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Kickoff '08: Esperanza Aztecs
Comments 0 | Recommend 0Kickoff '08: Esperanza Aztecs
Esperanza
Last season: 10-2, 4-1 (tied for first)
Postseason: Lost to Servite, 10-7, in Pac-5 Division quarterfinals
Coach: Bill Pendleton (fifth year, 45-16)
Outlook: The Aztecs return five starters on offense, including running back Jared Moore, who rushed for1,074 yards last season. Esperanza's running game will feature more of Sean McDonald. Last season, he started at quarterback but has been moved to running back. He rushed for 652 yards last season.Esperanza doesn't have a big-name offensive lineman as of yet but Pendleton calls the group the strongest inschool history. The Aztecs' challenge appears to be on defense. They return only two starters.
Home stadium: Valencia High
Factoid: The Aztecs have claimed a share of the past three league titles.
Strongest: Mike Rocha
Fastest: Hayden Pierce
School record: 297-115-10
| Players to watch | |||
 | Jared Moore Rushed for 1,074 yards and 12 TDs last season |  | Sean Avila Could be the best defensive lineman in league |
| Pos. | Player | Ht. | Wt. | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Drew Huusfeldt | 6-1 | 170 | Jr. |
| RB | Sean McDonald | 5-11 | 175 | Sr. |
| RB | Jared Moore | 6-0 | 195 | Sr. |
| FB | Dustin Derieg | 6-0 | 210 | Jr. |
| WR | Hayden Pierce | 6-1 | 175 | Jr. |
| TE | Jake Pendleton | 6-1 | 205 | Sr. |
| *T | Brad Knutsen | 6-3 | 260 | Jr. |
| *T | Clay Shepard | 5-11 | 220 | Sr. |
| G | Mike Rocha | 6-0 | 250 | Sr. |
| C | Geoff Hyde | 6-2 | 250 | Sr. |
| *G | Todd McDonald | 5-11 | 215 | Jr. |
| *G | Garrett Dembek | 5-10 | 230 | Sr. |
| T | Cory Hobbs | 5-11 | 230 | Sr. |
| K | Aria Nabipur | 6-2 | 220 | Sr. |
| Pos. | Player | Ht. | Wt. | Year |
| DE | Christian Martinez | 6-2 | 220 | Sr. |
| NT | Sean Avila | 6-2 | 245 | Sr. |
| DE | Lukas Lopez | 6-0 | 230 | Jr. |
| ILB | Matt Hunsaker | 5-11 | 205 | Sr. |
| ILB | Francisco Vargas | 5-11 | 190 | Jr. |
| MLB | John Werner | 5-10 | 195 | Sr. |
| *OLB | Drew Amos | 6-2 | 200 | Sr. |
| *OLB | Andy Shell | 5-11 | 190 | Sr. |
| CB | Hayden Pierce | 6-1 | 175 | Jr. |
| SS | Dane Poole | 6-1 | 200 | Sr. |
| FS | Sean McDonald | 5-11 | 175 | Sr. |
| CB | Grant Stubblefield | 5-9 | 155 | Jr. |
| P | Tyler Drees | 5-10 | 210 | Jr. |
* Final selection to be announced
Click here for full team roster
Related:
• Sunset League schools: Edison | Esperanza | Fountain Valley | Los Alamitos | Marina | Newport Harbor
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
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