OC VARSITY PREDICTS
1. Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings have become the kingpins of this league, and are riding a state-best 26-game winning streak coming into the season. With 10 starters back on defense from last season’s state championship team, it’ll take a valiant effort for any league team to knock them off.
2. Irvine: Expect the Vaqueros to wear some teams out down the stretch of games as they take an Auburn-like hurry-up approach on offense.
3. Beckman: There’s a lot to like about Beckman, especially its offensive line. Most importantly, the team will need a clean bill of health, as depth is a concern.
4. Woodbridge: Will an inexperienced offensive line allow an explosive group of playmakers to flourish?
5. Northwood: Scoring points won’t be an issue with this team, but if the defense can allow about 10 points less per game than the 27.4 it allowed a season ago, then the Timberwolves could finish in the top half of the league.
6. University: The Trojans haven’t won a league game since 2011. The offense, which features eight returning starters, will need to pack a bigger punch in order for them to claim an upset this season.
COACHES’ POLL
1. Corona del Mar, 36 (6)
2. Irvine, 26
3. Woodbridge, 24
4. Beckman, 18
5. Northwood, 11
6. University, 9
How the poll works: The coaches do the voting. First-place votes (shown in parentheses) are worth 6 points, second are worth 5, etc.
IMPACT PLAYERS
Brian Abel, Northwood, QB: The senior is a dual-threat quarterback. If he has developed since last season, the Timberwolves’ offense should be even better.
Parker Chase, Corona del Mar, DE: The strength of the Sea Kings’ defense should be the pass rush, and nobody causes more havoc for opposing quarterbacks than Chase.
Parker Dickey, University, WR/SS: The senior is the most prominent playmaker on a team that needs big plays any way it can get them.
Mikey Filia, Irvine, QB: Pressed into the quarterback position, Filia, a senior, will get more opportunities to make plays, which is a good thing for the Vaqueros.
Sean McCracken, Beckman, OL: The Patriots want a tough and physical mindset for their team. McCracken, a senior who was an All-Pacific Coast League performer last season, is the embodiment of that.
Scott Patton, Woodbridge, MLB: Patton flew all over the field last season, as he made 130 tackles. He’ll need to bring the same tenacity with him to keep the Warriors defense up to snuff.
MUST-SEE GAMES
Northwood vs. Costa Mesa at Estancia, Aug. 29: A season-opening tilt with the Mustangs will be the first chance for Timberwolves fans to see the team under the guidance of new coach Dean Toohey.
Corona del Mar at Tesoro, Sept. 26: This should be one of the best nonleague games in the county, as one of the best teams in the Southwest Divisions takes on one of the better teams in the new West Valley Division. Also, Titans running back Anthony Battista will face his former team.
Corona del Mar at Irvine, Oct. 10: The matchup between the Sea Kings and Vaqueros decided the Pacific Coast League title last season, and possibly could this season. Irvine will get the benefit of hosting the game this time.
Woodbridge at University, Oct. 10: The Trojans play four of their five league games at home. After going winless in league the past two seasons, University hopes to end its losing streak when it faces the Warriors.
Woodbridge vs. Beckman at Tustin, Nov. 7: Beckman wants to return to the postseason after missing out the past two years. A win against the Warriors would go a long way toward pushing the Patriots into the postseason.
MORE FOOTBALL — OCVARSITY KICKOFF’14: O.C.’S BEST FAN GUIDE:
Everything you need to know about the high school football scene for 2014.
Contact the writer: amorales@ocregister.com
