Freeway League

COACHES POLL

1. La Habra, (13-0 in 2007), 36
2. Fullerton, (9-4), 29
3. Troy, (1-8), 23
4. Sonora, (5-5), 18
T-5. Sunny Hills, (1-8), 10
T-5. Buena Park, (1-8), 10

(Click on team link to reach team preview)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

La Habra - After winning the Southeast CIF championship in 2007, the Highlanders will put forth another team that is loaded with talent. But the Freeway League has moved up a division, and the Highlanders will aim to prove they belong.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Troy’s 1-8 record belies the team’s success last season. The Warriors finished 7-2 and secured a playoff spot before an eligibility violation wiped most of that away. To be so competitive again, Troy must find solid replacements for 10 offensive starters.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Ronnie Hillman, WR/RB, La Habra
The San Diego State commit racked up more than 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2007 and was named the CIF player of the year.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

Buena Park: Cain Flores, running back; Michael Malagon, defensive end/offensive guard
Fullerton: Michael Allain, running back; Randall Hicks, nose guard; Julio Cortez, offensive guard
La Habra: Ronnie Hillman wide receiver/running back; Josh Quezada, running back; Jake Peppard, defensive end; Randall Nygren, quarterback; Chazz Flores, defensive tackle
Sonora: James Carr, linebacker; Nate Partridge, defensive end/tight end; Graham Lovelady, running back/safety
Sunny Hills: Philip Pribac, wide receiver/free safety/kicker; Danilo Nam, offensive tackle/defensive end
Troy: Ryan Hagen, defensive end; Chris Chung, defensive back; Jeff Son, defensive tackle

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

La Habra vs. Los Alamitos
Oct. 3 at La Habra
La Habra is searching for its first victory against the Griffins in the teams’ fifth meeting since 2002.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Anyone wondering how La Habra might stack up against tougher playoff competition should check out the Highlanders in their nonleague games. Los Alamitos and San Clemente should be the top challenges.

Related:
• Freeway  League schools: Buena Park | Fullerton | La Habra | Sonora | Sunny Hills | Troy
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: jkay@ocregister.com