Capistrano Dispatch Fall Football Preview 2008

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SMES • JSERRA • CVCS • SVCS • SJHHS

he feel of aluminum bleachers on a cool evening, the sight of Friday-night lights, the smell of boiled hot dogs, the sound of peanut shells crackling beneath

one’s feet. Senses familiar to any football fan remain dor-mant for much of the year, but come September we leave the hot weather and long sunny days in the rearview mirror and rejoice in the fact that high school football has arrived.

With ample high school talent in the area, fans have plen-ty to look forward to this season. Having not lost a game in two years, the St. Margaret’s Tartans are eager to continue their winning ways and defend their CIF title. Saddleback Valley hopes to recapture the success experienced a year ago. With a speedy offense, Saddleback plans on giving spectators a dose of fast-paced, action-packed football every week.

Two schools looking to rebound from disappointing seasons are Capo Valley Christian and JSerra Catholic. Both finished under .500 and missed the playoffs. JSerra has had a full offseason with head coach Jim Hartigan and is focused on turning the program around in the notori-ously competitive Trinity League. Capo Valley continues its upward growth with a nice balance of young players and leaders. The Eagles will be tested in every game but are determined to succeed.

Another team to keep an eye on is San Juan Hills, which is entering its second season with a program. Playing two varsity games this year, and with a group of young athletes, look for San Juan to grow in the next few years as it tries to establish a name for itself.

Local football enthusiasts have a lot to be excited about. With solid talent and coaching throughout Capistrano, fans can expect plenty of entertaining games this season.

By Corey HenneganThe Capistrano Dispatch

Valley of the Pigskin

Defending CIF Champion St. Margaret’s tops a list of local programs looking

to make a splash in 2008

T

From the well-established St. Margaret’s (top left), to the new team on the field, San Juan Hills High (bottom), Capistrano football promises plenty of excitement this season. Photos by Corey Hennegan, top left photo by Nathan Wright

DISPATCH FOOTBALL PREVIEW PAGE 3 THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH


DISPATCH FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2008

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Maintaining the Tartans’ two-year, 28-game winning streak is on the mind of every returning player. Second-year head coach Harry Welch believes this team, from a school of roughly 1,400 students, can fi ll even the largest of expectations. “We lost our quarterback and one of our best defensive players in Dan Morrison,” says Welch, “But I’ve been so impressed with this group of seniors—they have

picked up right where last year’s seniors left off.” With the expectations already high, the upperclassmen have taken the team’s past success in stride and is focused on giving the team its own identity. From student-led practices to lifting regiments, the seniors have made it a priority to unite the entire team, including the younger players.

Both the offensive and defensive lines contain the core of the Tartans’ talent. Senior Chase Smith, last year’s Acad-emy League lineman of the year, is the undisputed leader of the group. Utilizing the team’s size, speed and experience, the defense will run both a 4-3 and 4-4 set. On the offensive side of the ball, Welch hopes to run a spread set, with four wide outs. The feel good story on the offensive side this preseason has been the play of John Murayama. Listed at 5-foot-5 and 135-pounds, Murayama’s heart, tenacity and speed have earned him the starting tailback position. Add some exceptional preseason play from quarterback David Mothander, and the Tartans’ offense appears set.

Prepared to continue where they left off a year ago, St. Margaret’s will enter the season injury free and determined. With a solid team, great coaching and some unexpected contributions from youngsters Matthew Duenes at corner-back and Michael Schmall at linebacker, Welch and his Tartans are poised to make another historic run.

2008 SCHEDULESept. 13 MAMMOTH 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 ARMY/NAVY 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 WHITTIER CHRISTIAN 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 @ Campbell Hall 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 @ LA Baptist 1 p.m.

Oct. 17 ONTARIO CHRISTIAN 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 @ Western Christian 7 p.m.

Oct. 31 BRETHREN CHRISTIAN* 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 CAPO VALLEY CHRISTIAN* 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 @ Sage Hill* 7 p.m.

* Denotes league game

Home games in bold

JSerra Catholic High SchoolWith a full offseason

under his belt, head coach Jim Hartigan has fi nally been able to implement the type of football program he envi-sioned when joining JSerra in May 2007. The players also

appreciate having Hartigan around for a full year. “Last year was tough,” says quarterback Hayden Greene, “We didn’t have a great offseason due to the coaching change. This year we have more con-fi dence and know the plays a lot better.” Hartigan already sees a difference in his team. “The kids seem to be getting it a lot easier this offseason,” says Hartigan, who has won four CIF titles in his coaching career before joining JSerra. “The level of improvement is a lot better.”

