The top players and season outlook for all six teams in the Freeway League:
FREEWAY LEAGUE
BUENA PARK
Top players: Danny Washington, RB/LB, Jr.; Jayden Costa, DB/WR, Sr.; Jadin Saxton, WR/DB, Sr.; Azim Muhammad, RB, Sr.; Eduardo Nieto, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Buena Park has the longest losing streak in the county at 22 games and hasn’t had a winning season since 2016. The Coyotes graduated only five starters and have a plethora of returning skill players who will contribute this season. Running back Azim Muhammad has an offer from Western New Mexico and will split carries with Danny Washington. Jayden Costa is a 6-foot-3 cornerback and receiver who will be a big part of the defense this season. Juniors Alex Delgado and Aaron Rodriguez are competing for the starting quarterback position. Last season’s quarterback, Isaiah Garcia, is back but is expected to focus on defense this season. Buena Park has two very winnable games to kick off the season and that could propel the Coyotes to more success.
FULLERTON
Top players: Jaden Pulsifer, DE/FB, Sr.; Deshawn Cobbs, RB, Jr.; Andrew Ayon, OL/DL, Sr.; Fa’alaga Su’e, DL, Sr.; Henry Pillon, WR/DB, Jr.; Michael Ramirez, OL, Sr.
What to expect: Fullerton struggled last season but four of its eight losses were by one score, so it is reasonable to say that it was a handful of plays away from a much better season. The Indians return multiple starters on the defensive line led by Jaden Pulsifer, Fa’alaga Su’e and Andrew Ayon. Kevin Knight, who head coach Richard Salazar calls the anchor of the defense, returns at linebacker after having 64 tackles and a forced fumble last season. Deshawn Cobbs is a downhill runner who averaged 6 yards per carry as a sophomore last season. Fullerton is a mystery team that could struggle again or potentially be a third-place team and earn a playoff spot.
LA HABRA
Top players: Justin Gil, QB, Sr.; Jacob Apodaca, WR, Sr.; Marcus Works, WR/DB, Sr.; Gabe Medel, LB, Sr.; Brad Bartling, OL, Sr.; Dathan Lui, RB, Sr.
What to expect: The Highlanders have been league champions 14 of the last 15 years and are the heavy favorites to win another league title this season. La Habra is loaded with returning starters including one of the top senior quarterbacks in the county in Justin Gil, who has an offer from Adams State. Gil and Jacob Apodaca connected for 10 touchdowns last season and are one of the best returning quarterback and receiver combinations in the county. Dathan Lui had 10 rushing touchdowns last season while splitting carries and will likely be the primary back this season. Gabe Medel had a team-high 86 tackles last season with a sack and an interception. La Habra also added receiver Eddie Rodriguez, a transfer from Villa Park who has an offer from UNC Charlotte. The Freeway League is better than it was last season but La Habra will still be at the top of the standings.
SONORA
Top players: Josiah Binggeli, DB/WR, Sr.; Issac Ruiz, OL/LB, Sr.; Chris Villagrana, OL/DL, Sr.; Zach Chavez, LB, Sr.; Landon Martin, QB, Jr.; Brady Ackerman, TE/DE, So.
What to expect: Sonora went 3-6 last season but played a very challenging nonleague schedule. This season, the Raiders play a more manageable schedule which could put them in playoff contention. Josiah Binggeli led the team in all-purpose yards and is back at receiver and safety. Binggeli’s father played football at Sonora and he is one of the vocal leaders of the team. Zach Chavez was an all-league player as a sophomore and is healthy now after battling injuries during his junior season. Chris Villagrana is 280 pounds and is one of the more physical defensive linemen in the league. Sonora had its first full offseason under coach Kevin Oberlander and the players have embraced the culture he has established on campus.
SUNNY HILLS
Top players: Tony Salas, LB, Sr.; Mathias Brown, K/P, Sr.; Miguel Berrios, WR/DB, Sr.; Connor Irons, TE/DE, Jr.; Jose Rojo, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Sunny Hills is in its first season under coach David Wilde after a very successful run by prior coach Pete Karavedas. Wilde was the team’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons and coached the Lancers’ freshman team seven years prior to that. The Lancers ran for over 255 yards per game last season so expect some production from running backs Nathan Lee and Brian Singleton. The defense is led by Tony Salas, who had 90 tackles last season, and Miguel Berrios, who had eight interceptions. Connor Irons is a 6-foot-6 junior who started at tackle as a sophomore last season and is the brother of former Lancer Carson Irons, who now plays at Princeton. Sunny Hills has been the second best team in the league the past four seasons and should be in the playoff picture again this season.
TROY
Top players: Kieran Klingsberg, RB, Sr.; Daniel Everest, LB, Sr.; Fischer Huss, RB, Sr.; Aydan Corrales WR/S, Sr.; Anthony Santoro, CB/WR, Sr.; Declan Healey, RB, Jr.
What to expect: Troy had its first winning season in 2021 under coach Michael Echaves and it has given the team more confidence heading into this season. “There has always been a willingness to compete and work hard, but the belief to win football games was ever fluctuating,” Echaves said. “Now, the players have seen the formula for success and they are confident that the process will lead to victories on the field.” Troy ran the ball on 75 percent of its snaps last season and it’s no secret what it will try to do in 2022. Kieran Klingsberg and Fischer Huss combined for 30 rushing touchdowns last season and Declan Healey is a wing back the staff is very high on. Troy has 19 seniors and believes this is the season it can compete for a league title and make a playoff run.
