Running backs Sean McGrew of St. John Bosco and Avery Williams of JSerra have been named the co-players of the year in the Trinity League.
The offensive MVPs were quarterback Quentin Davis of St. John Bosco and running back Brandon LaMarche of Mater Dei. The MVP defenive players were junior Jacob Callier of St. John Bosco and Alec Stewart of Santa Margarita.
The MVP lineman were junior Wyatt Davis of St. John Bosco and Luke Wattenberg of JSerra. The MVP specialists were junior Riley O'Brien of JSerra and Jed Smith of Mater Dei.
First-team all-league
Offense
St. John Bosco_Devin Fleming, Sr.; Jared Harrell, Sr.; Berkeley Holman, Jr.; Matt Smith, Sr.; Mater Dei_Zach Aguirre, Sr.; Frank Martin, Sr.; JT Daniels, Fr.; JSerra_Nick Harris, Sr.; Matt Robinson, So.; Orange Lutheran_LJ Northington, Sr.; Logan Bathke, Sr.; Jerry Fitschen, Sr.; Servite_Michael Bandy, Sr.; Terrell Bynum, Jr.; Santa Margarita_Grant Calcaterra, Jr.; KJ Costello, Sr.
Defense
St. John Bosco_Clive Manalo, Sr.; Traveon Beck, Sr.; Ryan Burke, St. John Bosco; Sal Spina, So.; Mater Dei_Kapono Laguisan, Mater Dei; Curtis Robinson, Sr.; Jalen Cole, Jr.; JSerra_Kyle Adams, Sr.; Conor O'Brien, Sr.; Orange Lutheran_TJ Augustin, Sr.; Brandon McKinney, Jr.; Servite_Conor Airey, Sr.; Keyon Riley, Sr.; Santa Margarita_Matt Mark, Sr.; Tanner Matthews, Sr.; Sam Loy, Sr.
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I've been wrestling over who should be No. 1 in Orange County football the last few weeks but Mission Viejo gets my vote this week.
I voted Mater Dei No. 1 the past two weeks, giving the Monarchs to promotion after they beat Serra of Gardena on the road and played Centennial of Corona so well in the semifinals. Mater Dei played the Huskies closer and better than St. John Bosco did in the Pac-5 finals Saturday night.
But Mission Viejo won a huge CIF title game on the road at Vista Murrieta on Friday to move to 14-0, a special number in high school football. And while the Diablos' schedule isn't as flashy as Mater Dei's, it's very good and Mission Viejo is perfect. No slips, like Mater Dei had against JSerra.
And when it's a close call, the undefeated team should get the No. 1 spot. Here's my vote
MISSION VIEJO – As far as both JSerra and Orange Lutheran’s sidelines were concerned, their seasons came down to the final play of what was the last guaranteed game remaining on each of their schedules.
Because neither the Lions nor the Lancers had secured a guaranteed playoff spot before Friday night’s regular-season finale, the stage was set for what proved to be nothing short of an instant Trinity League classic.
Seventh-ranked JSerra scored 21 consecutive fourth-quarter points, but ultimately needed to bat down Lj Northington’s 28-yard heave into the end zone on the game’s final play to lock up a thrilling 45-40 victory over No. 3 Orange Lutheran in a Trinity League finale at Saddleback College.
With the win, JSerra (7-3, 2-3) forced a three-way tie for third place in league with the Lancers (5-5, 2-3) and Servite (4-6, 2-3), who lost to St. John Bosco on Friday. A coin flip held after the game determined that Orange Lutheran would go into the playoffs as the league’s No. 3 seed.
The Lions were named the fourth-place team, an ideal spot to be in for one of the Pac-5 Division’s two at-large berths, and the Friars came in at fifth.
“Extremely proud obviously, these games have always come down to the last play, last seconds and this was good for us to get this win,” JSerra coach Jim Hartigan said after the fourth-quarter dramatics. “We were down, had big plays were going against us, but we found a way to rally defensively in the second half and came up with some plays offensively.
“Everybody showed up in the second half. Kind of a slow start, but a strong finish.”
With the score tied 7-7 after the first quarter, the Lions and Lancers combined to score 37 points in a second quarter that saw four touchdowns of at least 50 yards. Orange Lutheran took a 27-24 edge to halftime and extended that to a 10-point lead early in the third quarter on Dominik Austin’s second rushing touchdown of the evening.
