Changes abound as Pointers prep for new football season

by Scott Hopkins

Last year’s Pointer football season ended in heartbreak after the defense held CIF Div. II semifinal opponent Del Norte without a touchdown the entire game but the Nighthawks kicked a last-minute field goal to win the game 9-7 and move on to the finals.

But much has changed for the Pointers since that game.

First, well-liked head coach Joel Allen stepped down to, as he said, “be a father” and be able to watch his young son and daughter’s activities.

Then, after several long-time Pointer coordinators and assistants applied for Allen’s position, Ryan Price, a candidate from La Jolla High, was selected to take the helm.

Next, each of those former varsity assistants left the program for personal reasons.

Later, based on Point Loma’s success under Allen, the team was moved from CIF Div. II up to Div. I which contains the section’s 16 most powerful teams, the Pointers being No. 16.

And finally, powers that be returned the Pointers to the brutal Western League along with four other Div. I team (Lincoln, Cathedral Catholic, St. Augustine, and Madison).

So Price, who has had time to familiarize himself with his players, will bring them back together on Aug. 1 as they prepare for an earlier-than-normal opener on Aug. 23. And the opponent will need no introduction to returning Pointer players as Del Norte travels to Pete Ross Stadium.

Here is the Pointers’ 2024 season schedule with all games kicking off at 7 p.m.

DATE OPPONENT WHERE

Aug. 23 Del Norte Home

Aug. 30 Otay Ranch Home

Sept. 13 Bye Week

Sept 19 Eastlake Away

Sept. 27 Steele Canyon Away

Oct. 4 Madison # Away

Oct. 11 Lincoln # Away

Oct. 18 St. Augustine. # Home

Oct. 25. La Jolla Away

Nov. 1 Cathedral Catholic # Home