Kickoff 2012: Sea View League preview

COACHES POLL:

(Click on the links below to see the season previews for the individual schools.)

1. Dana Hills (23 points)

2. Capistrano Valley, 19

3. Laguna Hills, 15

4. Aliso Niguel, 13

5. San Juan Hills, 5

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Dana Hills. The Dolphins have always been competitive but a little outgunned in the South Coast League. That won’t be the case now that they have moved to their new home in the Sea View League where they will be instant league title contenders. Dana Hills is used to playing big, physical teams and that will give them an advantage in their new home. The Dolphins have a very good quarterback, good size on the line and a solid group of receivers. The defense is led by defensive lineman Dalton du’Casse.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Capistrano Valley. The Cougars made a lot of progress by qualifying for the playoffs last season for the first time since 2004. The next step would be to win their first postseason game since 1996. With 10 starters back, including three-year starting quarterback Mason Dossey, the Cougars have the pieces in place to make a run at Dana Hills in the league title race.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Mac Vail, Dana Hills, QB: Vail started a Del Norte of San Diego as a freshman before sitting out his sophomore season after transferring to Dana Hills. Vail has a lot of potential and could end up being one of the top passers in south county.

Mason Dossey, Capistrano Valley, QB: The second team All-Sea View League pick is in his third year as the Cougars starter. He passed for 1,590 yards and 10 TDs with five interceptions last season.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS:

Aliso Niguel: QB Nathan Cole; RB Ryan Walker; WR Jordyn Williams; OL John Mitzel; and OL Manny Leiva; Capistrano Valley: WR Mike Mullen; SS Matt Gordon; WR Cole Robinson; and OG Eddie Lung; Dana Hills: DL Dalton du’Casse; LB/TE/S Matthew Slade; DB/WR/K/P Logan Warren; WR Devin Rizzo-Foden; RB Marcus Hughes; LB/FB Cody Betzler; and LB/TE Devon Vise; Laguna Hills: LB Peter Eggert; QB Kevin Cunningham; RB Mike Longo; RB Jon Clary; OG Christian Manzano; DT Ryan Denton; CB Will King; and SS Adam Salcido; San Juan Hills: WR Kyle Mucerino; DB Scott Hoover; TE Corey White; OL Zach Lynch; OL Evan Lottman; QB Jacob Gibson; LB Nick Muck; DL Jack Webster; and DB Logan Newlan.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Capistrano Valley at Dana Hills, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

These former South Coast League rivals continued to play each other when they were put into different leagues a few years ago, but now they are back in the same league and the Sea View League crown is likely to be at stake when they hook up. Capistrano Valley owns a 23-10-1 advantage over Dana Hills in the all-time series, but the Cougars are winless against the Dolphins the past six seasons. Dana Hills has beaten Capistrano Valley by an average of 33-14 in the past six meetings.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE:

Dana Hills. The Dolphins first three games of the season are against teams that are ranked in the county’s preseason top-25 poll. The Dolphins open at No. 20 Trabuco Hills. Up next is a home game against No. 14 Fountain Valley before they go on the road to play at No. 8 San Clemente. That’s a pretty grueling three-week stretch to open the season. Then Dana Hills plays at Troy, against JSerra and at Irvine to close out the nonleague portion of its schedule.

SEE PREVIEWS FOR OTHERS LEAGUES AND THE REST OF THE FOOTBALL PREVIEW COVERAGE.