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Kickoff 2010: Small schools
COACHES' POLL
Academy League
2009 records listed
1. St. Margaret’s (13-1) 16 points
2. Sage Hill (7-4) 11
3. Brethren Christian (5-5) 9
4. Crean Lutheran South (0-8) 4
* Teams received four points for a first-place vote; three for second place etc.
OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE SMALL SCHOOLS PREVIEW
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
St. Margaret’s: Whittier Christian will be a team to watch in the Mid-Valley Division but in Orange County, the Tartans remain the standard for small-school excellence. But can St. Margaret’s stay on top and claim a fifth straight CIF title? Coach Harry Welch, who guided the team to three CIF titles and one state crown, is now at Santa Margarita. Standout linebacker Michael Schmall, the East Valley Division defensive player of the year in 2009, transferred to Mission Viejo. And 2009 All-CIF selection Matt Duenes (fractured vertebra) isn’t expected back until late October. St. Margaret’s should still be formidable for its level. Rod Baltau, a disciple of Welch, has taken over the program and kept the playbook mostly intact. Davis Edwards has emerged as a standout at middle linebacker in place of Schmall. Duenes, a junior, is a key two-way player. The Tartans need their newcomers to step up. San Clemente transfer Joey Sego is the new quarterback while Kent Iizuka replaces John Murayama at running back.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Crean Lutheran South: The young Saints didn’t score in their eight varsity games in 2009 but are looking to improve in their second year as a program. Second-year coach David Krystowiak also has tweaked the schedule to create more competitive equity for his team.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jeff Worthy, Whittier Christian, DT – The Heralds play a three-four defensive front because of Worthy’s presence in the middle. Last season, he racked up 19 sacks. He was offered by Nebraska and UCLA among others but committed to Boise State. Worthy might start the season slow after spraining his knee in the Heralds’ scrimmage.
OTHER TOP PLAYERS
Brethren Christian: Alex Debardelaben, Sr., WR/DB; Bob Frisch, Sr., OL/DL
Capistrano Valley Christian: Phillip Wilhelm, Sr., RB/LB; Andrew Sears, Sr., OL/LB
Crean Lutheran South: Matt Homan, Sr., QB; Tommy McMillian, So., RB/LB
Eastside Christian: David Aldana, Jr., QB/DB
Fairmont Prep: Brandon Warr, Sr., WR/DB; David Jocson, Jr., WR/DB; Earle Austin, Sr., OL/DL
Liberty Christian: Sam Salgado, Sr., QB; Frank Guzman, Sr., RB/LB
Sage Hill: Taylor Ross, Sr., RB/DB; Taylor Petty, Jr., WR/DB; J.T. Danner, Sr., OL/DL
Saddleback Valley Christian: Joey Molina, Sr., OL; Christopher French, Jr., WR; John Curran, Sr., WR
St. Margaret’s: Davis Edwards, Sr., WR/LB; Brennan Smith, Sr., ATH; James Murayama, Sr., WR/DB; Matt Duenes, Jr., RB/DB
St. Michael’s Prep: Anton Gerami, Sr., RB; David Suh, Sr., QB
Whittier Christian: Stephen Anderson, Sr., QB; Grant Escobar, Jr., WR; Cameron Stanley, Sr., WR
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Whittier Christian at St. Margaret’s, Sept. 24 – Just call this Orange County’s small school championship. Last season, St. Margaret’s defeated Whittier Christian, 25-13, but the Tartans didn’t face Anderson, who was out with a concussion.
TOUGHEST SCHEDULE
Whittier Christian: Sure, St. Margaret’s plays at 2009 state small-school runner Parker of San Diego on Sept. 10, but the Heralds play an overall tougher schedule. Whittier Christian’s Olympic League is more challenging than the Academy League. The Heralds play St. Margaret’s and Salesian (DE Davon Moreland) in nonleague games.
