Garden Grove League

COACHES POLL

1. Garden Grove, (6-5 in 2007), 31 points
2. Santiago, (8-3), 29
3. Rancho Alamitos, (2-8), 24
4t. Bolsa Grande, (3-7), 15
4t. Los Amigos, (4-7), 15
6. La Quinta, (0-10), 12

(Click on team link to reach team preview)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Santiago - Last season, the Cavaliers captured outright league titles on the varsity and freshmanlevels and shared the JV crown. They are loaded with returners on offense and have arguably the league's top lineman in Alkeem Flowers. They also face three solid nonleague opponentsin Santa Ana Valley, Segerstrom and Anaheim. Santiago could enter league readyto compete.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

La Quinta - The Aztecs averaged less than 11 points of offense last season but could be vastly improved in 2008.La Quinta has one of the best quarterbacks in the league in 1,200-yard passer George Martinez. They also return running back Nathan Do, who could become the Aztecs' first 1,000-yard rusherunder Coach James Stewart. La Quinta might have several two-way starters, but its improved depth could help its defense make strides.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Alkeem Flowers
Santiago, LT/DT
Developed into an All-CIF player last season but likely to miss first two gamesbecause of a fractured shin bone. On offense, he moves from tight end to left tackle.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

Santiago: Harvey Alavez, Sr., QB; John Bui, Sr., RT/DE; Paul Escamilla,  Sr., RB/OLB; Gabriel Esquivel, Sr., WR/FS; Alkeem Flowers,  Sr., LT/DT
Rancho Alamitos: Armando Carrillo, Sr., S/WR; Mike Frank,  Jr., QB; Jared Lopez,  Jr., MLB; Jason Willis,  Sr., WR/OLB
La Quinta: Nathan Do,  Sr., RB/DE; Tyson Gasu,  Sr., ILB; George Martinez,  Sr., QB
Garden Grove: Danny Flores,  Sr., LT/NT; Lucky Moemoe,  Sr., CB; Sean Young, Jr., RB
Bolsa Grande: Larry Guerrero,  Sr., RG/DT; Mikhail Lowery,  Jr., RB/MLB; Jesus Segovia,  Sr., QB/FS
Los Amigos: Fidel Mendoza,  Sr., QB/OLB; Issac Tucker,  Sr., RG/OLB; Ricky Vu,  Sr., RB/CB;

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Santiago vs. Garden Grove
Nov. 7 at Garden Grove
These two teams claimed the top two spots in league last season and finished in the top two in this season's preseason poll.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Santiago.  In consecutive games, the Cavaliers play Segerstrom, Santa Ana Valley and Anaheim. Valley andAnaheim were playoff teams last season, and Segerstrom has CIF playoff aspirations in 2008.

Related:
• Garden Grove League schools: Bolsa Grande | Garden Grove | La Quinta | Los Amigos | Rancho Alamitos | Santiago
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com