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Dennis B, Santa Barbara: Hi Dan and Steve, Big kudos again for the job you guys do all year long. Over the past few years, particularly since Mission Viejo and the South Coast League joined CIF Division 1/Pac-5 Division, I've noticed a trend that pretty much makes any all-county team selections or O.C. Top 10 picks as belonging to the top-tier division. In particular, I thought the players introducing themselves by what school they had committed to struck me as very wrong. IMHO, I think that that is unfair and not representative of the entire county. While certainly, the majority of Division 1-A prospects will come from the Pac-5, I don't think that's what an all-county team as selected by the Register should be. You might as well paste up the All-CIF Pac-5 Division team when it comes out, there would hardly be any difference.

My question is: This season, will you have separate all-county teams for the Pac-5 and then the 'lesser' divisions?

P.S.: My views are very much the same regarding O.C. Top 10. Impossible to leave out a 9-0 La Habra team that should have been its division's top-rated team out of the Top 10 and leave a 5-5 Santa Margarita squad in.

Steve Fryer: We have had many all-OCers from smaller schools … like Mike Jones as the player of the year from Laguna Hills, Garrett Sabol from Kennedy … just off the top of my head … but i think many top players are at the bigger-time football programs. The Pac-10 coaches seem to agree, and their jobs depend upon getting the best players on their programs. As for separate big-school/smaller-school all county teams – interesting idea. But if we do that, does it dilute the All-OC team? Does it make it easier to make than the All-OC teams of the past? I like the history and tradition. I don't like co-players of the year. As the late, great Dave Osterman said, "Make the tough decision."

La Habra vs. Santa Margarita … La Habra has not played any teams currently in the top 10. They did beat Troy, and Troy was in the top 10 at one time, but had been beaten by Pacifica and was out out the top 10 at the time. I have some data comparing La Habra's nonleague opponents and Santa Margarita's, and the strength of their leagues. Throw me an e-mail at sfryer@ocregister.com and I will share that with you. Nothing against La Habra — I picked the Highlandes to win the Southeast Division championship. But there is a big difference between the Trinity League and the Freeway League. Thanks! 

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Nug: And Steve, does Edison have a shot of taking the Pac 5?

Steve Fryer: Hey, Nug.Looking forward to seeing your picks in the pool! OK, Edison is playing its best at the best time of year. I like the Chargers, and I like that coaching staff. A lot. But in the second round, if Edison beats Compton the Brown Bolts would have to play the winner of Orange Lutheran-Mission Viejo, which I think will be OLu. That's a nasty second-round game. I've got OLu winning the whole thing. Thanks! 

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Kevinhurl: Hey Steve do you plan on making a comeback in the online pool or have you thrown in the towel?

Steve Fryer: I have a plan, Hurl. Now, is it a good plan? We shall see. I am at least competitive in the pool. You guys are pretty darn smart. You, Wiley, Perspixx, RMonacid, etc. A bunch of sharp guys! It's been fun. But I am in a no-win situation, there. If I do well, hey, Fryer is supposed to do well! If I don't, what kind of expert is that Fryer idiot?!? Say howdy to your son! 

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Tommy B: Do you feel the glory days at Mission might be over?

Dan Albano: The glory could return somewhat next season because the Diablos will have some key folks back and have strong lower-levels. But, I don't think the Diablos will be as dominant as they were in the recent past anytime soon. It's one thing to get to that level of winning 41 games in a row but it's a bigger deal to stay at the top for a long time. Mater Dei had a great '90s but then tailed off. The Monarchs are just coming back now. De La Salle has been the exception, of course. The powers go in cycles and the events of this season will hurt Mission Viejo a little more. Sign of the times: South Coast youth football legend Exavier Edwards didn't land at Mission Viejo. That's kind of where Mission Viejo is at now. The Diablos have their hands full in league and can't think about much more now. 

