OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
WHITTIER CHRISTIAN HERALDS
Coach: Sergio Gradilla
Last season: 3-7 overall, 0-4 league
Scouting report: Whittier Christian has not seen the postseason since 2012, but it is due for an upswing. The team returns 15 starters, including backfield stalwarts Quinn Commans (quarterback) and Justin Osborn (running back). Osborn is a good receiving back, and the Heralds want to get him the ball as much as possible – ideally, 30 touches per game. Whittier Christian suffered league losses to Village Christian of Sun Valley and Heritage Christian of Northridge by a combined five points last season.
Bottom line: The Heralds look to flip the script on some of their close games and challenge for their first playoff berth in four years.
Players to watch: Nico Albertini, WR, Sr.; Quinn Commans, QB, Jr.; Hunter Jauregui, DT, Sr.; Justin Osborn, RB/MLB, Sr.; Andy Pak, DE, Sr.
LINKS TO SMALL SCHOOLES PREVIEWS
- Freelance: Brethren Christian preview
- Freelance: St. Margaret’s preview
- Freelance: Crean Lutheran preview
- San Joaquin League: Capistrano Valley Christian preview
- San Joaquin League: Fairmont Prep preview
- San Joaquin League: Saddleback Valley Christian preview
- 8-man: Sage Hill preview
- 8-man: St. Michael’s Prep preview (no information available)