Chris Morales living up to standards of brother

A healthy sibling rivalry is the norm for most families. But for Chris Morales, the starting quarterback at La Habra, living up to his brother Daniel's reputation might just mean a little bit more.

This is Morales' senior season and his second as a starter for La Habra. His career has been promising, but it's not the first time the school has seen a successful Morales at the quarterback position.

Daniel Morales started for La Habra in the 2002-03 seasons. During those years, he racked up stats comparable to some college quarterbacks. In two seasons, he threw for 51 touchdowns and almost 6,000 yards. He was the division player of the year in 2003. He also led his team to the CIF Division IX championship. Twice.

Chris Morales has a lot of work ahead of him if he wants to replicate his brother's legacy. But Morales already is well on his way to doing that. In 2006, he broke his brother's school record for single-season touchdown passes, throwing 31 in his first year as a starter. He also was efficient with only six interceptions.

"He's a super intelligent quarterback," La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta said. "He's accurate and knows where to throw the football. He's just like his brother Daniel in that regard.

"He's a really good decision-maker. His arm strength has improved. His accuracy has improved. He's about as good as a high school quarterback can get."

Morales not only has distanced himself from his brother's shadow, but he also has made a name for himself among Orange County's top quarterbacks. He hasn't received the recognition that has been reserved for Edison's Nick Crissman and Mater Dei's Matt Barkley, but he has joined the discussion of the best quarterbacks.

Morales, however, has not let the pressure get to him.

"I just keep on working hard to see what happens during the season," he said. "Hopefully I'll live up to them [the predictions]."

Morales has had time to develop as an athlete and as a leader of the Highlanders' offense. Before he had entered high school, he already was a member of the team as a ball boy.

"I've been watching (the games) for a long time now, and now I'm finally playing," he said. "It feels good to show what I can do."

Players and coaches alike admire the young quarterback for his leadership on the field.

"He's a tough kid," Mazzotta said. "He stands in the pocket pretty fearlessly. He's a good field general."

Nick McDermott, La Habra's starting center, also commended Morales' leadership.

"He's a good quarterback," McDermott said. "He tells us the play, and if we mess up, then he is right there to help us."

Despite the expectations his school, his coaches, and his family have for him, Morales is just looking forward to having a strong season.

"I'm just going to do my best, and hopefully we can win," Morales said. "I've been through it all, so nothing can surprise me this time."