Spring Insider: Question marks

If Western is going to continue running over opponents, the Pioneers need to find some new bodies to block for Ruben Ortega, Derek Orman, Mookie Cooksie and Quincey Kizzee.

“Tongue twisters,” Coach Toby Howell said of the latter two names.

Western lost three starting offensive lineman, although all-league center Daniel Jamokha, and all-league tackle Nico Alaniz return. Tight end Francis Amasio will be back as well.

Howell: “We’ve got a couple of guys with some potential. That (who will step in) is hopefully what we’re finding out there in spring and summer. I think we’ll be OK back there. I think we’ve got a really good backfield. If a couple of guys can step up (on the line), I think we’ll score some points.”

Is he at all worried about the inexperience?

Howell: “That’s kind of like - I don’t want to say my specialty - but that’s the thing that I personally really coach. I always think that if you have to develop somebody or coach somebody, it’s easier to do it with an offensive lineman than a running back.”

Contact the writer: jkay@ocregister.com