SAN BERNARDINO — Heading into only his second football season, San Bernardino High’s Randy Mendez has done the amazing — moved from offensive center to quarterback.
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San Bernardino High School’s Randy Mendez (#1),, who moves from the offensive line to starting quarterback this season, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in San Bernardino. (Photo by John Valenzuela/Contributing Photographer)
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San Bernardino High School’s Randy Mendez (#1),, who moves from the offensive line to starting quarterback this season, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in San Bernardino. (Photo by John Valenzuela/Contributing Photographer)
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It’s unusual; think NFL Hall of Fame center Jim Otto replacing Kenny Stabler.
But while football history suggests no — and despite challenges at home — Mendez’s transition to QB1 has worked this year for the Cardinals.
Last week the burly signal-caller was recognized by the team as the player of the game. He accounted for 83 yards of offense during a close defeat to Fontana. He would have had more yards except for a penalty that negated a long TD run.
Mendez and the Cardinals are at Cathedral City (0-1) at 7 p.m. Friday.
ENCOURAGING NUDGE
Physical education teacher Jason Doty recognized Mendez’s strong arm and gave him a nudge.
“He said ‘you have a good arm – why don’t you try out for quarterback?” Mendez said. “But just do your best at whatever position you play.”
Mendez only played sports sporadically as a child. The family’s money problems were an issue, said Mother Darling Mendez.
“His arm is so good people said to put him in sports,” Darling said. “But as a single mother, I didn’t have much in the way of funds.”
No prob. Mendez finally turned out for football as a junior and was a success. The 5-10, 230-pound athlete made all-league.
“He was a good center,” Cardinal coach Jason Williams said. “He controlled the entire line. We run a triple-option with a lot of running, maybe 95 percent. But with Randy’s ability to pass, maybe we’ll have more balance this year.”
So now Mendez doesn’t play center, he lines up behind one. Go figure.
Count teammate and friend Tajh Brookins as unfazed.
“Every day I’d bug him to come out,” Brookins said. “Then he finally did.”
Mendez’s strength and athleticism have helped the Cardinals. Teammates like his quiet confidence.
“Randy is quiet,” Brookins said. “He keeps to himself, except during team bonding. But nobody was opposed to him playing quarterback. People respect him.”
Respect is a two-way street, says Mendez.
“I am a chill and calm person,” he said. “I’m not loud, I get to know people and I’m not mean to them. I treat them with respect, and I hope that’s the way they treat me. Respect for respect.”
Williams jokes that there will be a long line at tryouts next season – chubby guards and powerful tackles hoping to be the next Randy Mendez.
“I thought it was OK to try him out,” Williams recaled. “Now he’s a starter and has a knack for playing the position. As an offensive line coach, it was bittersweet — because then we needed a center.”
GROWING PAINS
As pal Brookins said, Mendez is quiet. The QB1’s life isn’t all touchdowns and trophies.
“I grew up without a dad, only a mom,” Mendez said. “She does what she can to put food on the table. I think, damn — I wish I could do something to help with her money problems. She says that if problems happen, let God handle them.”
Football and sports can teach positive lessons, experts say. They can also be an escape.
It is 97 degrees at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Cardinal City.
Photographer John Valenzuela arrives promptly with gear in hand. Time to work.
“You know what? Valenzuela says to Mendez. “Go ahead and put your helmet on your left shoulder and hold the ball up with your right hand.”
Moments later, Valenzuela urges Mendez forward, saying, “C’mon, c’mon. A little closer.”
Williams couldn’t help but laugh.
“Livin’ the lineman’s dream,”he said. “Livin’ the lineman’s dream.”
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