JSerra quarterback Riley O’Brien capped a 10-play, 94-yard drive early in the fourth quarter with a 16-yard strike to his brother,Conor, to cut the deficit to 34-31. Riley’s 5-yard touchdown run on the Lions’ next series reclaimed a 38-34 lead, and after the ensuing kickoff, Tristan West’s 23-yard scoop-and-score put an exclamation mark on a 21-0 fourth-quarter run with 3:53 to play.
Brandon McKinney’s 11-yard touchdown run put Orange Lutheran back into the game with 1:43 remaining, but a missed 2-point conversion meant the Lancers needed a touchdown to win.
After stopping JSerra on a fourth-and-one with 44 seconds left, the Lancers needed to drive 60 yards for a go-ahead score. Northington guided the offense down to the JSerra 28 with six ticks remaining, setting up the final incomplete pass.
JSerra coach Jim Hartigan (center) celebrates his team’s 35-28 upset of Mater Dei with his staff. Photo/Craig Takata.
JSerra, ranked No. 10 in the OC Sidelines Top 20, gave second-ranked Mater Dei a big dose of the O’Brien brothers on Friday. The Lions were ended a three-game Trinity League losing streak and kept their playoff hopes alive with a 35-28 upset of the Monarchs at Saddleback College.
Mater Dei came into the game ranked No. 6 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports.,
JSerra is in victory formation and QB Matthew Robinson takes a knee to seal the Lions’ 35-28 win over Mater Dei. Photo/Craig Takata.
With the game deadlocked, 21-21, with 5 minutes left, Riley O’Brien blocked a punt in the end zone and Conor O’Brien recovered it for a TD to give the host Lions the lead. Riley O’Brien added a TD pass to Avery Williams with 2:30 left and JSerra held on to upset Mater Dei.
“We designed the punt pressure to attack the left side and Conor, my brother, actually, clamped one of the blockers to get me a free release,” Riley O’Brien said. “I saw the punter had not yet kicked it and I knew that I needed to make a play. I went for it, dove out and made the block.”
The accomplishment wasn’t lost on O’Brien, whose team faces No. 4 Orange Lutheran next week.
“This is huge for our team because it boosts our confidence for next week and increases our chance for playoffs,” he said. “Mater Dei is a very good team, so a win against them is always a huge deal.”
Mater Dei (2-2 in league) fell into a second-place tie with OLu and Servite. JSerra (1-3) pulled into a fifth-place tie with Santa Margarita for what might be the last at-large berth for the Pac-5 playoffs.
MISSION VIEJO – The general consensus diagnosed JSerra’s playoff hopes as dead and gone.
But the boisterous bunch of Lions proved they still have plenty of life left Friday night, even when it meant going toe-to-toe with Orange County’s finest.
Ninth-ranked JSerra mounted an epic fourth-quarter turnaround to upset top-ranked Mater Dei, 35-28, in a Trinity League showdown at Saddleback College.
“It feels amazing,” Lions running back Avery Williams said. “We’ve had two fourth-quarter losses in the Trinity League, it just feels great to push one out and finish. Our season was on the line, and everybody stepped up today.”
The victory gives JSerra’s playoff hopes new life. The Lions defeated Mater Dei, 17-10, last season – the only other time JSerra had defeated the Monarchs. Mater Dei’s only other loss this season was to St. John Bosco, 42-21, on Oct. 16.
Williams accumulated 128 total yards (56 rushing, 72 receiving) and three touchdowns for the Lions (6-3, 1-3). His biggest score came with 2:30 remaining when quarterback Riley O'Brien connected with the shifty running back on a wheel route down the left sideline on third-and-9.
Williams ran untouched into the end zone to give JSerra a 35-21 lead.
But Mater Dei (7-2, 2-2) wouldn’t give up. Eight plays later, freshman quarterback JT Daniels connected with Andre Collinson a long, arching pass for a 22-yard score, cutting the deficit to seven.
On the ensuing onside-kick attempt, it appeared Mater Dei had recovered inside JSerra territory. However, the officials ruled that a Monarchs special teams player had touched the ball at the Mater Dei 49, negating the recovery.
“He said that we touched the ball on the 49-yard line, which we have nine million iPads on the sideline (showing) the ball was past the 10-yard mark,” Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson said.
