DANA POINT JSerra’s path to replacing All-County quarterback Nick Robinson looked a bit clearer Saturday after a strong showing at the Air Strike passing tournament at Dana Hills.
The Lions relied on sophomore-to-be Matt Robinson, Nick’s brother, and junior-to-be Riley O’Brien to reach the semifinals, where they fell to eventual champion Mater Dei.
JSerra created a stir by defeating Serra of Gardena, 27-14, in the quarterfinals.
“I thought the quarterbacks progressed,” JSerra football coach Jim Hartigan said. “Both looked good. Riley played well. He got most of the reps vs. Serra but they both played all day and at times looked good.
“But we’re still far away from settling on the quarterback position. As the summer goes and as we put the pads on, we’ll find out who will give us our best chance to win. I think both are good.”
O’Brien is an intriguing candidate because he also plays defensive back and wide receiver.
Matt Robinson and Riley O’Brien also fared well at the Air Strike without receiver Isaiah Diego-Williams (hamstring).
Nick Robinson was a three-year starter for the Lions before heading to Georgia.
In other JSerra news, center Nick Harris (6-3, 280) has been offered by New Hampshire, Hartigan said. The senioir-to-be played right tackle last season but that position appears to be headed to sophomore-to-be Jake Parks (6-2, 295).
JSerra’s offenisve line also features Washington-commit Luke Wattenberg (6-5, 260) at left tackle.
