OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
WOODBRIDGE WARRIORS
Coach: Rick Gibson
Last season: 6-5 overall, 4-1 league
Scouting report: The Warriors return one of the top players in county and a solid supporting cast but also have some questions. Running back Connor McBride is back after rushing for 1,931 yards and 19 TDs last season. McBride (6-3, 225) is a load to tackle. The Warriors also return two starting offensive linemen. Promising tackle James Axelson (back) is out with an injury but Brodie Hutton (6-1, 245) is a returning all-league lineman. The Warriors hope to be more balanced on offense but have a competition at quarterback between Spencer Weston, Nick Nash and Chase Bradley. There is more experience on defense, including seven returning starters. McBride will see more time at linebacker, a position for him that interests college scouts. Outside linebacker Karstn Graves also returns after racking up 128 total tackles and five sacks in 2015.
Bottom line: After losing three of their first four games last season, the Warriors found their stride in league behind McBride’s ground game and reached the postseason for the sixth consecutive season in the Pacific Coast. They now reside in Division 9, so if McBride and teammates reach the postseason, watch out. Woodbridge has plenty of work to do, especially at quarterback, the passing game and offensive line.
Players to watch: Connor McBride, RB/LB, Sr.; Brodie Hutton, OT, Sr.; Karstn Graves, LB, Sr.; Ryan Grijalva, DE, Sr.
RELATED LINKS
- Pacific Coast League preview
- Beckman preview
- Corona del Mar preview
- Irvine preview
- Northwood preview
- University preview
- Woodbridge preview
Contact the writer: dalbano@scng.com