“But that’s not what the game came down to. I take full blame for this, and I give JSerra all the credit.”
Mater Dei led 14-7 at the half on the heels of Faavae Faavae’s 32-yard interception return for a touchdown on JSerra’s opening drive.
But the offense had trouble moving the ball most of the night. Daniels was sacked five times, and JSerra’s swarming defense held the Monarchs to just 65 total yards in the first two quarters.
JSerra tied the game at 14 when Williams’ 1-yard scoring run capped a nearly eight minute third-quarter drive. However, the Monarchs quickly answered with Brandon LaMarche’s 2-yard TD run with 10:42 left.
The Lions then went on to score 21 unanswered points, highlighted by Riley O’Brien’s blocked punt in the endzone, which was recovered for a touchdown by his brother Conor O’ Brien with 4:34 left. The recovery gave the Lions their first lead at 28-21.
JSerra will play Orange Lutheran next week in the season finale.
BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!!
We LOVE NICK HARRIS!!! GREAT GAME NICK!!!
Thank you Papa and Grandma for always coming to the games!! We love you!
NORWALK – Don’t count out Servite in the Trinity League.
The ninth-ranked Friars proved that to themselves and the Pac-5 Division league Friday by rallying in the final seconds to stun No. 5 JSerra, 39-38, on the heroics of backup quarterback Aaron Simpson at Cerritos College.
The senior scrambled for a 22-yard touchdown run with six seconds left in the fourth quarter and tossed the winning 2-point conversion coming out of a timeout to tight end Ryan Melvin. Simpson dove into the end zone on his score.
Servite, picked to finish last in the Trinity, bounced a short kickoff that JSerra (5-1, 0-1) recovered at its 41 with no timeouts. On the final play, Servite’s Daniel Garcia tripped a scrambling quarterback Matthew Robinson for the sack to seal a league-opening victory for Servite (3-3, 1-0).
“We’re going to fight every week, 48 minutes,” said first-year Servite coach Scott Meyer, who won his Trinity League debut. “Our guys have a ton of heart. … We played a heck of a (nonleague) schedule (to prepare).”
Meyer said the Friars decided to go for the victory to ride the momentum of Simpson, who came on in the first half in relief ofTyler Lytle (hamstring). Simpson threw two touchdown passes toMichael Bandy and on the winning possession, drove the Friars from their 20 with 35 seconds left.
“It’s great celebrating with these guys,” Simpson said. “(We) loved (the decision to go for the win).”
Added Meyer, “We came here to win. We had a lot of momentum.”
JSerra took a 38-31 lead with 35 seconds left on a 16-yard touchdown pass on a screen from Riley O’Briento Avery Williams, who finished with three touchdowns.
But Servite responded and took the lead for the first time on its final drive. The Lions also led, 31-21, afterConor O’Brien, Riley’s older brother, returned a fumble 1-yard for a touchdown with 3:49 left in the third quarter.
“Disappointing that we didn’t finish,” said JSerra coach Jim Hartigan, whose school had defeated Servite the past two seasons. “We basically let the game get away from us by not executing coverage. Hats off to them. They did a nice job of staying in the game, fighting us.”
Williams rushed for 138 yards in 29 carries and also had four catches for 91 yards.
Simpson passed for 215 yards while Bandy and Terrell Bynum paced the receivers. Outside linebackerConnor Airey led Servite’s defense.
Servite turned a fumble just before halftime into a 2-yard touchdown run by Jackson Taylor and a 21-21 tie with 25 seconds left in the second quarter. Taylor’s run came three plays after a fumble recovery by Airey at the JSerra 15.
The Friars’ defense also received an interception from Jarrett Wesner at his 2 late in the first quarter ,but they couldn’t turn the turnover into points.
JSerra took a 21-14 lead on a spectacular 56-yard catch and run by Williams with 1:57 left in the opening half. The senior took a short out pass from Riley O’Brien near the sideline, made two tacklers miss in the secondary before breaking tackles near the 10 and diving into the end zone.
One of Servite’s top plays in the first half came after Lytle injured his hamstring in open field on a breakaway 39-yard run. On the next play, Simpson used a play-action fake to toss a 25-yard touchdown to Bandy.
CHINO HILLS – It’s not often that a team goes into Husky Stadium and shuts down Chino Hills from the start, but that’s exactly what JSerra did Friday night.
