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Kickoff 2010: Sunset League preview
Find the overall league and individual team previews for all six Sunset League teams.
COACHES’ POLL
2009 record listed
1. Los Alamitos 8-3 (33 points)
2. Edison 13-1 (29)
3. Newport Harbor 6-5 (25)
4. Fountain Valley 8-3 (18)
5. Huntington Beach 7-5 (14)
6. Marina 1-9 (8)
*Teams received 6 points for a first-place vote; 5 for a second-place vote etc. Los Alamitos and Newport Harbor tied for first on one ballet
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Los Alamitos: The Griffins could have their most talented team since 2004, when they finished as the CIF Div. 1 runner-up to Long Beach Poly and DeSean Jackson. Entering his 32nd season at Los Alamitos, Coach John Barnes has strong offensive and defensive lines. Senior offensive linemen Ben Wysocki (UCLA commit) and Derrick Laureano should open plenty of holes for senior running back Nick Richardson, who nearly rushed for 2,000 yards last season. Los Alamitos’ passing attack appears improved with return of starting quarterback Dylan Lagarde, who had a strong summer. Linebacker is another strong position. Los Alamitos returns linebacker Aaron Davis (Washington commit) and features the emerging Joe Locher. The back-seven also includes three transfers from Long Beach Poly, all of whom who could start. Los Alamitos hasn’t won a playoff game since 2004 but this might be the season the Griffins make some noise in the Pac-5 Division.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Marina: Veteran coach George Pascoe takes over a Vikings program that hasn’t won a league game since 2004. Pascoe wants to rebuild the program and make it attractive and fun for players. Marina returns six starters on offense and eight on defense. The Vikings’ nonleague schedule isn’t too intimidating but four of the five games are on the road. An early victory or two could create huge momentum for the Vikings to take into league. The Sunset also doesn’t look as scary with the departure of running back Cedric Whitaker at Newport Harbor and the eligibility issues for Edison running/cornerback Davion Orphey and quarterback Chase Favreau.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Nick Richardson, RB, Los Alamitos: The ultra-quick and tough Richardson (5-7, 163) rushed for 1,835 yards in 2009. The senior had a season-high 296 yards against Narbonne. Richardson will have an excellent line, so he has a chance to approach the 2,000-yard barrier again. His numbers also could jump if the Griffins make a playoff run.
OTHER TOP PLAYERS
Edison: Charles Burks, Sr., DE/FB; Kyle Finney, Sr., OL
Fountain Valley: Courtland Drummond, OL/LB; Brandon Moss, OL/DL
Huntington Beach: Zane Hudak, Sr., OL; Luke Holler, Sr., DE; Nolan Biegel, Jr., LB
Los Alamitos: Dylan Lagarde, Jr., QB; Aaron Davis, Sr., LB; Ben Wysocki, Sr., OL; Kyle Zottneck, Sr., DL; Derrick Laureano, Sr., OL; Haven Fielding, Sr., DB; Tre Bennett, Sr., DB
Marina: Jackson Clerisse, Sr., OL
Newport Harbor: Austin Rios, Sr., QB; Parker Norton, Sr., WR/DB; J.B. Salem, Sr., OL/DL; Ryan Andrews, Sr., FB/LB
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Newport Harbor vs. Los Alamitos, at Veterans Stadium, Oct. 21: The Sailors like their team even without Whitaker. With the eligibility issues at Edison, Newport Harbor could be the team to challenge Los Alamitos for the crown. Newport Harbor also has defeated Los Alamitos three consecutive seasons – by a combined eight points.
TOUGHEST SCHEDULE
The honor still goes to Edison but Newport Harbor is a narrow second. The Chargers play Dana Hills, Servite and Mater Dei in consecutive weeks. Newport Harbor takes on Trabuco Hills, Loyola, San Clemente and Mira Costa, plus rival Corona del Mar.
