OCVarsity’s preview for 2015 season:
HUNTINGTON BEACH OILERS
Coach: Eric Lo
Last season: 3-7, 2-3
Scouting report: The Oilers have become one of the most physically imposing teams in the league under Coach Eric Lo, and that looks to be the case again. They feature another huge offensive line led by first-team all-league center Dane Romberg (5-10, 240) and guard Kristian Crabb (6-2, 300), two of their four senior starters. Huntington Beach also has three tight ends that will lead to multiple formations: Boise State commit Nick Crabtree (6-6, 255), Liam Jimmons (6-4, 250) and junior Payton Marlow (6-3, 235). The muscle is good news for third-year running back Hunter Simmons, who rushed for 1,020 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. “I think we have the chance to be pretty good,” Lo said. Jimmons, a USC commit at defensive end, anchors the defense and is one of the best in the county after collecting nine sacks last season. Marlow and fellow junior Mitchel Anderson, who impressed Lo during the summer, are key players at linebacker. The questions for the Oilers are at quarterback and in the secondary. Junior Kobee Lagarde, brother of former Los Alamitos QB Dylan Lagarde, takes the reins at quarterback.
Bottom line: The Oilers can return to contending status if their running game performs as expected and they improve on defense. They allowed nearly 37 points a game last season, second-highest in the league.
Players to watch: Mitchel Anderson, LB, Jr. Nick Crabtree, TE, Sr.; Liam Jimmons, DE/TE, Sr.; Payton Marlow, TE/LB, Jr.; Dane Romberg, C, Sr.; Hunter Simmons, RB, Sr.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