Hartigan is going with a 4-3-zone blitz defense this season. Using the team’s overall athleticism and aggressive play, along with contributions from young lineman such as 6-foot-3, 200-pound Austin Hughes and 6-foot-3, 210-pound Nathan Mendez, JSerra’s defense hopes to be much improved from last season.

The story on the offensive side of the ball has been the fi erce quarterback competition between 6-foot-3, 210-pound Hayden Greene and 6-foot, 180-pound Sam Inman. Both have the skills to start and more than likely the decision won’t be made until right before the opener. Greene brings slightly more experience to the table, giving him an advantage over Inman. This year’s team will use the spread offense as their main set. Hartigan plans on using two backs, and hopes to have a nice balance of run and pass plays.

JSerra’s biggest challenge is the fi erce in-league competition. The Trinity League is one of the toughest in the country, and with an inexperienced team, Hartigan has his hands full. However, with his coaching experience and reputation as a winning coach, fans can be sure that JSerra will come ready to play.

LIONS QUICK FACTS

‘07 Record: 2-7

Playoffs: None

Coach: Jim Hartigan (second year, 2-7 at JSerra, 162-58-5 overall, with four CIF Championships)

Assistants: Kevin Empting (defensive coordina-tor/linebackers), Sergio Muniz (offensive coordinator), Damon Summers (linebackers), Steve Nieto (wide receivers), Bubba Jesperson (defensive line), Marshall Tharpe (quarter-backs), Sam Reed (defensive backs), John Baggerly (running backs), Oscar McBride (offensive line)

Returning Starters: Offense: 8; Defense: 7

Goal for the Season: Improve from last year, and be competitive in the Trinity League.

Key Game: Pacifi ca (Oct. 3)

TARTANS QUICK FACTS

’07 Record: 14-0

Playoffs: 4-0, CIF-Southern Section Northeast Champions

Coach: Harry Welch (second year, 14-0 at St. Margaret’s, 194-45 overall)

Assistants: Ron Baltau, Butch Ward, Jay

Noonan, Mel Taylor, Chris Colaw, Mark Davidson, Father Reggie Payne-Wiens and Brent Ward

Returning Starters: Offense, 5; Defense, 5

Goal for the Season: Continue the longest winning streak in California, now at 28 games.

Key Game: Season opener against Mammoth (Sept. 13)

2008 SCHEDULESept. 5 VALENCIA (scrimmage) 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 HUNTINGTON BEACH (at Saddleback CC) 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 SADDLEBACK (at Saddleback CC) 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 @ El Modena 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 PACIFICA (Homecoming) 7 p.m.

Oct 10 @ Katella 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 ORANGE LUTHERAN* (at Saddleback CC) 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 @ Mater Dei* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 @ St. John Bosco* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 SERVITE*(at Saddleback CC) 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 14 @ Santa Margarita* (at Saddleback CC) 7:30 p.m.


Some home games played at Saddleback Community College

Photo by Corey Hennegan

Photo by Nathan Wright




Capistrano Valley Christian Schools Despite going 4-6 and missing the playoffs last year, coach Chris Fore likes what he sees.

“I gave the team a week off,” he says, “but I came into my office on their first free day and heard the team outside running sprints.” Leaders Lance De Hass, Josh Hector, and Sean Connolly have bonded the team through captains’ practices and student-led training regi-ments. With only a handful of returning starters and seniors, Capo Valley is young but out to compete.

Defensively, a 4-4 scheme with linebacker Bryan Argaez at the helm is expected. Argaez, Capo’s only All-League selection and one of three returning starters is the “rock of the defense,” according to Fore. Competition is fierce between the rising sophomores and juniors for starting positions, making the level of play very high. A surprise for the defense has been sopho-more Landon Melzer. Playing cornerback, Melzer’s football knowledge and speed overshadow his smaller size, giving him serious potential.

The Eagles are led offensively by fullback Michael Stadt, a 5-foot-8, 155-pounder who is tenacious and intelligent. Capo Valley likely will run, but Fore expects his team to be dangerous in the air, too. Connolly is the quarterback and he possesses a strong arm. Wideout Christian Hutchisson (6-foot-3) has been impressive in preseason action.

Playing in a tough conference with such a young team naturally raises a few concerns about the Eagles’ ability to successfully compete, yet Fore isn’t deterred by the skepticism. “They aren’t going to give up,” says Fore. “They may be young, but they’ll play every down, no matter the score. That’s the kind of team we have.”

