Kickoff '08: Troy Warriors
Kickoff '08: Troy Warriors
OCVarsity previews football teams for the 2008-09 season.
Troy
Last season: 1-8, 1-3 (tied for fourth)
Postseason: 2006, lost to Santa Fe, 33-28 in semifinals of Southeast Division playoffs
Coach: Jim Burton (fourth year, 31-19)
Outlook: Troy hopes talent and solid defense can make up for a lack of experience on offense, where only one starter returns. Junior Kyle Smith steps in at quarterback, while De Angelo Bonner and Justin Austin will combine to replace star fullback Derrick Coleman.
Home stadium: Fullerton District Stadium
Strongest: Schaad Gibbons, Jeff Son
Fastest: Jon Thiranop
School record: 250-182-13
| Players to watch | |||
![]() | Chris Chung, DB Will anchor the secondary after grabbing two interceptions in 2007 | ![]() | Ryan Hagen, DE With 27 tackles and a sack last year, should be a defensive stalwart in '08 |
| Offense Pos. | Player | Ht. | Wt. | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Kyle Smith | Jr. | 5-11 | 175 |
| RB | Chaz Wendt | Sr. | 5-9 | 150 |
| RB | Justin Austin | Jr. | 5-7 | 185 |
| WR | De Angelo Bonner | Jr. | 6-0 | 160 |
| WR | Manuel Carrillo | Jr. | 6-2 | 180 |
| TE | Ryan Hagen | Sr. | 6-2 | 230 |
| T | Schaad Gibbons | Sr. | 6-3 | 240 |
| G | Steve Yniquez | Jr. | 5-9 | 190 |
| C | Brian Bartter | Soph. | 6-0 | 235 |
| G | Ed Nguyen | Sr. | 5-5 | 170 |
| T | Jon Moraza | Jr. | 6-0 | 225 |
| Defense Pos. | Player | Ht. | Wt. | Year |
| DE | Jeremy Artasere | Jr. | 6-3 | 170 |
| DT | Jeff Son | Jr. | 6-0 | 230 |
| DT | AJ Jimenez | Sr. | 6-0 | 240 |
| DE | Casey Ling | Jr. | 6-0 | 185 |
| OLB | Rich Macharia | Jr. | 5-8 | 185 |
| MLB | Joe Walker | Jr. | 5-9 | 185 |
| OLB | Doug Beard | Jr. | 5-11 | 185 |
| CB | Tom Mavritsakis | Jr. | 5-11 | 170 |
| SS | Chris Chung | Sr. | 5-10 | 155 |
| SS | Jose Espitin | Jr. | 5-8 | 140 |
| CB | Jon Thiranop | Sr. | 5-11 | 150 |
Click here to see full team roster
Related:
• Freeway League schools: Buena Park | Fullerton | La Habra | Sonora | Sunny Hills | Troy
Contact the writer: jkay@ocregister.com