Avery Williams scored on a 6-yard touchdown run just more than two minutes into the game and the Lions cruised to a 42-14 nonleague victory.
JSerra’s dual quarterback threat of Riley O’Brien and Matt Robinson accounted for two touchdowns apiece and Williams scored three times.
“We studied them on film and wanted to match their intensity,” JSerra coach Jim Hartigan said. “We got off to a quick start and we’re still testing things out with two quarterbacks. Both Riley and Matt give us different things and Avery ran the ball well.”
Robinson connected with ConorO’Brien on a 2-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter, and three minutes later, Riley O’Brien found Williams on a 3-yard touchdown strike to stretch the lead to 21-7.
Robinson also scored on a 31-yard run, while Michael Zabran’s 32-yard touchdown reception from Riley O’Brien gave the Lions a comfortable 35-7 lead by halftime.
Riley O’Brien was 6-of-10 passing for 105 yards and rushed for 45 yards on three carries.
But the highlight of the game was his 50-yard connection to his older brother, Conor.
“That was awesome to throw a long pass to my big brother,” Riley O’Brien said. “We’re playing really well as a team. We’re not intimidating to look at, but we play fundamentally sound football. I don’t mind not getting all the snaps, because it helps give me some rest to play defense.”
Williams finished with 94 yards on 18 carries, including a 16-yard touchdown in the third quarter that extended the lead to 42-7.
Robinson passed for 77 yards and rushed for 47.
Grady O’Donnell supplied Chino Hills’ offense with 164 yards rushing on 17 carries, including touchdowns of 45 and 19 yards.
Orange County’s high school football programs have been working overtime.
After countless spring and summer passing tournaments and long hours sweating in the weight room, the county has produced another talented and diverse collection of players primed for display on Friday nights.
OC Varsity has been busy too, compiling its annual Hot 150 - a list of the Orange County players ranked on their projected impact this season.
The selections were made through a combination of coaches’ input, personal observations and video analysis, statistics, honors and recruiting interest.
Here is this year’s Hot 150:
1. KJ Costello, Santa Margarita, QB
The Stanford commit and Elite 11 standout has the arm, weapons and experience to deliver a dominating season. If he gets good protection, he’ll be almost impossible to stop.
2. Devon Modster, Tesoro, QB
The Arizona commit’s dual-threat abilities and know-how allow him to go toe-to-toe with all comers. With the Titans’ challenging schedule, the senior will get his shot against the best.
3. Dylan Crawford, Santa Margarita, WR
The coveted recruit is the speedy and sure-handed No. 1 target for KJ Costello. The duo has strong chemistry working in their favor.
4. Eric Barriere, La Habra, QB
The under-sized senior should post monster numbers and make recruiters take notice. He is an elusive runner and a sound decision-maker as a passer.
5. Curtis Robinson, Mater Dei, OLB/WR
One reason the Stanford commit’s stock soared was how athletic he looked last season against the Pac-5 Division elite. He is the Monarchs’ top player on defense.
6. Frank Martin, Mater Dei, OT
The county’s top offensive line recruit switches to left tackle with high goals in mind: no sacks allowed and lots of rushing yards. The USC commit also will serve as a team captain.
7. Luke Wattenberg, JSerra, OT
If the Lions stay on top, a chief reason will be a dominant offensive line anchored by this Washington commit. The senior is a three-year starter.
8. Patrick O’Brien, San Juan Hills, QB
The Nebraska commit signaled a huge season with arguably the best spring and summer in the county. The senior earned Elite 11 status and starred on the 7-on-7 circuit.
9. Chris Yaghi, Foothill, DT
The Cal commit will command double teams, so if the Knights’ defense excels, be sure to give him proper credit. Foothill is moving back to the 3-4, in part, because of the senior’s ability.
10. Liam Jimmons, Huntington Beach, DE/TE
The USC commit joins Curtis Robinson and Chris Yaghi on the watch list for O.C. defensive player of the year. Double-digit sacks look well in reach.
11. Garrett White, Edison, WR/S
If the Yale commit’s summer dominance was any indication, big numbers are on the horizon. The senior was arguably the county’s most consistent receiver all summer.
