South team gearing up for all-star game

It is a busy week for the South all-stars who are preparing for the Orange County All-Star Game on July 6 at Orange Coast College.

The squad, coached by Woodbridge coach Rick Gibson, conducted the first of four practices Monday night at Irvine.

The squad has been practicing since the first week of June, but held just one practice last week because many players were involved in graduation ceremonies.

"We did our first full pad day on Friday," Gibson said.

The team is also practicing Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday this week.

"This is when we get to do some things, we're excited," Gibson said.

It is the second time Gibson has coached the squad. He also coached the South in 1999 and led the team to a 24-7 victory.

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"They're great kids," Gibson said. ""These guys have picked up everything so quickly."

Edison quarterback Chase Favreau took all the snaps on Monday with Northwood's Ricky Bautista missing practice with an excused absence.

The South has had its share of injuries. Alex King of Northwood had to drop out because of an injury. Tyler Zorn from Northwood, a late addition to the team, suffered an off-the-field injury last week and was replaced by Chris French, a tight end from San Clemente.

Gibson has been joined by his Woodbridge assistants, B.J. Parsons, Gene Noji, Cliff Nelson, Roger Rommelfanger, Randall Noji, Aaron Craver and long-time University coach Dick Roche.

Parsons, who was leading the South defense Monday, said he has accepted an assistant coaching job with the El Toro varsity football program as a defensive coach. He had been at Woodbridge for five years.