Wrighster, Esparza competing for starting QB job for Sierra Canyon

There's a quarterback battle in Chatsworth.

Sierra Canyon — the area's top high school football team — has yet to name its starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Junior Damon Wrighster and sophomore Alonzo Esparza are the two auditioning for the star role.

“I enjoy the competition; it helps me be a better player,” said Wrighster,

Esparza

who has been in the program since he was a freshman and played some wide receiver as a sophomore.

Esparza is a transfer from Culver City who last season threw for 2,992 yards and 24 touchdowns as a freshman. The newcomer is competing and adapting.

“It is challenging,” Esparza said. “I'm learning new plays, it's a new system for me, and it's a whole new level of competition.”

Wrighster has a lean, wiry frame at 6-foot-3. Esparza is slightly more developed physically, but hovers around 6 feet.

Sierra Canyon has been trying to break into the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs for two seasons. The Trailblazers have attempted to breach the air of programs like St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Corona Centennial, which are all nationally ranked. Last season they played JSerra twice (two wins), Centennial (loss) and Servite (loss). This season, they'll play at JSerra in their season opener Aug. 19 before playing their debut season in the Mission League.

“Because the expectations are so high, there's pressure that comes with the position,” Wrighster said. “But I love that, I like the thrill of pressure. I feel like I thrive.”

Esparza understands the importance of the role.

“Being a quarterback at Sierra Canyon is a big deal,” he said. “The quarterback role in general is extremely important, and here it needs to be played with near perfection. It's about making sure the team is successful and they're on task.”

Whether it's Wrighster or Esparza who claim the job, the competition is so tight, a default pressure on the winner is sure to be felt with the other waiting in anticipation for their opportunity.

Coach Jon Ellinghouse said he believes he has one of the best wide receiving corps in the state with Jojo Phillips, Lavon Brown, Trey Byrd, Jaylen Sumlin and Cole Crawford, also with running back Terrell Cooks Jr.

Cooks had an official time of 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash at a football camp this summer.