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  • Leading the way for Garden Grove this season will be,...

    Leading the way for Garden Grove this season will be, from left, Austen Christian (DB/WR), Gerardo Rodarte (DL/OL), Reily Hoalton (LB/WR) and Alejandro Ceja (DB/WR).

  • From left are four Garden Grove two-way players: guard/defensive end...

    From left are four Garden Grove two-way players: guard/defensive end Jerry Rodarte, receiver/safety Reily Hoalton, receiver/safety Alejandro Ceja and receiver/cornerback Austen Christian.

  • Garden Grove High School's Jerry Rodarte (DL/OL).

    Garden Grove High School's Jerry Rodarte (DL/OL).

  • Garden Grove High School's Austen Christian (DB/WR).

    Garden Grove High School's Austen Christian (DB/WR).

  • Garden Grove High School's Alejandro Ceja (DB/WR).

    Garden Grove High School's Alejandro Ceja (DB/WR).

  • Garden Grove High School's Reily Hoalton (LB/WR).

    Garden Grove High School's Reily Hoalton (LB/WR).

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Damian Calhoun. Sports Newsroom Assistant.

// MORE INFORMATION: Associate Mug Shot taken August 24, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

OC VARSITY PREDICTS

1. Garden Grove: The Argonauts have all-league players returning on both sides of the ball. They’re in perfect position for another league title and run to the CIF-SS finals.

2. Los Amigos: Experience is key for the Lobos. They excelled last year with numerous starters sidelined. This year, they should have a bit more depth and could make an extended playoff run.

3. Rancho Alamitos: The Vaqueros are set up for a return trip to the playoffs with a good core of returners leading the way.

4. Bolsa Grande: Offensively, the Matadors have the makings of a team that could be successful. Depth, however, is a concern on both sides of the ball.

5. Santiago: The Cavaliers return eight starters and will rely on their athleticism. Two big concerns, however, are a lack of size and depth.

6. La Quinta: A good mix of juniors and seniors have the Aztecs optimistic. They’ll need to develop in some key areas, such as linebacker, to have a successful season.

COACHES’ POLL

1. Garden Grove, 36 poll points (6)

2. Los Amigos, 28

3. Rancho Alamitos, 25

4T. Santiago, 14

Bolsa Grande, 14

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.

IMPACT PLAYERS

Nick Brown, Rancho Alamitos, QB: The senior is a good starting block for the Vaqueros. He passed for 2,130 yards with 16 touchdowns last season. He will need to cut down on his interception total (21), but he has his two top receivers returning.

Austen Christian, Garden Grove, WR/DB: The senior is a playmaker on both sides of the ball. He scored 14 touchdowns on offense last season and had 11 interceptions on defense. He is a player to watch every game.

Moby Contreras, Los Amigos, RB/LB: Contreras missed the majority of last season with a fractured collarbone. As a senior, he will play on both sides of the ball and his presence will be a big boost for the Lobos.

Ulysses Cruz, Santiago, QB: The 5-foot-4 senior is the key player for the Cavaliers’ offense. He gained 1,005 yards in seven games last season.

Edward Faatoalia, Bolsa Grande, TE/DE: The senior two-way player will be a factor on offense and will be looked to lead the pass rush. Last year, he led the Matadors with five sacks.

Vinny Tran, La Quinta, RB/S: Tran gained 1,078 all-purpose yards as a junior last season.

MUST-SEE GAMES

Garden Grove at Dana Hills, Sept. 26: The Argonauts travel to face the Dolphins in an interesting nonleague game.

Los Amigos vs. Trabuco Hills, at Garden Grove, Oct. 3: The Lobos conclude their nonleague schedule with this match-up against the Mustangs, considered one of the favorite in the Southwest Division.

La Quinta at Bolsa Grande, Oct. 10: This is the league opener for both teams. Both coaches believe they have the ingredients to move up this season in the league standings.

Rancho Alamitos vs. Los Amigos, at Bolsa Grande, Oct. 24: The toughest fight in the league appears to be over second place. This is the game that will likely decide that.

Los Amigos at Garden Grove, Oct. 31: Will this be the Argonauts’ toughest test in league? Last year, the Argonauts allowed just 24 points in five league games.

MORE FOOTBALL — OCVARSITY KICKOFF’14: O.C.’S BEST FAN GUIDE:
Everything you need to know about the high school football scene for 2014.

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com