Kickoff '07: Golden West League

COACHES POLL

1. Westminster, 8-4 in 2006, 35 points

2. Segerstrom, 1-9, 26

3. Orange, 6-5, 25

4. Saddleback, 7-5, 19

5. Ocean View, 3-7, 15

6. Santa Ana, 2-8, 6

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Saddleback
(Click here to watch the ocvarsity.com video)

The Roadrunners made a big splash when they hired Jim O'Connell as coach. O'Connell resigned from Tesoro in January. He led the Titans to consecutive Division IX titles in 2004 and 2005. He inherits a Roadrunners team that finished second in the Golden West League last season but only has four starters returning.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Santa Ana

The Saints were expected to make the playoffs last season, but things never turned around as they finished in last place. This year's team is young and inexperienced but could place the foundation for a successful 2008 season.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Toa Tuitea
Westminster, TE/DL
(Click here to watch the ocvarsity.com video)

It will be difficult to overlook him, especially since he stands at 6-foot-4. Tuitea will be a factor on both sides as a tight end and defensive end. Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico State and San Diego State are taking notice, so will the opposing coaches.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

Westminster - WR Aaron Garbutt, RB Alex Gomez, OL Frank Robles, DL Andrew Kennedy, RB/DB Steven Marquez; Segerstrom - RB Francisco Partida, LB Alfred Tanielu, OL Tyler Branum, DL Brian Hernandez; Saddleback - OL Eddie Gutierrez, RB Mike Deckard, OL Brandon Hernandez; Ocean View - DE Kenneth Tarpley; Santa Ana - LB Ramiro Velasco, RB Adam Salinas, DB Ramon Reyes; Orange - LB Mario Ramirez, DL Kenneth Arriola, DB Dejon Deason

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Segerstrom vs. Saddleback
Nov. 8 at Segerstrom High

If things go to form, this could be for second place in the Golden West League. Last year, the Jaguars led late in the game until Rishard Matthews scored two touchdowns to lift the Roadrunners to victory.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Segerstrom

If the Jaguars are excited about the prospects of this season, they better be prepared. The Jaguars face three playoff teams (Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Irvine), an improved Bolsa Grande and they have to travel to league favorite Westminster.

Ocean View Seahawks

Players to watch
	Dana Maley: Senior quarterback will have to lead the way this season.
	Kenny Tarpley: A first team all-league defensive lineman last season, will help lead the defense.

LAST SEASON: 4th place; 3-7, 2-3

POSTSEASON: 2001, lost to Newport Harbor, 49-0, in first round of Division VI playoffs

COACH: Dean Yoshiyama

OUTLOOK: There is a lot of room for improvement around the Seahawks this season. Ocean View finished in fourth place in the Golden West League last season. The Seahawks graduated their offensive playmakers from last season and will rely upon quarterback Dana Maley to lead the way this season. Ocean View will also need to find a playmaker to compensate for the loss of Chris Katsuki.

HOME STADIUM: Ocean View High

FACTOID: Senior quarterback Dana Maley passed 1,014 and rushed for 344 yards last season

STRONGEST: Manny Urieta

SCHOOL RECORD: 77-191-3

TO SEE THE TEAM SCHEDULE AND ROSTER, CLICK HERE

Orange Panthers

Players to watch
	Dejon Deason: The junior running back will get a chance to show off his 4.5 speed.
	Mario Ramirez: The senior linebacker will be pivotal to the Panthers' defensive efforts.

LAST SEASON: 3rd place; 6-5, 3-2

POSTSEASON: 2006, lost to Alhambra, 48-20, in first round of Southeast Division playoffs

COACH: Ralph Godfrey (1st season) 

OUTLOOK: Godfrey replaces Greg Gibson, who moved on to San Juan Hills High. Godfrey inherits 10 returning starters and a solid defensive nucleus. Newman Collet takes over at quarterback and will be aided by a good group of running backs, led by Dejon Deason. Godfrey likes what he sees on both sides of the ball and if things hold to form, Orange should be back in the playoffs this season.

HOME STADIUM: El Modena High

FACTOID: Deason is the leading returning rusher with 243 yards.

