The Monterey High School football program is entering a new era in 2025—both on and off the field. With the installation of lights on campus, the Toreadores are preparing to host home games under the lights for the first time in school history, and the energy around the program is at an all-time high. Head Coach Alex Besaw and his staff are using this momentum to build a tougher, more committed team, starting in the weight room.
Offseason Focus: Strength, Unity, and Buying In
“Our biggest hurdle as a football program is buying into the strength program,” said Coach Besaw. “If we want to take the next step, we need everyone to commit to preparation in the weight room.” Since February, the team has focused on getting stronger and more disciplined, with full buy-in being the ultimate goal.
Offseason Events: Summer Competitions & 7v7 Action
This offseason, Monterey High is turning inward for development and bonding. A series of in-house competitions throughout the summer is designed to bring out players’ competitiveness and build team chemistry. “We want to develop a competitive atmosphere and a tight bond among players,” Besaw said.
In addition to internal events, the team will participate in MPC's 7-on-7 tournament in late July as a key development milestone before the season kicks off.
Notable Departures: Big Shoes to Fill
Monterey graduated 19 seniors, creating several key position battles heading into spring and summer. Departing players include starters at quarterback, running back, top wide receiver, and numerous linemen on both sides of the ball. “I'm excited to see who steps up and competes,” Besaw added.
Players to Watch: Rising Stars Poised for Breakouts
Kai Vaughn (Senior, CB/WR/Return Specialist): An all-league standout last season, Vaughn returns as a senior leader with impact potential on both sides of the ball and special teams.
Dekota Ordonio (Senior, CB/WR): Had a strong junior year and is expected to elevate his game further as a two-way contributor.
Kitiona Tautolo (Senior, DE/OL): A transfer from Pittsburgh who made an instant impact on defense. If healthy, Tautolo could be one of the league’s top defensive players.
Zander Morse (Junior, RB): A workhorse in the weight room and former JV starter. “He hasn’t missed a single lifting session since February 1st,” said Coach Besaw. Big things are expected from him this fall.
Offseason Fitness & Team Building: Compete and Connect
Training isn’t all about reps and sets. Monterey integrates fun and intensity through games like Ultimate Football, which gets fiercely competitive. The summer concludes with a legendary beach obstacle course followed by a team BBQ—combining toughness, teamwork, and tradition.
Coaching Strategies: The Spread Mindset
While Coach Besaw won’t give away too much, he’s always evolving his offensive and defensive systems. As the creator of “The Spread Offense” on YouTube, X (@Spread_Offense), and Instagram, he brings insight from coaches nationwide to continually improve his approach.
Community Impact: Lights On, City Proud
For the first time, Monterey will host home games under stadium lights on campus, ending a long tradition of playing at Monterey Peninsula College. “This is huge for our program and the community,” Besaw said. “Our neighbors bleed green and gold, and now they’ll get to cheer us on right here at home.”
Challenges Ahead: Sustaining the Standard
As with any team replacing a large graduating class, Monterey’s biggest challenge is maintaining consistent effort and focus throughout a long season. But with a unified group, dedicated offseason work, and a historic season on the horizon, the Toreadores are ready for the challenge.
: An all-league standout last season, Vaughn returns as a senior leader with impact potential on both sides of the ball and special teams.
Dekota Ordonio (Senior, CB/WR): Had a strong junior year and is expected to elevate his game further as a two-way contributor.
Kitiona Tautolo (Senior, DE/OL): A transfer from Pittsburgh who made an instant impact on defense. If healthy, Tautolo could be one of the league’s top defensive players.
Zander Morse (Junior, RB): A workhorse in the weight room and former JV starter. “He hasn’t missed a single lifting session since February 1st,” said Coach Besaw. Big things are expected from him this fall.
Offseason Fitness & Team Building: Compete and Connect
Training isn’t all about reps and sets. Monterey integrates fun and intensity through games like Ultimate Football, which gets fiercely competitive. The summer concludes with a legendary beach obstacle course followed by a team BBQ—combining toughness, teamwork, and tradition.
Coaching Strategies: The Spread Mindset
While Coach Besaw won’t give away too much, he’s always evolving his offensive and defensive systems. As the creator of “The Spread Offense” on YouTube, X (@Spread_Offense), and Instagram, he brings insight from coaches nationwide to continually improve his approach.
Community Impact: Lights On, City Proud
For the first time, Monterey will host home games under stadium lights on campus, ending a long tradition of playing at Monterey Peninsula College. “This is huge for our program and the community,” Besaw said. “Our neighbors bleed green and gold, and now they’ll get to cheer us on right here at home.”
Challenges Ahead: Sustaining the Standard
As with any team replacing a large graduating class, Monterey’s biggest challenge is maintaining consistent effort and focus throughout a long season. But with a unified group, dedicated offseason work, and a historic season on the horizon, the Toreadores are ready for the challenge.)
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