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  • Woodbridge running back Connor McBride is one of the top...

    Woodbridge running back Connor McBride is one of the top returning players in the county and he will be an important player for Woodbridge this season.

  • Woodbridge running back Connor McBride is one of the top...

    Woodbridge running back Connor McBride is one of the top returning players in the county.

  • Woodbridge running back Connor McBride is one of the top...

    Woodbridge running back Connor McBride is one of the top returning players in the county.

  • Woodbridge running back Connor McBride.

    Woodbridge running back Connor McBride.

  • Woodbridge, which is led by senior running back Connor McBride,...

    Woodbridge, which is led by senior running back Connor McBride, starts the season as the favorite to win the Pacific Coast League title. The Warriors are No. 21 in the Register's preseason Top 25.

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Dan Albano. Sports HS Reporter.

// MORE INFORMATION: Staff Mug Shot taken August 26, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER.

OCVarsity’s scouting report for the Pacific Coast League:

OC VARSITY PREDICTS

1. Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings are aiming for a fifth consecutive perfect league record.

2. Woodbridge: Last season, the Warriors edged University, 21-17, in the final week for their second consecutive second-place finish.

3. University: The Trojans might be a year away from challenging for a top-two spot.

4. Beckman: The Patriots’ competition for a CIF spot includes Division 10 neighbor University and the quest to be at least .500 overall.

5. Northwood: The Timberwolves get the nod for fifth over Irvine because they play host to the Vaqueros at Portola in the opener, coming off a bye.

6. Irvine: The Vaqueros have the young talent to surprise this fall but better days await.

LEAGUE COACHES POLL

1. Corona del Mar, 36 poll points (6)

2. Woodbridge, 29

3. University, 20

4. Beckman, 19

5. Irvine, 15

6. Northwood, 7

How the poll works: The coaches do the voting. First-place votes (shown in parentheses) are worth 6 points, second are worth 5, etc.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Chase Garbers, Corona del Mar: The Cal commit and Elite 11 contender showcased a rocket arm over the summer and drew positive reviews for his overall improvement. Now consider what his 2016 numbers will be if he improves on his totals from last season. As a junior, the Pacific Coast League MVP threw for 2,715 yards and 33 touchdowns. He was only intercepted three times.

OTHER IMPACT PLAYERS

Dean Nagle, Beckman, QB: The three-year starter gives the Patriots the know-how that could push them back to the playoffs.

Tyler Luna, Irvine, NG: The Vaqueros call the 5-10, 249-pound junior a “man child.” He was first-team all-league last fall.

Michael Bellas, Northwood, WR: The 6-3 senior is a big target for first-year starting QB Cameron Kasey.

Sam Winder, University, RB: The junior could crack the 1,000-yard mark after collecting 970 last season.

Connor McBride, Woodbridge, RB: The Warriors are talking about being more balanced on offense, but expect the senior to still approach 2,000 yards on the ground.

MUST-SEE GAMES

Woodbridge vs. Corona del Mar, Oct. 6: This league-opener at Estancia could be for the PCL title.

Irvine vs. Northwood, Oct. 7: The opener at the new Portola stadium offers bragging rights to the winner. Northwood won, 19-14, last year and 23-21 in 2013.

Beckman vs. University, Oct. 7: Another pivotal game on the opening week of league. The clash could decide a playoff berth.

Woodbridge vs. University, Nov. 4: The Warriors edged the Trojans, 21-17, in Week 10 last season to claim second place. The same thing could be at stake again in Week 10 this fall.

RELATED LINKS

Contact the writer: dalbano@scng.com