OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
SADDLEBACK ROADRUNNERS
Last season: 6-5 overall, 3-2 league
Scouting report: After an up-and-down 2015 season, Saddleback goes into this season looking for more consistency. The Roadrunners, though, have to adjust to having nearly all new assistant coaches. Saddleback appears to be strong at running back and linebacker. Senior running backs Geovanni Estrada and Valentine Perea rushed for a combined 1,125 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Senior Rene Gonzalez leads a strong linebacker corps that is part of a deep front seven on defense. Jonathon Pelon, a junior, is the team’s new starting quarterback. He has a valuable target in Jacob Roa, who caught seven touchdown passes last season.
Bottom line: Saddleback’s strength at the power positions and depth will keep it in playoff contention, but the turnover on the coaching staff and an inexperienced quarterback are areas that could hamper the team early on.
Players to watch: Geovanni Estrada, RB, Sr.; Valentine Perea, WR, Sr.; Rene Gonzalez, OLB, Sr.; Jacob Roa, WR, Jr.; Fabian Camargo, OLB, Jr.
RELATED LINKS
- Orange Coast League preview
- Calvary Chapel preview
- Costa Mesa preview
- Estancia preview
- Godinez preview
- Laguna Beach preview
- Saddleback preview
Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com
