Kickoff '08: Valencia Tigers
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Valencia
Last season: 8-3-1, 3-1
Postseason: 2007, lost to Cypress, 28-21 in the Southern Division semifinals
Coach: Mike Marrujo (28th year, 229-94-8)
Outlook: The Tigers return seven starters from last year's co-Empire League championship team. Valencia will have to replace running back Wes Fletcher, but Coach Mike Marrujo likes the stable of replacements, led by Isaac Dominguez. Quarterback Dave Pina impressed the staff when he took over last season and is back to lead an offense that averaged nearly 27 points a game last year. That number might be tough to duplicate, but like in years past, expect Valencia to contend for a playoff berth.
Home stadium: Valencia High
Factoid: Senior kicker Jesse Sandoval kicked a 49-yard field goal last year.
Strongest: Dan Becerra
Fastest: Issac Dominguez, Mike Bradley
School record: 326-249-19
| Players to watch | |||
 | Dave Pina Stepped in at quarterback midway through the season and led the Tigers to the CIF-SS semifinals | Dan Becerra Coach Marrujo called him the strongest on the team. Will be a beast to handle at defensive tackle | |
| Offense Pos. | Player | Ht. | Wt. | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Dave Pina | 5-10 | 165 | Sr. |
| RB | Issac Dominguez | 6-0 | 185 | Sr. |
| FB | Ruben Escarsega | 5-8 | 189 | Sr. |
| TE | Donnie Sproal | 6-4 | 205 | Jr. |
| SE | Aaron Brewer | 5-11 | 176 | Sr. |
| FL | Karsen Garcia | 5-7 | 151 | Jr. |
| OT | Travis Gipson | 6-3 | 265 | Sr. |
| OG | Jesus Gaxiola | 5-10 | 240 | Sr. |
| C | Keifer Neal | 6-5 | 265 | Sr. |
| OT | Casey Taylor | 6-2 | 255 | Sr. |
| OG | Nick Martinez | 5-9 | 225 | Sr. |
| K | Jesse Sandoval | 5-10 | 165 | Sr. |
| Defense Pos. | Player | Ht. | Wt. | Year |
| DE | Shane Reekstin | 6-2 | 215 | Sr. |
| DT | Dan Becerra | 6-0 | 260 | Sr. |
| DT | Junior Gauta | 6-2 | 265 | Jr. |
| LB | Jake Salcedo | 5-10 | 145 | Jr. |
| MLB | Robby Gomez | 6-0 | 195 | Sr. |
| OLB | TBA* | |||
| LB | Julio Chavez | 6-0 | 185 | Sr. |
| CB | Karsen Garcia | 5-7 | 151 | Jr. |
| CB | Mike Bradley | 5-10 | 175 | Jr. |
| SS | Mike Newman | 5-10 | 170 | Sr. |
| FS | Aaron Brewer | 5-11 | 176 | Sr. |
| P | Jesse Sandoval | 5-10 | 165 | Sr. |
Related:
• Empire League schools: Cypress | Katella | Kennedy | Loara | Pacifica | Valencia
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
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