OCVarsity Kickoff ”16: Buena Park preview

Buena Park starts the season at No. 10 in the Register's preseason Top 25. They have several high recruited players, including cornerback Elijah Gates.
Buena Park cornerback Elijah Gates is ranked No. 12 in the Register's Hot 150.
Buena Park cornerback Elijah Gates is ranked No. 12 on the Register's Hot 150.

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By Kenny Connolly | kconnolly@scng.com | Orange County Register

August 24, 2016 at 2:20 a.m.

OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:

BUENA PARK COYOTES

Coach: Anthony White

Last season: 10-3 overall, 4-1 league

Scouting report: The Coyotes will be one of the most entertaining teams in the county this season. The skill positions are flooded with future Division I athletes, which has enabled Buena Park to spread the touches offensively. Jeremiah Hawkins, Taariq Johnson, Elijah Gates, AJ Allen and Devon Cooley each had 25 or more receptions in 2015, and all are back this year. Junior Deshaun Harvey won the starting quarterback job, and he adds another layer to the offense with his ability to make plays with his legs. Lapses on the defensive side of the ball haunted the Coyotes last year. In its three losses, Buena Park allowed 38, 48 and 63 points. That doesn’t include a pair of shootouts the Coyotes survived while surrendering 35 and 51 points. With seven starters back on that side of the ball, including disruptive defensive end Cedric Dashiell II, the Coyotes should be a stingier unit.

Bottom line: The offense will put up major points and will do so in style. If this team wants to take that next step – winning a Freeway League title – the defense will need to demonstrate it can be consistent.

Players to watch: Cedric Dashiel II, DE, Sr.; Elijah Gates, CB, Sr.; Deshaun Harvey, QB, Jr.; Jeremiah Hawkins, WR, Sr.; Taariq Johnson, WR, Sr.; Ryan Nelson, OT, Sr.

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