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Brian: OK, it's everybody's favorite topic: What do you think about the penalty Troy faced? Was it too severe? What about the impact it had on the Freeway League?

Steve Fryer: I think it is awful that 99 percent of those Troy players have to pay for the mistake of someone else. I especially feel bad for the Troy seniors. It is too severe – but it is the rule. The rule was made by CIF-SS member schools, of which Troy is one. Is there grey area? I don't think so. Whether the kid is a star or a special-teams-only guy, the rule is the rule. The Freeway League had to submit its list of playoff representatives, and it kept Troy off of that list. If they put Troy on the playoff list, does that send "rules don't always matter" message to the kids the schools are trying to educate to do the right thing? It's a very tough deal, all around. 

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Nug: Dan, Did you get jealous seeing Steve sitting next to Eric Sondheimer during the Mater Dei/Servite post game? That should be your chair brother. You sit on his left much better, you know your stuff and you're much easier on the eyes. Thoughts?

Dan Albano: Nug, you made me laugh. I actually picked the Mission Viejo-Tesoro game as early as I could because I thought it would be a better game and I had not seen either of them yet. I was glad to be at MVHS and feel I have a good idea about the Trinity. I really respect Fry and Eric. They are legends and have been doing a great job a lot longer than me. For being a rival, Eric is really nice and I've enjoyed talking to him. Both Fry and Eric are down to earth for all their talents. Fry is very funny to be around. He makes everyone laugh.

As for my looks, my wife says she agrees with you. 

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Octavio: How far do you believe Santa Ana Valley can go in the Southern Playoffs?

Steve Fryer: Gotta love what Larry Mohr has done with the Falcons this year! Hey, I almost picked Valley to upset Univesity in that first-round game in the Southern Division. But University is the better club. You never know, though, and that's what makes sports – especially high school sports – so much fun. 

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From Ardis-J: If Servite and Mater Dei meet up in the Semi's do you see Servite being able to make the adjustments in the secondary and on offense to finally win one against the Monarchs?

Dan Albano: Good question and I think the scenario will happen in terms of MD-Ser II. I still like Mater Dei in the playoffs. I think once Barkley gets someone's number, it is over. The Monarchs give Barkley so much time and he has so many WRs, it is too much for teams at this level. The key to beat the Monarchs is pass rush and keeping Barkley off the field. I think Mater Dei is going to find its stride big time in the playoffs. Servite just doesn't have the speed in the secondary. 

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Question: Name the top 5 stories to date for OC High School Football 2007.

Steve Fryer: Whoa, tough question. My mind is on football, so … 1. Tesoro going 5-0 in the South Coast League, one year after going 0-5. 2. Troy's forfeitures knock the Warriors out of the playoffs and results in La Habra not getting the No. 1 seed it would have received otherwise. 3. St. Margaret's runs winning streak to 24. 4. Cross country: Woodbridge's Christine Babcock continues to dominate. 5. Mater Dei runs unbeaten football run against Servite to whatever it is now. 

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Question: Who wins each division involving Orange County teams?

Dan Albano: My division winners: Mater Dei in the Pac-5; St. Margaret's in the Northeast; Pacifica in the Southern; La Habra in the Southeast; El Dorado in the Southwest.

The shakiest is probably Pacifica but it has one heck of an offense. Western-Pacifica will likely be a great game in the second round. Western plays a great schedule and should be ready. El Do should be impressive. The Southwest is a little down with Diamond Ranch's forfeits and Los Altos' injuries and G Hawks are looking real tough. An under-rated Trabuco Hills team will make the finals. I love the passion of the Mustangs and their fans. 

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Steve Fryer: This was our first time doing this online live chat thing, and I had a good time. Every question was a good one! I agree with Nug on his preference for Albano's handsomeness, fyi.

Thanks for your interest in our coverage of Orange County high school sports. We have a great readership. And a very, very informed and smart readership, too. 

Go back to page 1 of chat.

Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com and dalbano@ocregister.com