OCVarsity Kickoff ’16: Brethren Christian preview

Brethren Christian running back Jordan Leonard is ranked No. 30 in the Register's Hot 150.
Brethren Christian running back Jordan Leonard is one of the top returning running backs in the county.
Brethren Christian running back Jordan Leonard is one of the top returning running backs in the county.
Brethren Christian running back Jordan Leonard.

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By Andrew Turner | Orange County Register

August 24, 2016 at 4:20 a.m.

OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:

BRETHREN CHRISTIAN WARRIORS

Coach: Pat McInally

Last season: 11-2 overall, 2-1 league

Scouting report: Brethren Christian was forced to become a freelance team this season after the Academy League was disbanded. The Huskies could have as many as 20 senior starters, led by Jordan Leonard, the county’s leading rusher (2,637 yards, 39 touchdowns) in 2015. The trenches are the question mark. Brethren Christian lost four of its offensive linemen. Joey Gutierrez returns to quarterback an offense that put up 47.7 points per game last year. Offensive coordinator Jack McInally will have to scheme to get the ball out quick behind an inexperienced line. Brethren Christian’s success of the last couple years has bumped it up to Division 10 in the playoffs.

Bottom line: Brethren Christian does not have the luxury of being able to earn an automatic spot in the playoff, so it will have to play to a high level from the beginning to maintain its ranking in the its division.

Players to watch: Joey Gutierrez, QB, Sr.; Brandon Larsen, C/DT, Jr; Jordan Leonard, RB, Sr.; Nathan Sagastume, WR/CB/PR, Sr.; Dante Sanchez, WR/OLB, Sr.

BRETHREN CHRISTIAN SCHEDULE

BRETHREN CHRISTIAN ROSTER

LINKS TO SMALL SCHOOLES PREVIEWS