A New Era for Caruthers Football
Larry Almeida was introduced this week as the new head football coach at Caruthers High School, taking over a program that has endured two consecutive winless campaigns.
Almeida, who has spent years assisting on the sidelines and supporting his wife Anna Almeida, who leads the girls basketball team, brings a deep familiarity with the community and its expectations.
His hiring follows the departure of Brandon Ward, whose five‑year tenure ended with the Blue Raiders posting a 0‑10 record in 2024 and a 2‑8 finish in 2025, leaving the program in search of a fresh direction.
Building on a Legacy
Almeida acknowledges the challenges but stresses a commitment to hard work, preparation and incremental improvement rather than immediate wins.
He points to the legacy of former head coach Tom Casanova, who guided the team from 1987 to 2014, and to Ward’s contributions as formative influences on the current roster.
Central Section historian Bob Barnett has documented the tenures of both Casanova and Ward, providing context for the program’s recent struggles.
In a recent interview, Almeida said he never set out to become a head coach, but he enjoyed the variety of roles he played and embraced the opportunity when it arose after another candidate’s plans fell through.
The new coach also expressed confidence that the existing talent pool, combined with a disciplined offseason program, can lay the groundwork for a turnaround.
Community members and alumni have voiced optimism, hoping the leadership change will restore pride to the Blue Raiders and generate the momentum needed for future success.