Kickoff 2010: Whittier Christian Heralds

Last season record:

9-4, 2-2 (3^rd Olympic League)

Postseason:

2009, lost to Monrovia, 35-32, in Mid-Valley Division semifinals

Coach:

Sergio Gradilla (2^nd year, 9-4)

Home stadium:

Whittier College

Outlook:

Bright. The Heralds have high goals after reaching the Mid-Valley semifinals last season. They hope to claim the Olympic League and Mid-Valley championships in 2010. On offense, they return standout quarterback Stephen Anderson and all four of his wide receivers in the no-huddle attack. Anderson passed for 1,816 yards last season. Wide receivers Cameron Stanley (45) and Grant Escobar (49) combined for 94 receptions. The Heralds have good size up front but no returning starters. On defense, Whittier Christian return seven starters, including Boise State commit Jeff Worthy (19 sacks in 2009) and three linebackers. Worthy suffered a sprained knee in the Heralds’ scrimmage, so the Heralds might not be full strength early in the season. The defense also is waiting for the return of end David Bissuet (shoulder, 5-9, 175) and corner Grady Smith (back, 6-0, 160). On offense, Whittier Christian will not have left tackle Matt Hearn for the first four games because he needs to sit out due to his transfer from Servite. Once Whittier Christian gets healthy, they should tough. The Heralds are skilled, big and deep. They hope to have no two-way starters.

Starters:

See Whittier Christian's starting players for the 2010 O.C. football season.

Factoid:

Anderson played Pop Warner football in La Mirada with La Habra quarterback Cody Clements.

See the 2010 football previews for  other O.C. small schools.