OCVarsity Kickoff ’16: Edison preview

Edison linebacker Michael Saffell directs the team's defensive linemen during a practice Tuesday. Edison is getting ready to play its final season under Coach Dave White.
Edison's E.J. Ginnis.
Edison's Shaun Colamonico.
Edison lineman Mike Saffell.
Edison, which will try to repeat as Sunset League champions, has a talented roster that includes, from left, wide receiver E.J. Ginnis, lineman Mike Saffell and wide receiver Shaun Colamonico.
Edison, which will try to repeat as Sunset League champions, has a talented roster that includes, from left, wide receiver E.J. Ginnis, lineman Mike Saffell and wide receiver Shaun Colamonico.
Edison, which will try to repeat as Sunset League champions, has a talented roster that includes, from left, wide receiver E.J. Ginnis, lineman Mike Saffell and wide receiver Shaun Colamonico.
Edison coach Dave White stops for a moment to pose next to a photo of himself, taken during his playing days, that hangs on the wall outside of his office. White has been Edison's head coach since 1986, but he plans to retire at the end of the 2016 season.
Edison wide receiver Shaun Colamonico makes a one-handed catch during a practice Tuesday morning. Edison started practice Monday and will play its season opener in Hawaii on Aug. 20.
Edison, which is entering its 31st and final season with Dave White as its coach, is beginning practice a few days ahead of most of the other Orange County teams.
Edison quarterback Griffin O'Connor.
Edison linebacker Michael Saffell.
Edison defensive end Kenny Carmichael.
Edison's E. J. Ginnis.
Edison safety Bowen Blake.
Edison wide receiver Shaun Colamonico.
Edison quarterback Griffin O'Connor gets ready to throw a pass during a practice Tuesday morning. Edison is getting ready to play its final season under Coach Dave White, who is entering his 31st season.
Edison quarterback Griffin O'Connor gets ready to throw a pass during Tuesday's practice.

Expand

By Dan Albano | dalbano@scng.com | Orange County Register

August 23, 2016 at 2:41 a.m.

OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:

EDISON CHARGERS

Coach: Dave White

Last season: 7-4 overall, 5-0 league

Scouting report: The Chargers might have the top two quarterbacks in the league but haven’t settled on a No. 1. Junior Griffin O’Connor and senior Bowen Blake are vying for the top spot. They rotated in the season-opening victory over Baldwin of Hawaii, 56-21, on Saturday. O’Connor threw four touchdown passes, and Blake added three. “They might both play a lot all year,” said Coach Dave White, who is retiring as Edison’s coach after this season, his 31st as head coach. “They’ve both done a great job.” Seniors Shaun Colamonico and E.J. Ginnis are the top targets for an offense that lost starting running back Turner Maza to an out-of-state move. The wideouts impressed at Edison’s 7-on-7 passing tournament in July. Colamonico and Ginnis also are key players in the secondary, the strength of an undersized but quick defense. Cornerback Nick Warren also is a returning starter. Edison returns only a few starters on the lines. Three-year starting center Mike Saffell is one of the best in the county.

Bottom line: The Chargers will need to protect their quarterbacks to keep their passing attack in gear. “Offensive line is a question mark, like it seems like it is almost every year for me,” White said. White likes the quickness on defense but the front seven features only one returning starter, end Ken Carmichael (81/2 sacks last season).

Players to watch: Shaun Colamonico, WR/CB, Sr.; E.J. Ginnis, WR/FS, Sr.; Mike Saffell, C, Sr.; Griffin O’Connor, QB, Jr.; Bowen Blake, QB/SS, Sr.; Nick Warren, CB, Sr.; Ken Carmichael, DE, Sr.; Parker Thomas, DE, Jr.

EDISON SCHEDULE

EDISON ROSTER

RELATED LINKS