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Kickoff 2012: Small schools preview
Find the coaches' poll, individual previews for schools, players and teams to watch and more.
COACHES POLL:
(Click on the links below to see previews for the individual schools.)
Academy League
1. St. Margaret’s (9-3 in 2011) 15 pts
2. Brethren Christian (6-5) 13
3t. Crean Lutheran (5-4) 6
3t. Sage Hill (3-7) 6
Other schools:
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
St. Margaret’s: The Tartans are loaded with eight returning starters on each side of the ball and led by an emerging junior quarterback in Josh Davis. The Tartans could be a team to watch in the CIF East Valley Division. They are also getting early, state-wide recognition with a No. 8 spot in the preseason Division 4 rankings in the state.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
Fairmont Prep: The Huskies finished 0-9 last season and have a new coach in Fred Romo, who replaces former St. John Bosco coach Kiki Mendoza. Fairmont is looking to rebuild a program that made the playoffs in 2010. The defense will need to improve. The squad allowed almost 40 points a game last season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Riley Babick, CVC, QB: Sophomore put up big numbers last season in eight-man
Cody Bronkar, Whittier Christian, WR: Tall and productive senior has committed to Air Force.
Josh Davis, St. Margaret’s, QB: The junior trains privately with QB guru Steve Calhoun.
Thomas Fenner, Sage Hill, TE/DT: Senior had two games with double-digit tackles in 2011.
Jared Fuga, Brethren Christian, RB: Edison transfer will sit until the Warriors’ sixth game
Teddy Hung, Crean Lutheran. OL/DL: Defensive tackle key as Saints move to 3-4 front
Brett Lenahan, St. Michael’s, QB: Reigning Express League MVP running no-huddle
Will Martin, Brethren Christian. OL/LB: Junior plays two critical positions: left tackle and middle LB.
Jack McInally, Brethren Christian, QB: Junior quarterback coming off strong JV season
Brandon Towles, SVC, QB: Senior is reigning San Joaquin League offensive MVP
Alex Waller, St. Margaret’s, OL/DL: Two-way lineman could give opponents fits.
D.J. Walters, St. Margaret’s. OL/DL: A two-way lineman to watch.
OTHER TOP PLAYERS:
Ryan Eslinger, Whittier Christian, QB
Moises Gomez, St. Michael’s, WR
Eric Isenor, Liberty Christian, CB
Forrest Lohman, SVC, RB
Josh Naples, Liberty Christian, QB
Luke Stevens, CVC, LB
Bobby Varnadoe, Fairmont, QB
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Sept. 14 Whittier Christian at St. Margaret’s: This nonleague game is for small-school supremacy in Orange County. The Heralds have won the past two seasons.
TOUGHEST SCHEDULE:
St. Margaret’s. The Tartans’ first six opponents made the playoffs last season. The schedule includes high-profile games against Whittier Christian and 2011 CIF Southern Division semifinalist Laguna Beach – in consecutive weeks.
SEE PREVIEWS FOR OTHER LEAGUES AND MORE FOOTBALL PREVIEW COVERAGE.
