OCVarsity preview for the 2015 season:
TROY WARRIORS
Coach: Kevin Hastin
Last season: 7-4 overall, 3-2 league
Scouting report: The Warriors return seven starters on an offense that averaged 31 point a game last season. The unit is headlined by a veteran offensive line, brawny running back Dray Shaw and wideout Ryan Scotti, a first-team All-Freeway League performer a year ago. Troy will hand the keys of that unit off to sophomore quarterback Josiah Anderson, a player Coach Kevin Hastin likened to La Habra’s Eric Barriere. “He’s a dual-threat kid that can take off and score from anywhere on the field,” Hastin said. “He’s mature and he’s made huge strides this summer, so we expect him to handle the pressure pretty well.” The Warriors cast on defense is also relatively inexperienced, trotting out eight new starters, seven of whom are underclassmen. The talent is apparent, it just might take a few weeks before Troy can hit its stride.
Bottom line: Hastin and the coaching staff are high on Shaw and the team’s defensive potential, meaning the Warriors should be in contention for a playoff spot in one of the county’s deepest leagues.
Players to watch: Vince Carrillo, RB, Jr.; Spencer Hayes, S, Sr.; Alex Mamlouk, LB, Jr.; Josiah Norwood, QB, Soph.; Ryan Scotti, WR, Sr.; Dray Shaw, RB, Sr.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com