OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
FOUNTAIN VALLEY BARONS
Coach: Jimmy Nolan
Last season: 7-4 overall, 4-1 league
Scouting report: The Barons are playing catch up after hiring Jimmy Nolan in June to replace Justin Schaeffer, who in the spring replaced Ray Fenton. Amid the transitions, the program unintentionally took two dead periods in the summer, Nolan said. Nolan also said the Barons lost several returning players, including speedy Jacob Garrett (focusing on track), sophomore athlete Arick McLawyer (transfer to Huntington Beach) and Moe Falealii (moved). There is positive news: Mission Viejo running back Ben Vallier transferred to Fountain Valley. He joins a promising backfield that could include George Sykes and Angel Hernandez. Sykes is coming off a hernia injury, Nolan said. Nolan also landed key assistants Kyle Murphy (Edison), who will coach the offensive line, defensive coordinator Matt Duppel and Adam Talabas.
Bottom line: The upbeat Nolan, who grew up in Fountain Valley, has a history of turning around programs. The Barons could become his latest achievement. The team will have to stay positive, especially if it gets off to a slow start. Fountain Valley also needs to find an answer at quarterback.
Players to watch: Scott Craig, C, Sr.; George Sykes, RB, Sr.; Angel Hernandez, DE/RB, Sr.; Josh Tellez, QB, Jr.
RELATED LINKS
- Sunset League preview
- Edison preview
- Los Alamitos preview
- Huntington Beach preview
- Newport Harbor preview
- Marina preview
- Fountain Valley preview
