Young Sacred Heart eyeing a turnaround

Old-school football coaches don’t make excuses, and they won’t sugar coat assessments of poor seasons.

When the topic turns to Peralta’s first two seasons at Sacred Heart Cathedral — a combined 4-16 overall and no wins in 14 West Coast Athletic League games — the coach simply replies with a curt, “Yep.” in acknowledgment.

[...] the narrative of Peralta’s tenure at his alma mater might change this season.

With a solid group of juniors and sophomores leading the way, the Fighting Irish flashed a good amount of potential during a 27-14 season-opening win at Terra Nova-Pacifica last week.

Junior quarterback Will Irons completed 12 of 18 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, and a young defense recorded seven sacks and forced five turnovers (three interceptions and two fumble recoveries).

Sean Fewer, a speedy receiver and defensive back, caught both of Irons’ TD passes and finished with six catches for 124 yards.

Perhaps most important for a team with so many sophomores and juniors in prominent roles, both coach and quarterback praised an early team chemistry.