Scouting report: Sage Hill

By John Scafetta | Orange County Register

August 26, 2014 at 10:40 p.m.

SAGE HILL LIGHTNING

Coach: Tom Kirchmeyer (first year)

Last season’s record: 5-6 overall, 2-2 league

Scouting report: Just two weeks before the start of the season, J.R. Tolver announced his resignation after five seasons as Sage Hill’s coach. The school was quick to fill the void, turning to Tom Kirchmeyer, a former junior college quarterback and Sage Hill’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, to take the reins on an interim basis. While the change was unanticipated for a team that reached the postseason last year, the continuity of a seasoned offense returning should have the rest of the Academy League taking notice. Quarterback CJ McCord, who placed second in the high jump at the CIF Track and Field Finals last spring, commands a well-balanced passing attack. The Lightning also have an influx of talent in the backfield, sparked by senior Beau Roth, who ran for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Transfer DJ Henry and junior Alfonso Corona will help carry the load. On defense, a speedy secondary, housing two-way players Roth and McCord, will reduce the deep threat. But with noticeable holes on the defensive line, Sage Hill must count on their seven returning starters to carry the 3-3-5 defense.

Players to watch: Zach Burns, Sr.; Alfonso Corona, Jr.; Jake Fisher, Jr.; Aaron Kim, Sr.; Beau Roth, Sr.; Vince Wetmore, Sr.

PROJECTED LINEUP

Offense

QB: CJ McCord, Sr.

RB: Beau Roth, Sr.

WR: Jake Fisher, Sr.

WR: Vince Wetmore, Sr.

WR: Zach Burns, Sr.

TE: Rafe Feffer, Sr.

T: Aaron Kim, Sr.

G: Alex Jennings, Sr.

C: Barry Valdez, Jr.

G: Daniel Levy, So.