SRHS Falcons football season is now underway
By Hector Trujillo
After reaching the 2025 CIF San Diego Section Division II football semi-final last season, the Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) football team looks to build upon that success under new leadership. Having already opened the season on Aug. 21 at Poway High, the Falcons have eight games remaining starting on Aug. 28 at home versus the Warren High School Bears from Downey, Calif.
“I’ve never had a team like this before where most of our returners are on the offensive and defensive lines,” said head coach John Taylor. “I feel good about having the strength right up front.”
Taylor was co-head coach last season with Marlon Gardinera while also serving as offensive coordinator. He was defensive coordinator for six years at SRHS, helping lead the 2021 team to a historic season that culminated with the CIF Division 2-A State Championship and the San Diego Section Division 2 title.
“This is the first year since 1999 that I haven’t called plays,” Taylor said. “I have a very good coaching staff and there is a lot of work that goes into preparation on the side, so I get to float. However, one thing that will not change is what initially drew me to coach Gardinera. He stressed toughness, accountability and, above all else, academics.”
Among those in the front lines who are expected to have a major impact in 2026 are seniors Keegan Wenker and Slater Burgess alongside teammates Rylan Dickey and Jordan Zeller. The offense will be led by junior quarterback Nolan Cooper and senior
running back Jaden Gausman, who are also major contributors on the defensive side as well.
“I coach to change lives,” Taylor said. “Football is a vehicle to transform kids into responsible adults. My goal is that the four years that my players spend as Falcon football players makes them better men, husbands and fathers.”
Before arriving at SRHS, Taylor coached at Mira Mesa High. Mira Mesa High and SRHS face each other on Sept. 18. Other contests will be against Eastlake High on Sept. 11, San Diego High on Sept. 25, La Jolla High on Oct. 2, Point Loma High on Oct. 9, St. Augustine High on Oct. 16 and University City High on Oct. 23. SRHS closes out the regular season at home against Christian High on Oct. 30.