SAN BERNARDINO >> With less than two months until its first game of the 2019 season, Indian Springs announced San Bernardino native Chris Chaddick as its new football coach.
It was a rushed process but Indian Springs athletic director Jon Chamberlain says he has his guy.
“Chris is a good fit,” Chamberlain said. “He’s been running our practices, the kids are getting out there on time, (and) the culture has changed around his beliefs and work ethic He’s demanding more of the kids, and his higher level of expectations has the kids rising to meet him.”
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Having accepted his first head coaching job on July 4, Chaddick remembers his holiday celebration well.
“The news made for an awesome 4th of July, and it became official on July 10,” Chaddick said, “so it’s been interesting to have to hustle to hire and coordinate all coaches in six weeks, but it got done.”
A former All-San Andreas League player and a San Gorgonio graduate, Chaddick played football at San Bernardino Valley College before coaching stints at San Gorgonio, Fontana Summit and Colton. He was set to be the Indian Springs defensive coordinator this season before the promotion to head coach.
“I grew up in San Bernardino. I played in San Bernardino at ‘San G.’ I’ve lived in San Bernardino my whole life, so I know exactly what these kids are about and what they’re going through,” Chaddick said. “Now I’ve coached (Minnesota Vikings defensive back) Nate Meadors at San Gorgonio, and (USC running back) Stephen Carr at Summit, so now I’ve coached some dudes, and I think we have some dudes here at Indian Springs.”
Chaddick takes hold of a team that went 4-6 overall in 2018.
“It’s a great opportunity here and the school has a great athletic director in John Chamberlain,” he said. “He’s awesome and there’s a terrific support system in place and a tremendous facilities in place.”
Indian Springs has had competitive teams in its seven-year history, but it hasn’t won a league title or reached the playoffs.
“Chris fits for our program and our kids,” Chamberlain said, “and he’s been able to bring in both longtime coaches and younger coaches that have college experience to not only relate to our kids, but make them better.”
MOUNTAIN VALLEY LEAGUE PREVIEW
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Peter Berumen, Rubidoux, Sr. QB (5-11, 187)
Athletic and accurate signal caller playing for his fourth school in four years.
Jonathan Connelly, Indian Springs, Jr., LB/FB/TE (6-0, 225)
Solid all-around performer will stand out in a number of roles for Coyotes.
Stephon Goss-Jenkins, Vista del Lago, Sr., RB/WR/DB (5-10, 160)
Averaged more than 8 yards per carry and totaled 1,005 yards last season.
Demorceau ‘D.J.’ Jackson, Miller, Sr., WR/DB (5-11, 145)
Dynamic two-way difference maker has the ability to have a breakout year.
Joshua Jones, Indian Springs, Jr., RB/FS (5-10, 170)
Talented starting point guard on Coyotes basketball team is a versatile athlete.
Elijah Kelsey, Moreno Valley, So., RB/CB (6-0, 180)
Playmaker on both sides of the ball has attention of head coach Ted Wadkins.
Terrell Ladd, Rubidoux, Sr., RB/SS (5-8, 180)
Another workhorse tailback in the Falcons’ tradition of bruising ballcarriers.
Leroy Louis, Moreno Valley, Sr., QB/WB/FS (6-2, 175)
Multi-dimensional athlete will excite, do a little bit of everything for Vikings.
Joshua Tilo, Pacific, Sr., QB/SS (5-8, 140)
Primarily a defensive back, will now have leadership role on offense.
Gabriel Zarate, San Bernardino, Jr., LB/WR/QB (6-2, 200)
Played primarily on defense last year and had 10 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks.
PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Moreno Valley: Ted Watkins’ team returns nine starters from a league-champion defense.
2. Rubidoux: Falcons look ready to spread their wings on offense in Patrick Thompson’s fourth year.
3. Miller: Numbers are up in Year 2 for head coach Andrew Amosa, who promises a spread attack.
4. Vista del Lago: Second-year coach Michael Touhy has Ravens looking to take the next step.
5. Indian Springs: A mid-summer coaching change sees Chris Chaddick take over program.
6. Pacific: Pirates will have nine four-year varsity players and its deepest team under Mike Aragon.
7. San Bernardino: Shawn Collins takes over a program with 11 wins over the last four seasons.