Sports
Varonos Making Big Impression For Coyotes
Calabasas High receiver has a nice day at Agoura passing tournament and is developing into a serious outsdie threat for quarterback Kyle Zion.
Alex Varonos wasn't the first option on offense last season for the Calabasas High football team. He wasn't the second, third, or even fourth choice in the grand scheme of things for the Coyotes.
All of that, however, could be changing.
Varonos has made a big impression on the coaching staff during and never was that more evident than on Tuesday at the 7-on-7 passing tournament at Agoura High.
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"He's developing into quite the reliable presence for us,'' Coyotes coach Larry Edwards said of Varonos, a receiver who made several difficult catches against Rio Mesa, Simi Valley and the host Chargers.
If his steady contributions continue, Varonos could end up securing a spot in the starting lineup, perhaps lock down a role as the No. 1 wide out. The opportunity is there, given the fact that Calabasas' top receiver from a season ago, Alex Hanover, graduated earlier this month, leaving a huge void on the outside that needs to be filled.
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Hanover led the Coyotes in receptions (41), receiving yards (450) and touchdowns (3).
"We have a lot of guys here, more than I can count, that are trying to earn a job on this team,'' Coyotes assistant coach Wayne Quigley said. "As coaches, we're keeping a very watchful eye on everyone.''
On Tuesday, it was hard not to notice Varonos working hard play after play, without much of a break. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior was the favorite target of quarterback Kyle Zion.
"That kid from Calabasas, I think his name is Alex, he's got a motor that doesn't stop,'' Simi Valley coach Lance Martin said.
Varonos showed glimpses of his potential as a junior. He finished with 241 receiving yards on 20 catches with a touchdown. His breakout game came in a 42-13 Marmonte League loss to Thousand Oaks when he had six receptions for 55 yards and a score.
And Varonos' good play against the Lancers wasn't a fluke. When given the chance as an underclassman, he made sure to make a statement. He had three or more catches in four of the eight games he played.
"Alex has some upside, a lot of upside,'' Edwards said. "The thing we like about him is, he's got a great work ethic. You can't teach that kind of stuff. He's quick, possesses great hands and has a good feel for the game too.''
Being on the same page as Zion certainly helped Varonos excel over the course of the last two weeks at the Conejo Valley Classic and Beverly Hills passing tournaments. At times, it appeared as if he was Zion's go-to-guy. Varonos has held his own against some of Southern California's top programs such as Los Angeles Dorsey and La Puente Bishop Amat, along with league rivals Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Westlake.
"We like what we've seen from Alex,'' Edwards said. "He keeps improving every week. We envision him getting plenty of touches in the future.''