2019 QB Blake Archuleta is Leading Bishop Amat through One of the Toughest Schedules in the Nation

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The hope for any high school football coach is to see his seniors peaking during their final year on the field. At Bishop Amat High School, Class of 2019 quarterback Blake Archuleta has been fantastic for the Lancers in 2018 guiding the team through one of the toughest schedules in the nation to a 6-1 record with even more challenges ahead.

The groundwork for Archuleta’s rise among the top quarterbacks in California was laid during his junior season. The 6-2, 190-pound, field general took the Lancers through another tough schedule in 2017 (5-6) throwing for 1,398 yards with 12 scores. The poise, ability, and overall talents for Archuleta are shining through at the right time having connected for 1,141 yards on 107 of 167 passing for 10 touchdowns with three rushing scores in 2018. But, the path has not been easy squaring off against nationally ranked Mater Dei and JSerra Catholic along with known in-state power programs Paramount, Rancho Cucamonga, Chaminade, and Serra (Gardena).

Recruiting is starting to pick up for Archuleta with San Diego State, Boise State, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona among the schools that have shown interest. To learn more about his recruiting process and his leadership skills and playing ability with a ridiculous schedule, I sat down with Archuleta for an in-depth one-on-one.

Interview

Blake, the Lancers have played a very tough schedule this season going up against two currently ranked Top 10 teams in the nation in Mater Dei and JSerra and you have played very talented teams in Paramount, Rancho Cucamonga, Chaminade, and Serra (Gardena). What has this season been like for you preparing for one tough game after another?

“We prepared in the summer with conditioning, in the weight room, and by getting our plays down – knowing them inside and out. We’ve treated each game the same this season.”

Game to game, what is your weekly preparation?

“On Monday, we get the scouting report. I go through the report highlight any defenders we are keying on, then we do a walk-through. On Tuesday, we go full-speed in practice. On Wednesday, that is a game rep day and then Thursday is a walk-through to make sure we have all our plays down for the game.”

Through all the big games, which game was most challenging for you?

“The most challenging was Chaminade.”

How did that challenge help make you a better quarterback?

“It gave me and the team a lot of confidence coming out with the win. Knowing we can beat a very good team like Chaminade, a come-from-behind for the win like that gives us a lot of confidence.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I think the Mater Dei game was my best. The offense was clicking against them. We had a lot of long drives, our offensive line was protecting, and our receivers were getting open, we just had trouble scoring and finishing drives.”

You are doing a great job of taking care of the ball this season only throwing one interception while clashing against some of the best defensive backs in the country, what else are you doing really well this season?

“I think my game management and controlling time is something I am doing really well. The teams we have played are high-powered and can score in a minute. The way we are controlling the game, we are keeping our defense off the field so they can do their job.”

Are you working on the weekends with a private QB coach?

“When I have time, I am working with Danny Hernandez.”

What all are you guys working on with your fundamentals?

“We are working on my pocket presence, escaping the rush, making my reads with my plays, and getting the ball out fast.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from San Diego State, Fresno State, UNLV, NAU (Northern Arizona), and Cal-Poly.”

Have you taken any visits over the past couple of months?

“Yes. I have been on unofficial visits to San Diego State and to UNLV.”

How did the UNLV visit go?

“That was a good visit. They already have a 2019 QB commit right now. I’m not sure what will happen there.”

What about the SDSU visit, how did that go?

“That went well. The coaches like me a lot there. I think they might get a JUCO transfer. I’m not sure if they will offer a high school player yet or not.”

Back to football. On Friday, the Lancers travel to Notre Dame for a big Mission League showdown. What kind of challenges are you expecting from their defense?

“Their defense runs good schemes and different fronts. They are well-coached. I will have to find the openings and expose that.”

About this time each week I start getting excited for college football games on Saturday, are there any games you are pumped to see this weekend?

“I am excited to see Georgia against LSU, the USC game against Colorado, and to see San Diego State take on Air Force.”

Blake, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Notre Dame.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Pasadena Star-News; No. 16 Blake Archuleta vs. Mater Dei

Photo credit: San Gabriel Valley Tribune; No. 16 Blake Archuleta