12. Lj Northington, Orange Lutheran, QB
The Lancers are due for a breakthrough and the dual-threat senior could be their version of Cody Fajardo(Servite). The left-hander has committed to Harvard, so there’s plenty of smarts in his leadership.
13. Jake Colacion, La Habra, OLB/RB
The Arizona commit was a punishing hitter in 2014, so watch out this fall on both sides of the ball. He’ll be in beast-mode.
14. Jack Telenko, Los Alamitos, QB
The senior built major momentum by leading the Griffins to a runner-up finish at the loaded Edison passing tournament in July. The Sunset League champs believe he is the best in the county.
15. Terrell Bynum, Servite, WR
USC and UCLA have already offered the slick junior, who also stands out returning punts. He starred against De La Salle of Concord last season with six catches for over 100 yards and a TD.
16. Brett Neilon, Santa Margarita, OT
The rising junior has Pac-12 offers and an important assignment: protect KJ Costello’s blindside. His sophomore highlight video shows he is ready.
17. Keyon Riley, Servite, S
UCLA has offered the hard-hitting defensive back who is a must-watch player when the Friars are on defense. Servite’s secondary could be tops in the county.
18. Brock Johnson, Mission Viejo, QB
With a CIF-SS title and plenty of smarts in his tool belt, Johnson is ready to construct an impressive 2015. He’ll be remembered for his field general skills.
19. Logan Bathke, Orange Lutheran, OT
The Oregon commit’s skills compare well with two of the best from O.C.: Frank Martin and Luke Wattenberg. He is a major reason why the Lancers look improved.
20. Alema Pilimai, Tustin, QB/OLB
There might not be a more valuable player to a team than Pilimai to the Tillers, contenders to win the Empire League. He’s a playmaker on both sides of the ball.
21. Tucker Scott, San Clemente, OT
The Utah commit will pave the way for perhaps the best running back duo in the county: Vlad Dzhabiyev andBrandon Reaves. The senior features some of the best technique in the county.
22. Osiris St. Brown, Mater Dei, WR
The highly recruited junior brings top-notch speed and athleticism similar to Santa Margarita’s Crawford. “He has that second gear, that third gear,” Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson said of the Servite transfer.
23. Lance Vecchio, Villa Park, WR/S
Two-way standouts earn bonus points. Vecchio’s receiving and ball-hawking skills on defense make him one of the top players in the county.
24. Zach Taylor, Buena Park, QB
With his experience and new weapons, county records should be on alert, especially if the Coyotes make another deep playoff run.
25. Darien Cornay, Los Alamitos, CB
The Griffins know their defensive backs. They’re high on Cornay, who returns from injury, so get ready to be dazzled. He fared well against Javon McKinley of Centennial of Corona during the summer.
26. Zack Aylor, Mission Viejo, OT
The Diablos’ lone returning starting offensive lineman brings toughness to the attack.
27. Ben Sukut, Capistrano Valley Christian, WR/S
Forget the level of competition. The Arkansas State commit is a tackling machine on defense and a playmaker on offense.
28. Nick Harris, JSerra, C
The rising Washington commit takes the mantel of best center in the county from Cole Smith, now at USC. He played right tackle last season.
29. Alex Bale, Capistrano Valley, DT
The powerful senior previewed his talents last season and is primed to break out.
30. Chad Crosbie, Trabuco Hills, RB
The 163-yard performance in last season’s CIF Southwest final showed he is ready to run wild.
31. Carter Hartmann, Mission Viejo, DT/OG
The senior runs on a high motor on defense and will be an important contributor to an inexperienced offensive line. That makes him one of the most valuable players for the Diablos.
32. Schuyler Whitehead, Los Alamitos, RB/S
The two-way standout is vital to the Griffins’ title defense in the Sunset League.
33. AJ Collins, Mater Dei, WR
The 6-foot-5, 190-pound senior showed during the summer that he’s back from injury and ready to use the best frame for a receiver in the county.
34. Malcolm Dixon, Sunny Hills, QB/DB
One of the county’s top Ivy League recruits, Dixon is the Lancers’ do-it-all version of Alema Pilimai, but he might play in a tougher league.
35. Grant Lowary, Edison, QB
Showed his potential with 329 yards against Hart of Newhall in the playoffs last season. If his accuracy improves, the numbers will pile up fast.