FASTEST: Dejon Deason

STRONGEST: Benny Fatu

SCHOOL RECORD: 339-440-34

TO SEE THE TEAM SCHEDULE AND ROSTER, CLICK HERE

Saddleback Roadrunners

Players to watch
	Michael Deckard: Will carry the offensive load this season for the Roadrunners.
	Eddie Gutierrez: Returning all-league lineman will be counted on to open holes on offense and close them on defense.

LAST SEASON: 2nd place; 7-5, 4-1

POSTSEASON: 2006, lost to Troy, 49-35, in quarterfinals of Southeast Division playoffs

COACH: Jim O'Connell (1st season at school)

OUTLOOK: When the Roadrunners needed someone to bail them out last season, the ball went to Rishard Matthews. This year, Saddleback will have to rely on everyone on the field if it is to stay near the top of the league. Saddleback returns four starters, including all-league running back Michael Deckard.

HOME STADIUM: Segerstrom High and Santa Ana Stadium

FACTOID: Matthews had 12 interceptions and 16 offensive touchdowns last season.

FASTEST: Reggie Vaitolo/Michael Deckard

STRONGEST: Reggie Vaitolo

SCHOOL RECORD: 188-200-9

TO SEE THE TEAM SCHEDULE AND ROSTER, CLICK HERE

 

 

Santa Ana Saints

Players to watch
	Ramiro Velasco:            Has a reputation as quite a hitter.
	Chris Ledesma: Junior starts at QB.

LAST SEASON: 6th place; 2-8, 0-5

POSTSEASON: 2005, Lost to South Hills, 49-18, in first round of Division VII playoffs

COACH: Scott Daniels

OUTLOOK: First-year coach Scott Daniels likes his offensive and defensive lines. Both units will have to be on top of their games if the Saints are to overcome last season's winless league effort. Senior safety Ramiro Velasco will help anchor the defense that returns four starters.

HOME STADIUM: Santa Ana Stadium

FACTOID: Ramiro Velasco had a .627 batting average last season for the Saints baseball team. Velasco earned second team All-County honors.

SCHOOL RECORD: 243-255-18

TO SEE THE TEAM'S SCHEDULE AND ROSTER, CLICK HERE

 

 

Segerstrom Jaguars

Player  to watch
	Franky Partida:Speedster starts at cornerback and receiver.

LAST SEASON: 5th place; 1-9, 1-4

POSTSEASON: None

COACH: Mike Maceranka

OUTLOOK: At the start of last season, the Jaguars had their sights set on this season. Segerstrom returns the entire team and after of a year of being competitive, the coaching staff believes that it has what it takes to fight for a playoff spot this season

HOME STADIUM: Segerstrom High

FACTOID: WB/OLB Alfred Tanielu attended a camp at BYU and is being recruited by the Cougars. His brother, Tavita was a second team all-county linebacker for Maceranka at Santa Ana Valley in 2003.

FASTEST: Arron Amrin/Franky Partida

STRONGEST: Adam Dominguez/Oswaldo Garcia

SCHOOL RECORD: 1-9

TO SEE THE TEAM SCHEDULE AND ROSTER, CLICK HERE

Westminster Lions

Player to watch
	Toa Tuitea:Top lineman is getting a lot of attention.

LAST SEASON: 1st place; 8-4, 5-0

POSTSEASON: 2006, lost to Schurr, 38-8, in quarterfinals of Southeast Division playoffs

COACH: Ted McMillen

OUTLOOK: It may be a new year, but it is the same prediction. The Lions are again the coaches'                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           pick to win the Golden West League. The Lions return six starters, including two-way player Toa Tuitea. The Lions will have to replace their top two rushers, leading receiver and quarterback from last season, but they always have a way of reloading at the key positions.

HOME STADIUM: Westminster High

FACTOID: The Lions only allowed one league opponent (Saddleback) to score more than 20 points last season.

FASTEST: Aaron Garbutt/Dimitri Archibald/Brett Jaime

STRONGEST: Toa Tuitea (Click here to watch the ocvarsity.com video)

SCHOOL RECORD: 194-247-18

TO SEE THE TEAM SCHEDULE AND ROSTER, CLICK HERE

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com