NPHS football attracts new talents
On the heels of Newbury Park High School’s [NPHS] electrifying CIF Division II championship win, the buzz around the football program has grown louder than ever. NPHS is now emerging as a magnet for athletes hoping to wear black and gold under the Friday night lights. Attracted to the program’s reputation for elite coaching, college exposure and a championship-level environment, players from across California have moved to join the Panthers.
Looking for a new coaching approach, Charlie Ward, junior, made the move from Adolfo Camarillo High School [ACHS] to NPHS last winter. “I felt that we didn’t [have] a great coaching staff or leaders. Next year wasn’t looking too good, so I felt like coming here would be a better idea,” Ward said. In his time here, Ward believes the program’s coaching has been both beneficial and stand-out. “[The coaches] are involved and they’re on you, but it’s for a good reason, and definitely helps,” Ward said. Looking back at the transfer process, Ward thinks he pushed himself in every area—a feat that he encourages others to do. “For [me], I tried track for the first time when I transferred,” Ward said. “Definitely be open to changes, make new friends, [don’t] be afraid to talk to people and just try new things.”
Heading to San Jose State University in the winter on an athletic scholarship, Devin Olmande, senior, credits his college commitment to the NPHS program. “I think [transferring] has been beneficial because I got here and now I’m going to college for free,” Olmande said. He explains that the attention the team and star players have garnered has led to more college scouts assessing players at NPHS. “There’s more eyes here because Brady [Smigiel] is a five star [recruit], so there’s a lot of potential with colleges here,” Olmande said.
Coming from St. Bonaventure Catholic High School, Darrien Johnson, sophomore, joined the NPHS program this year with high ambitions. “Honestly, my [goal] is to come out [of] here as the top recruit,” Johnson said. “And then the bigger picture is [to] make it Division I, no matter where it’s at.” Johnson applies this mindset to his expectations for his team. “Hopefully we win a championship, but I take it one day at a time, one game at a time,” Johnson said. Although athletics were a major factor, Johnson says academics also played a role in his decision to transfer. “I’ve heard good things about [NPHS’s] academic program, and I’ve always been a ‘school first’ kind of kid before sports,” Johnson said.
Matthew Curry, senior, has quickly become a key player within the program as the starting wide receiver for the varsity team. Curry arrived at NPHS after moving from the San Fernando Valley, where personal connections led him to the program. “I knew a bunch of people on the team, and [Olmande] told me I should come check [NPHS] out and see what it’s about,” Curry said. “I went on a tour and I came to a game last year [and] liked the environment.” Curry has scored three receiving touchdowns in the season so far, and hopes to continue this trajectory. “My goal is definitely over 100 yards this season, and around 80 to 120 catches,” Curry said.
As the Panthers’ season continues, the players hope to achieve both personal successes and team victories in the upcoming months. With key additions bolstering the roster, the team is eyeing another deep run in the CIF championship. Combining homegrown talent with fresh faces, the Panthers are shaping a team identity built on acceptance, grit and hard work. “I love the culture. The coaches and everyone [are] more involved [in] the team and [they] want [to] win. I’ve definitely learned a lot in the short time I’ve been here,” Ward said.
