OCVarsity’s scouting report for the Sunset League:
OCVARSITY PREDICTS
1. Los Alamitos: The Griffins and quarterback Jack Telenko appear well-equipped to claim a second straight league title. Los Alamitos returns seven starters on offense, good size on both lines and a balanced defense.
2. Edison: The Chargers will again challenge Los Alamitos for the league crown. They return eight starters on offense, including the pass-catch duo of Grant Lowary and Garrett White, but are looking to retool on defense with just two returning starters.
3. Huntington Beach: The Oilers went from CIF champions to out of the playoffs last season, but they have the muscle on the offensive and defensive lines to contend again. Huntington Beach features two top recruits, but watch out for third-year running back Hunter Simmons.
4. Newport Harbor: The Sailors hung tough last season to make the playoffs and will have to endure again to reserve another trip. They have their share of talent, including junior QB Michael Bonds, but depth is again a concern.
5. Fountain Valley: The Barons’ improved depth and experience could carve a path back to the playoffs but it won’t be easy. Chad Olberding returns at quarterback to lead the offense, while tackle Keiti Iakopo anchors the defense.
6. Marina: The Vikings’ roster size is down, but they’re taking a quality vs. quantity approach as they try to regain their footing. Marina held tryouts this spring, prompting Coach Jeff Turley to say, “We’re the few and the proud now.”
COACHES’ POLL
1. Los Alamitos, 35 poll points (5)
2. Edison, 28
3. Huntington Beach, 21 (1)
4. Fountain Valley, 17
5. Newport Harbor, 16
6. Marina, 9
How the poll works: The league coaches do the voting. First-place votes (shown in parentheses) are worth 6 points, second are worth 5, etc.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Jack Telenko, Los Alamitos: There’s plenty of competition for the spotlight, but the senior quarterback stands out as the driving force behind the reigning league champion. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,062 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 306 yards and 10 TDs, which tied for the team lead. Over the summer, Telenko showed more improvement, leading the Griffins to a runner-up finish at the difficult Edison passing tournament and a victory at the Orange Coast College competition. Telenko also appears to have plenty of goals to chase. Los Alamitos was upset in the first round of the playoffs last season and he is seeking his first college offer.
OTHER IMPACT PLAYERS
Garrett White, Edison, WR: The Yale commit was dominant during summer 7-on-7 competition.
Keiti Iakopo, Fountain Valley, DT: The 300-pound senior is playing only on defense this fall, so his production should soar.
Liam Jimmons, Huntington Beach, DE/TE: The USC commit should bust through his sack total of last season (nine) and will also play offense.
Darien Cornay, Los Alamitos, CB/RB: The senior returns after missing most of last season with a broken collarbone suffered in Week 2.
Michael Bonds, Newport Harbor, QB: The junior’s father, Tom, and uncle, Jimmy, were standout quarterbacks at Hart of Newhall. “He’s got a lot of potential,” Sailors coach Jeff Brinkley said.
Cooper Malerstein, Marina, RB: The speedy junior (6-0, 175) has drawn strong reviews from Coach Jeff Turley.
MUST-SEE GAMES
Los Alamitos vs. Edison, Oct. 8: This league opener could decide the Sunset title, which the Griffins sealed in Week 10 last season with a 35-14 victory against the Chargers. Edison will be coming off a bye.
Edison vs. Huntington Beach, Oct. 23: This rivalry continues to grow more intense, but the Chargers won last season, 29-14.
Huntington Beach vs. Los Alamitos, Oct. 29: This Thursday night game at Veterans Stadium looms as the final major test in league for the Griffins.
Edison vs. Fountain Valley, Oct. 30: The Chargers have dominated the recent “Battle for the Bell” series (10 consecutive victories), but the Barons will be looking for a victory and momentum for a Week 10 clash against Huntington Beach.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
