OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
KENNEDY FIGHTING IRISH
Coach: Sean Clark
Last season: 5-6 overall, 3-2 league
Scouting report: The Fighting Irish closed the regular season a year ago by going 3-1 in league and qualified for the playoffs. Kennedy had seniors at 20 starting spots last year, but this year’s lineup is a mix of juniors and seniors. There are three returning starters on both sides of the ball, so the opportunity is there for new faces to step into key roles. Kennedy has to replace its two top offensive threats, running back Anthony Johar (1,072 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and tight end Derrick Deese (719 receiving yards and eight touchdowns). Senior quarterback Christian Rodriguez is slated to start with wide receivers Chris Rodriguez and Cameron Wallace. Backs Alonso Pineda and Tosin Noah will be looking to contribute. Senior safety Arthur Perales, a second-team all-Empire League performer last year, returns on defense.
Bottom line: Kennedy has another strong senior class that will try to lead the team back to the playoffs. There are some inexperienced players at key positions, but by league play, the Fighting Irish could have the look of a dangerous team.
Players to watch: Arthur Perales, S, Jr.; Cameron Wallace, WR/CB, Jr.; Nick Siatunu’u, DT, Sr.; Christian Rodriguez, Sr., QB
RELATED LINKS
- Empire League preview
- Cypress preview
- Kennedy preview
- Pacifica preview
- Tustin preview
- Western preview
- Valencia preview