on the train."

This year’s roster has over 50 players, but only three are returning varsity players. Team captain Osmar Lopez says the mindset from last year still matters.

"You just gotta buy in," Lopez said. "If you expect it to be easy, you're not gonna have a good time."

The Hornets also lost star player Dominic Hawk. Coach Stewart knows they can't replace him, but says it's time for others to step up.

"You don't replace a Dominic Hawk. Dominic Hawk is chapter four of this system," Stewart said metaphorically. "Well, we don't go to chapter four anymore. Now, we go to chapter eight, chapter ten, and highlight the kids that are good."

So far, the Hornets are 0-2 after a close overtime loss in week one and a one-point loss in week two. They will try to get back in the win column this Friday against O'Farrell Charter.