Saddleback Valley Christian SchoolsWarriors Quick Facts

’07 Record: 12-1

Playoffs: 2-1 (lost to Brentwood in CIF semifinals)

Coach: Gary Chambers (second year, 12-1)

Assistants: Cory Brosch (defensive), Chris Edmondson (offensive line), Todd Hammer (JV head coach), Nima Joon (assistant), Hunt Adent, Ralph Modugn, Brendan Chambers, Ricky Broadhead and Anthony Crampton

Returning Starters: Offense, 5; Defense, 5

Goal for the Season: To contend for the league championship.

Key Games: Bell-Jefferson (Sept. 6) and Fairmount Prep (Oct. 3); SVCS plays home games at Aliso Niguel High School

Every football program faces a season where success establishes the program as a legitimate contender, and failure usually means its time to start over. For head coach Gary Chambers, that time in now. Football at Saddle-back has seen tremendous growth since his arrival and interest is high. The pressure to succeed is on the mind of Chambers. “This season is going to tell us a lot,” says Chambers, who had been an assistant coach at the school before taking over as head coach last year. “We lost a lot of good players last year and if we can win or eclipse last season, then that means we have arrived as a program.” Senior leaders Eric Speik, Will Hinn and Josh Squir-rell have performed well during preseason and will be leaned on heavily this year.

Squirrell, Hinn and Speik head up both the offense and defense. Speik, the quarterback, has a strong arm and can move. Squirrell has great hands, and Hinn is a quick, solid player. Saddleback will run a spread offense that runs first, throws second. However, Squirrell and Hinn are both deep threats, and if Speik can deliver the ball, Saddleback can score quickly.

Defensively, the team will run a 5-2 set. Focusing on stopping the run, the defense will rely on the line prevent teams from breaking into the open field. The speed of the corners and linebackers will allow them to cover well, but their small size may limit their ability to tackle in the open field.

Expect teams to exploit Saddleback’s size issues, and how the team adjusts to this will determine their success. However, the players don’t see their size as a problem. When asked about their build, Squirrell says, “We’re not deterred at all, we still know how to tackle.” Saddleback Valley has plenty of weapons and will be a tough out. The team’s success will come down to their ability to contain other teams, while maintaining a high-powered offense.

2008 SCHEDULESept. 6 Bell-Jeff @ Burroughs High in Burbank 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 CAPO VALLEY CHRISTIAN (at ANHS) 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 BYE

Sept. 26 Brethren @ Ocean View in Huntington Beach 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 FAIRMONT* (at ANHS) 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 CSDR * (at ANHS) 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 Sherman * @ Sherman in Riverside 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 TWIN PINES* (at ANHS) 7 p.m.

Oct. 30 Bloomington* @ Colton in Colton 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 RIBET* (at ANHS) 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 Animo Leadership* in Los Angeles TBA


SVCS home games in bold, played at Aliso Niguel High School

EaglEs Quick Facts

‘07 Record: 4-6

Playoffs: None

Coach: Chris Fore (third year, 9-12 at Capo Valley, 29-26-1 overall)

Assistants: C.J. Del Balso (defensive coordinator), Matt Cobb (defensive line), Chris Wilhelm (running backs), Mike Logan (defensive backs/wide receivers)


Goal for the Season: “Die to Self”—Learn-ing how to toss aside individual stats for the betterment of the team, and growing as both a football player and Christian is the meaning behind “Die to Self.”

Key Game: Tri-City Christian (Sept. 6).

2008 SCHEDULESept. 6 TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN (at SCHS) 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 @ Saddleback Valley Christian (at Aliso Niguel H.S) 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 @ Maranatha High School 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 BLOOMINGTON CHRISTIAN (at SCHS) 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 CALVARY CHAPEL MURRIETA (at SCHS) 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 LINEFIELD CHRISTIAN (at SCHS) 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 RIVERSIDE CHRISTIAN (at SCHS)** 7 p.m.

Oct. 31 SAGE HILL* (at SCHS) (Homecoming) 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 @ St. Margaret’s Episcopal* 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 @ Brethren Christian* 7 p.m.

* Denotes league game; ** Senior Night

All home games played at San Clemente High SchoolPhoto by Corey Hennegan

Photo by Corey Hennegan




San Juan Hills High School2008 marks the sec-

ond year for the San Juan Hills football program. Although still ineligible to compete as a full-time varsity program, the team has made great strides toward becoming a competitive program.

Head coach Greg Gibson sees a great opportunity in San Juan Hills. “Being a part of a team starting from scratch has been a blessing,” Gibson says. “These kids are getting two years of varsity level coaching, so when they become a full fl edged varsity program next year, they’ll have more coach-ing than most kids their age.” Gibson’s Stallions have made tremendous gains during the offseason. Most notably for San Juan has been the physical growth of the players. During the offseason, the team has gotten bigger, stronger and increased its knowledge of the game. “Roughly 85 percent of our players had no tackle football experience when they joined a year ago. Their growth as football players has been incredible,” says Gibson.

