OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
GARDEN GROVE ARGONAUTS
Coach: Ricardo Cepeda
Last season: 10-3 overall, 5-0 league
Scouting report: The four-time defending league champions have always found a way to reload and refocus for a new season. Senior quarterback Ruben Mendoza returns from an injury that limited him to just two games last season. He is surrounded by some offensive talent at running back with Joseph Camarillo (600 yards, 7 touchdowns) and Fitu Lupematisila (540 yards, seven touchdowns) and at wide receiver with Adam Johnson, Devin Rouse and Andrew Barajas. Camarillo was also forced to play quarterback last year. They’re hopeful he can stay at running back and take advantage of running behind a big offensive line. The Argonauts have just four starters back on defense, but there’s still a solid base to build upon. Leading the way will be defensive end Wesley Nelson (five sacks), TJ Taufetee (70 tackles and three interceptions) and third team All-County defensive back Mario Moemoe (nine interceptions).
Bottom line: The Argonauts have been the league’s top team for a while. If they stay healthy, winning another league title and a deep playoff run shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Players to watch: Joseph Camarillo, RB, Sr.; Fitu Lupematisila, RB/MLB, Sr.; Peslao Gauta, OT, Jr.; Mario Moemoe, CB, Sr.; Ruben Mendoza, QB, Sr.
RELATED LINKS
- Garden Grove League preview
- Garden Grove preview
- Bolsa Grande preview
- La Quinta preview
- Los Amigos preview
- Rancho Alamitos
- Santiago preview
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@scng.com
