There are plenty of turnaround stories happening around the county this season – Tustin and San Clemente’s might be the two most prominent.
The most surprising rejuvenation, though, might be happening at University.
The Trojans haven’t won more than three games since 2008, and their last season winning was 2007, but they’re off to quite the start this season.
University is 2-0 with the chance to go 3-0 when it faces Calvary Chapel on Saturday.
“We’re really excited for (the players) to win two games coming out of the blocks,” Trojans coach Mark Cunningham said. “We’ve played really well.”
The most surprising thing about the two victories might be how they’ve come. None of those triumphs were flukes. University outscored its first two opponents – Segerstrom and Laguna Beach – 65-16.
“We have taken advantage of mistakes,” Cunningham said. “And when (mistakes) happen, you have to.”
Receiver/defensive back Parker Dickey was supposed to be the main playmaker for the Trojans entering the season, but a shoulder injury has kept him out of the lineup.
Neil Boudreau has stepped in to help fill the void. Boudreau has caught 11 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns.
The running game has been lead by John Kang and Matt Abellaneda, and quarterback Wes Jordan has done a good job of handling the offense in his second year as the starter.
PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE PROVES ITS STRENGTH
Corona del Mar is the obvious juggernaut of the Pacific Coast League with its state-best 29-game winning streak, but the rest of the league has shown its depth this season.
University was picked to finish last in the league in the preseason, but sits at 2-0.
Woodbridge is 1-2, but its win came last week against Garden Grove, which is ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS Southern Division poll this week.
Beckman is 2-1 and has surrendered just 23 points. Irvine and Northwood are also 2-1.
If not for a couple of defensive lapses in the final minutes against Kennedy, the Timberwolves would be 3-0.
Northwood has been without quarterback Brian Abel, who hasn’t played this season after breaking a team rule, said Timberwolves coach Dean Toohey.
Trevor Lawrence has stepped in as the replacement and thrown for 499 yards.
“(Trevor) has done a great job for us … we wouldn’t be where we are without him,” Toohey said.
Northwood is on a bye this week and it faces Katella next week. Abel will be back for that game, Toohey said. The coach said he will make a decision then on the starter at quarterback.
It will be interesting to see how the decision unfolds and it could be key to how the Timberwolves play once league play rolls around in a few weeks.
POINTS ARE NO PROBLEM FOR TROY
Troy’s offense has had no trouble putting points on the scoreboard.
The Warriors are 3-0 and averaging 34.3 points per game. They have plenty of playmakers to make things happen.
Draytwoine Shaw has rushed for 408 yards on 66 carries, and Dominic Vaccher has posted 16 receptions for 237 yards.
Quarterback Thomas Becerra is tasked with distributing the ball around the field, and he has passed for 390 yards and six touchdowns.
“His most important stat is six touchdowns and no interceptions,” Troy coach Kevin Hastin said. “His accuracy and decision making are strengths.”
On defense, Troy is allowing 15.3 points and has been limiting the big play.
I will have to do that and more Thursday night when Cypress and Quinten Pounds face the Warriors.
COUGARS READY TO STRIKE?
Before the season began, most people figured the Sea View League title would go to one of the teams moving in from the South Coast League – Trabuco Hills or San Clemente.
But don’t look for Capistrano Valley to lay down a welcome mat for its new league mates.
The Cougars are 2-1, and the one loss was by six points to El Toro. They defeated San Juan Hills, 34-12, last week and appear poised to make some noise in league play.
“The kids have a good idea of what we expect from them by now,” Capistrano Valley coach Ernie Bucher said. “And the seniors have taken ownership.”
Quarterback Gavin Pruett is at the helm of the offense and has thrown six touchdowns to one interception. He has passed for 715 yards.
Adam Gordon has caught 17 passes for 195 yards. Trevor Wise is a big-play threat and has 13 catches for 261 yards.
