OCVarsity preview for the 2015 season:
WESTERN PIONEERS
Coach: Dan Davidson
Last season: 1-9 overall, 0-5 league
Scouting report: Jacob Adams has never played quarterback before in his career, but he’ll trot onto the field as the Pioneers’ starter in Week 0. “He’s got athleticism and a mentality that he’s not going to be stopped,” Coach Dan Davidson said of his converted running back, who has spent the summer working with quarterback guru Steve Calhoun. Davidson believes Adams’ position change will pay huge dividends, but also notes none of that matters if the team’s defense plays as poorly as it did last year. The Pioneers dropped their final nine games of 2014, allowing an average of 45 points in those outings. Eight returners on that side of the ball suggests strides will be made, but will those improvements be enough to put Western in the conversation for the league’s third guaranteed playoff bid?
Bottom line: The Pioneers are high on Adams’ potential, especially pairing him with a physical rushing attack. If the defense makes significant progress, Western could push for a postseason berth.
Players to watch: Jacob Adams, QB, Jr.; Ramzi Al Shurman, WR/S, Sr.; Don Anderson, RB, DE, Sr.; Isaiah Calhoun, RB, Sr.; Christian Carbonell, RB/LB, Sr.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
