After a second consecutive 5-5 season, the Cerritos College Falcons football team will begin the 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Mt. San Antonio College.
The Falcons look for their first winning season since 2022 under head coach Dean Grosfeld who has had overall success in his first seven years at the helm.
Cerritos faced difficulties at home in 2024 and suffered a 61-14 blowout loss last year against Mt. San Antonio at home. They have not defeated the Mounties since 2021, but will go for their seventh straight season-opener win.
On his outlook for the season, Grosfeld is fully confident in his staff and said it’s a great first test for his team.
“We’ll play them tough,” Grosfeld said, “they know we have a good football team and we’ll give them a run for their money.”
The Falcons know that the opener won’t determine their entire season, but the head coach said, “this team has a chance to be really good.”
While, on the surface, their opponents last season seemed to be just a bit better on the receiving and rushing ends, Cerritos point differential was not that wide of a margin.
Grosfeld attributed their struggles to their quarterback play and fired himself as the QB coach after 30 years.
A Falcons team that scored an average of 27.2 points per game but allowed 29.8 points per game has strengthened their offense and improved their defense.
The team will turn to Cerritos alumnus, Isaiah Bravo, who will serve as the team’s new QB coach and passing game coordinator.
Also with help from new additions to the QB staff, Nick Miali and Jeremiah Calvin who both hold high praise from the head coach, are hopeful they can turn things around.
Another crucial part of the offense will be wide receiver Charles Clinton II.
The 2024 season left much room for optimism as the offense exploded for a season-high 49 points in their final game, leading to their only home victory that year.
Key contributors from last year’s team have since transferred to four-year universities, but Cerritos looks to carry over their final game success with the help of returning players like running back Josh Cason and defensive end Miles Merchant.
Defensively, the Falcons value their linebackers. Leading figures at the position are Adrian Castro who is also returning for his second year, Rocky Jack and Clarence Chaney.
There have been other significant changes to the coaching staff this year.
Miguel Gutierrez was brought in as the assistant offensive line coach alongside Phil Garcia, who is returning for his sixth season.
On the defensive end, Daniel Brown will also join the Cerritos coaching staff as the cornerback coach.
As for their home struggles, coach Grosfeld is aware and mentioned he has made changes in their pregame preparations without going into detail, but expects they will play considerably better than last season.
The 2025 season will see four new conference opponents in Bakersfield College, College of the Canyons, Fullerton College and Pasadena City College.
Each finished with a .500 record or better and has the makings of a competitive, yet interesting, season for Cerritos.
