OCVarsity preview for the 2015 season:
SAGE HILL LIGHTNING
Coach: Abram Booty
Last season: 3-7 overall, 0-4 league
Scouting report: Sage Hill’s offseason revolved around transition. In January, Abram Booty took over as coach, the Lightning’s third in the last two seasons. Booty, a former NFL player with the Cleveland Browns, swiftly transformed the coaching staff, adding a throng of former college and NFL talent (Norberto Garrido, Mike Salmon and Greg Zinone). He also brought on his father, Johnny, a legendary high school coach, to help spark an undersized team that hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2013. Booty’s squad will be rebuilding at a number of major positions. “It’s been really exciting to see how much work the boys at Sage are putting out,” Booty said. “I think the commitment to excellence has been great so far in practice.” Junior quarterback Caden Sheetz has displayed a solid arm and increased mobility, but Booty would like to complement the spread by finding a key component in a sparse backfield. Jacob Copeland, a transfer from Texas and nephew of Booty, is expected to provide a spark on both sides of the ball. The Lightning will implement an attack-style defense under Salmon. Senior cornerback David Dewey and two-way star Jake Fisher are key returnees.
Bottom line: With Calvary Chapel of Downey no longer in the Academy League, Sage Hill’s boisterous bunch will have to play above its means to stay out of the league’s cellar.
Players to watch: Jacob Copeland, WR/FS, Jr.; David Dewey, CB/WR, Sr; Jack Dickinson, LT/DE, Jr; Jake Fisher, WR/ DB, Sr; Brett Jordan DE/RT, Jr; Barry Valdez, OL, Sr.
