OCVarsity’s season preview for 2015:
YORBA LINDA MUSTANGS
Coach: Jeff Bailey
Last season: 3-7 overall, 0-3 league
Scouting report: When he added up all the injuries, transfers and players who quit, Coach Jeff Bailey acknowledged Yorba Linda finished last fall as a shell of itself. A new season offers the Mustangs a fresh start as well as some opportunities for quarterback Kamren Freck and some other first-year starters to impress. After starting for Yorba’s JV squad as a freshman, Freck missed his sophomore season with a chest injury, and only saw action at safety as a junior. “He’s got a good arm, is pretty athletic and has done a nice job for us so far,” Bailey said of the senior. “He’ll just need to get used to the craziness of the varsity game.” After running the veer in recent years, the Mustangs will be a more balanced attack this season. Defensively, Steve Raia anchors a line that starts three seniors, but Yorba’s linebacking unit and secondary consists of six underclassmen. Live game reps will be pivotal for the youngsters in nonlegue games as they build their way up to the Crestview League schedule.
Bottom line: Outside of the offensive and defensive lines, Yorba Linda doesn’t possess a ton of size or experience at the skill positions, making matters even tougher for a team that went winless against league foes in 2014.
Players to watch: Luke Dawson, LB, Jr.; Kamren Freck, QB, Sr.; David Garfunkel, OT, Sr.; Dillon Price, LB, Sr.; Steve Raia, DT, Sr.; Mason Winter, RB, Jr.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
