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Kickoff '09: Garden Grove League
See what's in store for the season.
COACHES POLL
1. Garden Grove (36 points)
2. Santiago (28)
3. Los Amigos (22)
4. Rancho Alamitos (18)
5. Bolsa Grande (12)
6. La Quinta (10)
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
Santiago. The Cavaliers are three-time defending league champions, including a three-way tie for first place last season. They must find replacements at quarterback, running back and wide receiver if they want to make it four titles in a row.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
La Quinta. The Aztecs have a new coach, Wes Choate, and an offense that features just one returning starter. They have to find the players to build around. On the other hand, a fresh start all the way around might produce improved results.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Sean Young. Last year he played running back; this season the senior’s at quarterback. He filled the stat sheet a year ago with 1,175 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. Now the league will discover if his arm can deliver another championship for the Argonauts.
Jose Perez. The Los Amigos defensive back intercepted six passes as a junior in 2008. His presence in the secondary was a big factor in the Matadors contending for the league title. The speedy senior will also line up at receiver and kick and punt returner.
OTHER TOP PLAYERS:
Ranchos Alamitos: RB/DB Jared Lopez, WR Juan Cruz, DE/OL Elmer Chavez, DL/OL Arthur Valenzuela
Santiago: WR Nestor Sanchez, LB/TE Haili Taufetee, DE Isaac Sosa, LB Anthony Caballero
Bolsa Grande: WR/CB Oscar Segovia, WR/SS Jesus Esparza, CB Oscar Herrera
Garden Grove: QB Tony Duran, DE Jordan Geiger, LB Zach Huff, LB Kevin Telles, OL Steven Barreda
Los Amigos: DL Kurt Acosta, DL Jorge Saavedra, DL Daniel Nunez
La Quinta: OL/DL Omar Ponce, DL Brian Brito, SS Ryan Parsons
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Los Amigos, Santiago and Garden Grove shared first place last season at 4-1. That trio figures to mix it up again for the championship in 2009. The dates of their meetings: Santiago vs. Los Amigos, at Garden Grove, Oct. 16; Garden Grove vs. Los Amigos, at Garden Grove, Nov. 6; Santiago vs. Garden Grove, at Garden Grove, Nov. 13.
TOUGHEST SCHEDULE:
Los Amigos. The Lobos’ nonleague schedule is the most challenging. Their opponents include Norwalk, Santa Ana and Northwood. The Lobos open league on the road against Santiago
OTHER LEAGUE PREVIEWS:
Garden Grove, Golden West leagues
Orange, Orange Coast leagues
Pacific Coast, Sea View leagues
South Coast and Sunset leagues
Trinity league, small schools
