OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
MARINA VIKINGS
Coach: Jeff Turley
Last season: 1-9 overall, 0-5 league
Scouting report: The Vikings are optimistic with the return of seven starters on offense, including most of their line, and seven starters on defense. All-league running back Cooper Malerstein (707 yards in 2015) is the top returner on offense but will have help. While quarterback is a question mark, receiver Noah Holmes and athlete Blaine Riederich (shoulder injury last season) could be key contributors. The offensive line will have size with Jake Arnold (6-5, 308) and Kyle Tsu (6-3, 288) leading the way. The Vikings’ entire secondary returns, including Holmes, a three-year starter at corner, and fellow all-leaguer Rand Keidel at safety/linebacker. Seth Bontrager also returns at middle linebacker. Marina has struggled on defense the past several seasons, allowing more than 50 points a game in league the past two years.
Bottom line: With the return of an experienced team and three coaching changes in the Sunset League, there appears to be an opening for the Vikings to win their first league game since 2004. Marina’s nonleague performance could be critical, especially if it builds confidence with a few victories.
Players to watch: Cooper Malerstein, RB/FS, Sr.; Jake Arnold, OL, Sr.; Noah Holmes, WR/CB, Sr.; Rand Keidel, S/OLB, Sr.; Kyle Tsu, OL, Sr., Blaine Riederich, RB/SS, Jr.
RELATED LINKS
- Sunset League preview
- Edison preview
- Los Alamitos preview
- Huntington Beach preview
- Newport Harbor preview
- Marina preview
- Fountain Valley preview
Contact the writer: dalbano@scng.com