On the defensive end, Gibson will run a 4-3 defense, anchored by the strength and size of 6-foot-5, 267-pound Ari Uzo-Okereke and the leadership from Rocky Bragg at cornerback. Offensively, Gibson has elected to run a double-wing spread. Centered around the wingbacks Kenny Finnley, Bragg and Matt Badran, the Stallions will use their size, speed and agility to get up and down the fi eld. Wil Acromite’s strong presence in the huddle at quarterback will captain the team’s burgeoning offense.

As the team continues to build toward next season, Gibson cherishes the support from the school and community. “The school has been incredibly supportive, as well as the parents and community, in really getting this program off on the right foot,” he says. With a solid foundation and a plethora of young talent, San Juan Hills is a team to keep an eye on.

2008 SCHEDULESept. 5 GODINEZ (V; at Tesoro HS) 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 MONROVIA (JV) 4 p.m.

Sept. 18 HAMILTON (JV) 4 p.m.

Sept. 25 CALVARY CHAPEL (V; at Tesoro HS) 7 p.m.

Oct. 2 @ Trabuco Hills (JV) 3:15 p.m.

Oct. 9 POINT LOMA (JV) 3:15 p.m.

Oct. 17 @ Linefi eld Christian (JV) 4 p.m.

Oct. 30 ORANGE (JV) 3:15 p.m.

Nov. 8 RUBIDOUX (JV) 12:00 p.m.

Nov. 13 @ Laguna Hills (JV) 5 p.m.

V: Denotes varsity game; JV: Denotes junior varsity game

Home games are in bold, some will be played at Tesoro High School

STALLIONS QUICK FACTS

07 Record: 5-3-1 (freshman only team)

Playoffs: N/A

Coach: Greg Gibson (second year, 5-3-1 at San Juan Hills, 59-42-1 overall)

Assistants: John Wiemann (Defensive Coordinator), Justin Brown, David Elecciri


Goal for the Season: Continue to improve and prepare for next season, San Juan’s fi rst full varsity season.

Key Game: Godinez (Sept. 5), Calvary Chapel (Sept. 25)—fi rst varsity games for the program ever.

FIVE TO WATCH

BRYAN ARGAEZCapistrano Valley Christian, Junior, 6’0, 170 lbs, OL/LB

Bryan Argaez returns to the Eagles for his junior year as having been the only all-league selection from the team. He is a quick, agile, and smart LB and is considered by his coach to be the rock of the defense. Emerging as a team leader this season, Argaez has worked hard to change the mentality of this year’s team. “Last year, we got used to losing,” explains Argaez, “so the focus coming back this year was to keep the team more positive and hungrier.” Expect him to have another outstanding season for the Eagles.

HAYDEN GREENEJSerra Catholic, Senior, 6’3, 210 lbs, QB

As a senior, Hayden Greene seems poised to win the starting position for JSerra this season. He possesses more experience than the other quarterbacks and has a good feel for the game. His assets are his arm strength and ability to read the fi eld. Greene has the ability to put together a great run as a senior, and with his size and strength, he can take a beat-ing in the pocket.

JOSH SQUIRRELLSaddleback Valley Christian, Senior, 6’1, 185 lbs, WR/CB

The most noticeable charac-teristic of Saddleback Valley is their speed. No player better epitomizes that than senior Josh Squirrell. He has blinding speed and has the hands to hold onto the ball. Squirrell is a weapon on both ends of the fi eld, and is a key part to Saddleback’s success this year.

CHASE SMITHSt. Margaret’s Episcopal School, Senior, 6’3, 220 lbs, OL/DE

Chase Smith is coming off a remarkable season, earning many accolades, includ-ing the Academy League’s lineman of the year. With several colleges interested in Smith, including Penn and Harvard, Smith has dedicated his senior year to enjoying the game of football and mentoring the younger play-ers. “Right now I’m enjoying playing football,” says Smith, “We have kind of gotten used to having it around.”

ARI UZO-OKEREKESan Juan Hills, Sophomore, 6’5, 267 lbs, DT/OL

Despite only being a sopho-more, Ari Uzo-Okereke has tremendous upside. At 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, he is the biggest player on San Juan by far and one of the biggest in the area. He plays with passion, is inquisitive to learn more about the game, and a leader on the young San Juan squad.

The Capistrano Dispatch’s top selection of players who can make a difference on the fi eld

Capistrano Dispatch Fall Football Preview 2008

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