Academy League

COACHES POLL

1. St. Margaret's, 14-0 in 2007, 16 points
2t. Brethren Christian, 4-6, 9
2t. Sage Hill, 8-3, 9
4. Capistrano Valley Christian, 4-6, 6

(Click on team link to reach schedule and roster)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

St. Margaret's
The small-school division powerhouse has completed consecutive undefeated seasons en route to a pair of CIF Northeast Division titles. But new challenges have emerged. The Academy League has moved up one division to the East Valley and the Tartans are contenders for a spot in the inaugural small-school division state title game Dec. 19. They also need 13 victories to match Mission Viejo's county-record 41-game winning streak.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Capistrano Valley Christian
The Eagles return only a few starters from 2007 but there is good news. They have welcomed 14 newcomers to form a 27-man roster. The program also has shown progress under energetic third-year coach Chris Fore. Since their 0-9 season in 2005, the Eagles are 9-12 under Fore with a playoff appearance. This season, the respectability includes Lance de Haas, a college prospect who attracted UCLA's attention in the spring.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Chase Smith
St. Margaret's, offensive line
The league's reigning lineman of the year anchors the best unit in the Academy League. "He could play on any team in the CIF," St. Margaret's coach Harry Welch said of the 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

St. Margaret's: David Mothander, Sr., QB; John Murayama, Jr., RB; Alex Brolick, Sr., WR/CB; Jeremy Baileys, Sr., DT; Michael Schmall, So., OLB
Brethren Christian: Drew Fabrigas, Sr., RB/S; Matt Bodziak, Sr., FB/OLB
Sage Hill: Jelani Reynolds, Sr., RB/DE; Connor Gaughan, Jr., WR/DE
Capistrano Valley Christian: Lance de Haas, Sr., RT/DT; Bryan Argaez, Jr., LB; Jason Pierce, Sr., WB

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Brethren Christian vs. St. Margaret's
Oct. 31 at St. Margaret's
The Tartans are the heavy league favorite but perhaps running back Drew Fabrigas can at least help keep the St. Margaret's offense off the field.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Capistrano Valley Christian.
Yes, the Eagles take on '07 CIF semifinalist Saddleback Valley Christian, quarterfinalist Maranatha, semifinalist Calvary Murrieta and quarterfinalist Linfield Christian.

Related:
• Academy League schools: Brethren Christian | Capistrano Valley Christian | Sage Hill | St. Margaret's
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com