Mater Dei football coach Bruce Rollinson was in midseason form last week as he discussed the numerous sophomores who will play varsity for the Monarchs, who of course, also feature freshman quarterback JT Daniels.
“It’s probably 10 (sophomores) and I’m talking about 10 that are going to get in the game,” Rollinson said after the Monarchs’ scrimmage against Fountain Valley. “There’s three more that might play some special teams and then play a little JV.
“Sophomores, we believe this, we’ve always believed this, sophomores are going to cost you six points. A hold on a touchdown run. They’re going to cost you six points.
“And it’s not like they get a little bit of play in the shallow end of the pool. They’re going into the deep end of the pool Friday night. But the positive is, we’re going to be alright this year. We ought to be pretty good next year.”
So who are the sophomores to watch Friday when the Monarchs take on Bishop Amat?
Right tackle Tommy Brown (6-8, 325) could be the biggest kid on the field at Santa Ana Stadium.
“He just turned 15,” Rollinson said. “His upside is tremendous. It’s going to be a work in progress. We just want Tommy to get better every day.”
There’s wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the transfer from Servite. And there’s C.J. Parks, another wide out. Both caught TDs in the scrimmage. Niko Remigio is another sophomore receiver to watch. Running back Joseph Alex is a name to remember as a potential change of pace back. Jack Genova is a promising player.
“What I like is: they’re pretty talented sophomores,” Rollinson said. “By Game 5, you’re not a sophomore any more. You’re a veteran. And if you’re still a sophomore at Game 5, it’s on me. … But you’re going to have to stay positive.”
Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@ocregister.com
