JSerra

Last season: 2-7, 0-4 (sixth place)

Postseason: None

Coach: Jim Hartigan (2nd year, 2-7)

Outlook: Hartigan described JSerra football as a “three- to five-year project.” That is his timeline for making the Lions a playoff-berth contender in the ultra-challenging Trinity League. He said the program should make significant strides this year. “I feel good about the time and effort that was put in during the offseason,” he said. “Our kids know the coaching staff better, they know our system better, they know the terminology better.” Perhaps the area that could see the most improvement is the defense, which could be a much quicker unit this season. Special teams, where breakdowns occurred too frequently last year, have solidified. The offense, especially the line, is young but quick. Some starting roles were undecided in the second week of practice, including quarterback. One candidate there is Hayden Greene, a senior who transferred from Mater Dei, where he was unlikely to see much action with Matt Barkley there. The Lions have an interesting nonleague schedule, with five central-county public school opponents, so how far the Lions have come will be evident early. “We hope,” Hartigan said, “that people can say at the end of the season that JSerra sure has gotten better.”

Home stadium: Saddleback College

Factoid: Hartigan coached Santa Margarita to 122 victories and two CIF championships from 1989-2002.

Strongest: Hayden Greene

Fastest: Justin Butler

School record: 4-28

* Final selection to be determined

Related:
• Trinity League schools: JSerra | Mater Dei | Orange Lutheran | Santa Margarita | Servite | St. John Bosco
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com