OCVarsity’s scouting report for the Academy League:
OCVARSITY PREDICTS
1. St. Margaret’s: The defending CIF-SS East Valley Division champions were involved in just two games decided by 10 points or less last season. With the bulk of their team returning, the Tartans are primed for another big year.
2. Brethren Christian: The Warriors held a halftime lead over St. Margaret’s in the teams’ meeting last year. Brethren Christian reloaded with transfer quarterbacks Bobbie Conklin (Yorba Linda) and Joey Gutierrez (La Habra), so they could challenge again.
3. Crean Lutheran: The senior-laden Saints experienced the playoffs for the first time in 2014. Their wide receiver group is proven, and the season might hinge on how quickly new quarterback Gavin Folsom gels with his targets.
4. Sage Hill: The Lightning are playing for their third coach in as many years. That presents its own set of challenges for a Sage Hill team that is inexperienced at some significant positions.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Nick Shanks, St. Margaret’s: The Tartans running back fits the profile an impact player. Shanks punished opponents from a multitude of angles as a rusher, receiver and returner. He had 26 touchdowns and 2,597 total yards as a junior, and he will be the featured player on a St. Margaret’s team that returns seven offensive starters. He puts a lot of pressure on opposing offenses with the threat of a big return every time he receives a punt.
OTHER IMPACT PLAYERS
Nick Amoukhteh, St. Margaret’s, T/MLB: The highly regarded junior is the anchor of a defense that allowed just 13.25 points per game last year.
Jason Fuga, Brethren Christian, WR/DB: The junior will move from the slot to the outside as he becomes the Warriors’ primary receiving threat.
Nick Ellwein, Crean Lutheran, WR/FS: A flex player that made an impact on offense (1,068 total yards, 7 TDs) and defense (5 INTs) a year ago.
Jake Fisher, Sage Hill, WR/SS: He led the Lightning with 49 receptions and was second on the team with 45 solo tackles as a junior.
