OCVarsity preview for the 2015 season:
ALISO NIGUEL WOLVERINES
Coach: Kurt Westling
Last season: 4-6 overall, 1-3 league
Scouting report: With three-year starting quarterback Nick Chapman and other offensive weapons in place, it’s time for the Wolverines to contend for their first playoff berth since 2011. “Most improved team in the league,” San Clemente coach Jaime Ortiz said of Aliso Niguel. Chapman has the most experience of any quarterback in the league and features receivers such as the 6-foot-4 Blake Sabol, who is also a baseball standout, and 6-1 Tyler Jones. The Wolverines return running back Andre Cotton (6-0, 195) and linebackers Ryan Souza (6-0, 205) and Bear Greene (5-11, 200). Aliso Niguel’s spread attack should be productive. Chapman threw for 2,511 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. The challenge will be improving on defense. In league losses last season against San Clemente, Trabuco Hills and Capistrano Valley, Aliso Niguel allowed an average of 50 points.
Bottom line: The Wolverines will be serious playoff contenders if they can play better defense.
Players to watch: Nick Chapman, QB/P, Sr.; Robert Pamer, C, Sr.; Blake Sabol, WR, Sr.; Ryan Souza, LB/FB, Sr.; Ryan Sharabba, CB, Sr.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
