OCVarsity preview for the 2015 season:
SAVANNA REBELS
Coach: Roger Whalen
Last season: 4-6 overall, 2-3 league
Scouting report: Two of the Rebels’ best players are healthy again after missing much of last season with injuries. Quarterback Nate Gonzalez and offensive lineman RJ Rivera have emerged as strong, vocal leaders on offense, according to Coach Roger Whalen. Gonzalez broke his right foot in the season opener last season. He has added 25 pounds of muscle, and Whalen said he is “really starting to come into his own.” Rivera will start at guard after sitting out last season with a separated left shoulder. He can bench more than 300 pounds.
Bottom line: Gonzalez and Rivera make the Rebels a lot better, but the team lacks size, experience and depth at every position, which could make it tough to compete for one of the league’s playoff spots.
Players to watch: Derek Brown, C, Sr.; Ethan German, RB, Sr.; Nate Gonzalez, QB, Sr.; Jose Ledesma, WR, Jr.; Robert Mounce, RB, Sr.; Anthony Portugal, WR, Jr.; RJ Rivera, G, Sr.
Contact the writer: ddottore@ocregister.com
