High school football primer: five questions

1. How will D.J. Shoemate’s return affect Servite? The linebacker/receiver missed the 2006 season because of a broken foot after being named one of the top sophomores in the state in 2005. Shoemate, who has committed to USC, is an explosive playmaker on offense and defense who should keep the Friars in contention for the Trinity League title if he is fully recovered.
2. Is there a league in California as deep and competitive as the Trinity League? No. Two Trinity teams reached the semifinals of the Pac-5 Division, arguably the toughest in the state, and Orange Lutheran went on to win the Pac-5 title and Division II state title. Look for a Trinity team to be in contention for the state title again.
3. Who are the top QBs in the county? Edison’s Nick Crissman passed for more than 3,000 yards last season; Matt Barkley has been the starter at Mater Dei since he was a 15-year-old freshman and is expected to have a huge junior season; and Mission Viejo junior Allan Bridgford established himself as one of the county’s premier QBs last season. But don’t forget Los Al’s Clark Evans, who is a threat running and passing, and San Clemente’s Brad Curtis.
4. Whom will Crissman throw to this season? Dominique Vinson and Hunter White, who combined for more than 150 catches and 2,300 yards last season, have graduated. Crissman’s top targets this season are expected to be his younger brother, Jeff Crissman, and Trent Burns.
5. Can any player challenge the county’s single-season rushing record? DeShaun Foster rushed for a county-record 3,395 yards for Tustin in 1997. Foster got a ton of carries in Tustin’s double-wing offense, and the Tillers reached the CIF-SS finals. Troy’s Derrick Coleman rushed for 2,340 yards on 220 carries last season, and that was with Chris Ramirez getting 136 carries for 1,566 yards. Ramirez has graduated, which means Coleman will get even more carries in Troy’s wing-T offense.