OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
PACIFICA MARINERS
Coach: Vinnie Lopez
Last season: 6-4 overall, 2-3 league
Scouting report: The Mariners missed the playoffs last year, but second-year coach Vinnie Lopez has a team loaded with returning starters. On offense, junior quarterback Ben Jefferson replaces Nick Garcia. Jefferson will have some weapons to work with, starting with first-team all-league wideout Matt Moslenko (39 receptions, 612 yards, eight touchdowns). Jefferson is a dual threat QB and could put up big numbers. The Mariners have size on the offensive and defensive lines. The offensive line returns four starters, led by senior Martin Barcenas (6-4, 270). Senior defensive tackle Brendan O’Connell leads the defense. He earned first-team all-league honors (91 tackles) last season.
Bottom line: The Mariners have a lot of talent and should be in the thick of things in the league race.
Players to watch: Ben Jefferson, QB, Jr.; Brendan O’Connell, DT, Sr.; Martin Barcenas, OT, Sr.; Isaac Togia, OLB, Jr; Matt Moslenko, WR, Jr.
RELATED LINKS
- Empire League preview
- Cypress preview
- Kennedy preview
- Pacifica preview
- Tustin preview
- Western preview
- Valencia preview
