Pacific Coast League

COACHES POLL

1t. Irvine, 8-3 in 2007
1t. Laguna Hills, 6-3
3t. University, 10-1
3t. Corona del Mar, 3-6
5. Beckman, 5-5

(Click on team link to reach schedule and roster)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Laguna Hills
The Hawks underachieved with their first-round exit in the Southern Division playoffs last season, but look for them to make a run this season with 17 hungry starters returning. They have a big strong offensive line with experience and a speedy defense.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Corona del Mar
Jason Hitchens takes over as the head coach for the Sea Kings. Hitchens is a proven winner. He took St. Margaret's to a 14-0 record and a Northeast Division championship in 2006 and he led El Modena to three Century League titles from 1998-2003. Corona del Mar has five starters back, but they have some potential at the skill positions. This might not be the year for the Sea Kings to challenge Irvine and Laguna Hills for the league title, but look for them to be competitive.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Robert Refsnyder
He was the league's MVP and a first team All-CIF selection last season as a wide receiver, but he will take over as the Laguna Hills Hawks quarterback this season.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

Beckman: DE Brian Birsdell; MLB Brian Yim; DE Christian Mejia; and OLB Kyle Boudreau
Corona del Mar: DT Daniel Dichiro; TE/DE Max Hasse; and WR/CB Noah Molnar
Irvine: DE/OL Nik Abele
Laguna Hills: RB/MLB Matt Giovinazzo; WR/CB Shawn Tucker; WR A.J. Martin; OT Drew Corley; OG Jeff Quigley; and OT Matt DeGrassi
University: FB/LB Tyler Fletcher; WR Bronson Taylor; and DT/OT Daniel Park

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Laguna Hills vs. Irvine
Nov. 6 at Irvine
The Hawks came on strong in the second half to pull away for a 28-14 victory over the Vaqueros last season. This year's matchup could very well determine the league championship.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Laguna Hills
The Hawks have three top-25 teams on their nonleague schedule, but they get to play all three at home. The Hawks open with Southwest Division finalist Trabuco Hills in Week 1, No. 16 El Toro in Week 3 and No. 18 Canyon in Week 5. In between those land mines, Laguna Hills plays host to Segerstrom in Week 2 and goes on the road against Woodbridge in Week 4.

Related:
• Pacific Coast League schools: Beckman | Corona del Mar  | Irvine  | Laguna Hills | University
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: carias@ocregister.com