OCVarsity preview for the 2015 season:
LAGUNA HILLS HAWKS
Coach: Bruce Ingalls
Last season: 1-9 overall, 0-4 league
Scouting report: The Hawks are looking to rebound with 10 returning starters (four offense, six defense) but no returning all-league players and declining enrollment. “It’s been a battle for us right now,” said Laguna Hills coach Bruce Ingalls, who will step down after the season, his 18th as head coach and 30th at the school. The offense should be solid with the return of quarterback Mitch O’Hair (395 yards in 2014) and several solid running backs. The ground attack will feature Sam Warren (6-0, 185), Zachary Crowe (5-10, 180) and Bear Sutton (6-2, 205). Warren led the team in rushing with 291 yards last season. The Hawks return only one starting linemen on each side of the ball and lost tackle Ben Blacken (back), so they’ll need to build experience at those spots. The defense will need to improve. The Hawks allowed an average of 49 points in their league games last season.
Bottom line: The Hawks might benefit from the emergence of a go-to player on offense, but if that doesn’t happen, they’ll need to stick together and limit mistakes on defense.
Players to watch: Anthony Chawki, LB, Sr.; Zachary Crowe, RB, Jr.; Mitch O’Hair, QB, Sr.; Bear Sutton, LB/RB, Sr.; Sam Warren, RB/LB/S, Sr.; Branson Weens, WR/S, Jr.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
