Kickoff 2012: Sunset League preview

COACHES POLL

(Click on the links below to see previews for the individual schools.)

1. Edison (8-3 in 2011): 34 pts

2. Los Alamitos (6-4) 28

3. Huntington Beach (9-3) 21

4. Fountain Valley (4-6) 18

5. Newport Harbor (5-6) 17

6. Marina (1-8-1) 8

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Edison. The Chargers boast a huge offensive line, two returning running backs, a smart quarterback, plenty of seniors and now reside in a new playoff division (along with the rest of the Sunset League). There’s a lot to like about the Chargers’ chances in 2012. Edison appears primed to defend its Sunset League title and make a run in the new-look Southwest Division.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Marina. The Vikings are trying to break a seven-year losing streak in the Sunset League. It’s a difficult challenge because of the talent and competitive nature in the league, especially in the coaching rankings. But the Vikings are making progress under veteran coach George Pascoe and a few rivals are thin on returning starters. This might be the season Marina lands a league victory but it won’t be easy.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Izak Faoa, Marina, OL/DL: The Vikings are hoping the senior is a force on both sides of the ball.

Sean Finley, Fountain Valley, OL/LB: He could deliver a huge defensive presence for the Barons.

Landon Gyulay, Newport Harbor, WR/DB: The senior hauled in 41 receptions in 2011 and has worked hard in offseason.

Elijah Herrera, Edison, RB/S: With Edison’s huge line, Herrera or fellow back Marquis Ross might have big seasons.

J.D. Hinnant, Fountain Valley, OL/DL: The senior is a rising lineman who has caught the eye of recruiters.

Alex Redmond, Los Alamitos, OL – The Oregon commit has emerged as one of the county’s best offensive lineman.

Kai Ross, Huntington Beach, QB/CB: The junior might be one of the league’s best athletes.

Alek Torgersen, Edison, QB: The first-year starter impressed during the summer and could have a breakout season.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS:

Tyler Argy, Fountain Valley, OL/DL

Derek Baljeu, Edison, DE

Jason Baker, Fountain Valley, WR/CB

Kendall Brownlow, Los Alamitos, RB

Eli Cabaccang, Marina, RB/DB

Wyatt Christensen, Fountain Valley, WR/LB

Sebastian DeMartini, Huntington Beach, OL

Zack Donnelly, Edison, DT

Shavony Drew, Fountain Valley, RB/S

Chris d’Entremont, Fountain Valley, QB

Jeremiah Frost, Edison, OL

Garrett Garcia, Edison, DE

Dashawn Gordon, Los Alamitos, WR

Michael Hayden, Los Alamitos, DL

Ramsey Hufford, Newport Harbor, OL/DL

Derek Huynen, Fountain Valley, K/P

Blake Johnson, Los Alamitos, P

Adam Khouri, Huntington Beach, OL

Cody Marshall, Los Alamitos, QB

James Myers, Marina, LB

Ricardo Molina, Los Alamitos, RB

Donald Rice, Edison, LB

James Stea, Los Alamitos, CB

Dan Szechy, Los Alamitos, DL

Marty Taylor, Newport Harbor, RB/LB

John Vis, Huntington Beach, DL

Zach Wade, Newport Harbor, QB/S

Jeff Weiderker, Huntington Beach, LB

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Oct. 11: Los Alamitos and Edison – two teams ranked in the OCVarsity preseason Top 10 – collide at Veterans Stadium in the second round of league. This one could decide the league title.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Edison. The Chargers again play Servite and Mater Dei back-to-back, only this time, they sandwich the Trinity League heavyweights between Villa Park and Clemente. Edison coach Dave White calls the schedule one of the Chargers’ toughest in years.

SEE PREVIEWS FOR OTHER LEAGUES AND MORE FOOTALL PREVIEW COVERAGE.