OCVarsity’s scouting report for the Garden Grove League:
OCVARSITY PREDICTS
1. Garden Grove: The Argonauts have won three consecutive league titles. They’re returning 10 starters, including three All-CIF players, and appear set for another league title.
2. Los Amigos: The Lobos are looking for big things from senior running back Jose Olvera. With an experienced offensive line leading the way, the Lobos’ offense should be productive.
3. Rancho Alamitos: The Vaqueros advanced to the Southern Division finals a year ago but have to replace a lot on offense. By the team league play begins, they should be ready to contend for a playoff berth.
4. Santiago: The Cavaliers are another team that will need some new faces to step in quickly. Santiago returns just four starters on offense and only one on defense.
5. Bolsa Grande: The difference between fourth and fifth place appears slim. The Matadors are looking for the success at the lower levels of the program to lead to the same at the varsity level.
6. La Quinta: The Aztecs have a lot of starters returning, with eight back on both sides of the ball. The Aztecs should be an improved group.
COACHES’ POLL
1. Garden Grove, 36 poll points (6)
2. Los Amigos, 29
3. Rancho Alamitos, 23
4. Santiago, 17
5. Bolsa Grande, 12
6. La Quinta, 9
How the poll works: The league coaches do the voting. First-place votes (shown in parentheses) are worth 6 points, second are worth 5, etc.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Malik Bilal, Garden Grove, WR/SS: The Argonauts plan to fully take advantage of Bilal’s talents this season. Coach Ricardo Cepeda said he’s expecting a “breakout year” from Bilal. Which is scary considering how well he performed last season. Bilal has the ability to impact a game in so many ways this season. He was a standout on defense last season (81 tackles, three sacks and four interceptions) while earning All-CIF honors, but he is slated to have a larger role on the offensive side of the ball. He had modest numbers last year (15 receptions, 235 yards, 3 TDs). Bilal combines speed (4.58 in the 40) and size to excel in any situation, whether near the line of scrimmage on defense or at receiver.
OTHER IMPACT PLAYERS
Jordan Antunez, Garden Grove, RB: The senior running back rushed for 1,750 yards with 20 touchdowns last season.
Jose Olvera, Los Amigos, RB: Now a senior, he rushed for nearly 1,400 yards as a sophomore.
Ethan Garcia, La Quinta, MLB: The three-year varsity starter at linebacker will again be a key to the Aztecs’ defense.
Dominick Smith-Dotson, Santiago, WR: Smith-Dotson was the Garden Grove League utility player of the year in 2014. Look for him to do a bit of everything again this season.
Justin Kanyavong, Rancho Alamitos, RB: The senior running back earned first-team All-Garden Grove League honors last season. He could see some time at linebacker too.
Cristian Nareja, Bolsa Grande RB/MLB: Najera figures to be around the ball a lot, on both sides of the ball.
MUST-SEE GAMES
Garden Grove vs. Woodbridge, Sept. 11: The Warriors were the only team to defeat the Argonauts last season, 26-20, which came in the second game of the season.
Rancho Alamitos vs. Los Amigos, Oct. 30: The Vaqueros will probably be a better team toward the end of the season. The Lobos defeated the Vaqueros, 30-16, last year.
Bolsa Grande vs. Santiago, Oct. 29: The Cavaliers are looking for a return trip to the playoffs. This late-season game might have an impact for both teams.
Garden Grove vs. Los Amigos, Nov. 6: The Argonauts could wrap up a fourth consecutive undefeated league title.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
