Orange League

COACHES POLL

1. Western, 9-2-1 in 2007, 35
2. Santa Ana Valley, 7-4, 22
T-3. Anaheim, 9-3, 20
T-3. Magnolia, 4-6, 20
5. Savanna, 7-4, 19
6. Century, 1-9, 10

(Click on team link to reach team preview)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Magnolia. Coach Dave Perkins had his team in the weight room on the first school day after the 2007 season ended. With plenty of speed and size at his disposal, the second-year coach believes discipline and conditioning can get the Sentinels to the playoffs for the first time since 1984.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Savanna. The Rebels reached the postseason in 2007, but Coach Roger Whalen says he is not sure what to expect from this year's team, which returns just one starter.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Ruben Ortega, Western. The junior lit up the league last season, leading the league champions in rushing yards (1,410) and tackles (77). He has two more years to wreak havoc for the Pioneers.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

Anaheim: Mike Reyes, running back/linebacker, Armando Reyna, offensive guard/linebacker, Luis Amaya, wide receiver/safety, Ramon Mejia, kicker
Century: Tony Santana, quarterback/safety, Uriel Mora, linebacker/running back
Magnolia: Robert Cruz, running back, Jose Pineda, running back/safety, Desmond Talitiga, fullback/safety
Santa Ana Valley: Alex Gutierrez, tight end/defensive end, Darius Nacoste, running back, Mark Solano, offensive tackle
Savanna: Dashawn Miller, fullback/linebacker, Donevin Washington, running back, cornerback, Donald Livingston, running back, strong safety
Western: Ruben Ortega, running back, linebacker, Mookie Cooksie, running back, defensive back, Derek Orman, quarterback, defensive back, Daniel Jamokha, offensive line/defensive line.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Magnolia at Santa Ana Valley, Oct. 30. The league's two rising teams face off in what could turn out to be a battle for second place.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Western. The Pioneers have four nonleague opponents within its new, higher playoff bracket, including rival Tustin, and a pair of CIF semifinalists, Valencia and Fullerton.

Related:
• Orange League schools: Anaheim | Century  | Magnolia  | Santa Ana Valley | Savanna | Western
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: jkay@ocregister.com