36. Vlad Dzhabiyev, San Clemente, RB
The senior, who is part of a combo backfield with Brandon Reaves, has the size, explosion and line to do major damage.
37. Brandon McKinney, Orange Lutheran, S
The junior has an offer from Arizona State and an appetite for big hits and forcing turnovers.
38. Tanner Matthews, Santa Margarita, LB
The senior was a big-play man last season on defense and special teams. He’s now 6-3, 235 pounds with multiple scholarship offers.
39. Cole Fotheringham, San Clemente, TE
The Utah commit is a 6-5, 225-pound tight end but runs routes like a receiver. Just another reason why the Tritons’ offense is loaded.
40. David Garfunkel, Yorba Linda, OT
The senior with multiple Division 1-A offers is a road paver aiming to take his game to the next level.
41. Conor O’Brien, JSerra, WR/S
Fundamentally sound with a penchant for big plays, the senior is the type of leader the reloading Lions will need.
42. Jordan Antunez, Garden Grove, RB
With a huge offensive line and playoff aspirations, the senior could led the county in rushing. He racked 1,747 yards last season.
43. Jacob Fimbres, Sonora, RB
The speedy senior could be Antunez’s biggest challenger for the county rushing title. He bolted for 1,622 yards in just 10 games last season.
44. Jack Sears, San Clemente, QB
The junior has an early offer from Utah, 4.5 speed and the Tritons’ QB legacy as motivation. What’s not to like?
45. Jalen Cole, Mater Dei, CB
Don’t try to beat the junior on a sideline out. He’s too quick and makes quarterbacks pay for mistakes.
46. Colin Schooler, Mission Viejo, LB
The transfer from Trabuco Hills flashed his potential to be a major force on defense last season. He’s a heavy hitter with a nose for the ball and a good burst.
47. Ryan Nelson, Buena Park, OT
The junior with an offer from Utah is a prized member of the Coyotes’ class of 2017 recruits.
48. Avery Williams, JSerra, S/RB
Williams built a reputation as a physical and max-effort player at St. Francis of La Canada. He could emerge as the Lions’ No. 1 running back, replacing Edward Vander.
49. Colin Kentros, El Toro, WR
The senior seems to play bigger than his 6-2 frame, which makes him a difficult match-up. He returns after hauling in 77 catches for 1,049 yards last season. The Chargers, however, likely won’t be pass-crazy in 2015.
50. Keiti Iakopo, Fountain Valley, DT
The 300-pound senior played in only five games last season but was a two-way wrecking ball. The Barons are allowing him to focus just on defense this fall.
51. Cedric Dashiell II, Buena Park, DE
If the junior only slightly improves his production from last season, he’ll collect about 20 sacks. That’s how high the reigning Freeway League defensive player of the year has set the bar.
52. Matt McDonald, Mater Dei, QB
The junior still needs to win the starting job, but he showed in the summer that he could thrive with the Monarchs’ weapons. The son of former USC All-American QB Paul McDonald led Mater Dei to the title at the Air Strike passing tournament.
53. Jeremiah Hawkins, Buena Park, WR
Get ready for a more compact version of Jaylinn Hawkins but with a bit more quickness. Washington and others offered the junior for a reason.
54. Nick Crabtree, Huntington Beach, TE
The massive (6-6, 250 pounds) senior will be a scary sight for tacklers when he has the football in his hands.
55. Adam Heigis, Orange Lutheran, OG
The county is loaded with standout offensive tackles, but he is a guard to watch.
56. Tre Webb, Servite, CB
The 6-1 cornerback will help the Friars handle the plethora of standout receivers in the Trinity League.
57. Tim Newman, San Juan Hills, LB
The senior plays like a heat-seeking missile. He sheds blocks and gets to the target.
58. Brandon LaMarche, Mater Dei, RB
With all the attention the Monarchs wideouts will receive, count on the hard-charging senior to surprise defenses.
59. Will Armstrong, Los Alamitos, LB
The Griffins think so highly of the senior, they’re moving him from DL to LB to replace star Matt Locher.
60. Scean Mustin, Orange Lutheran, DT
Graduation hit most of the Trinity League defensive lines hard, but the Lancers are lucky to have this senior.
61. Donte Harrington, San Clemente, OG
The four-year starter has attracted interest from Army and Navy among others.
62. Jacob Keller, Los Alamitos, OG
The improving senior is one of the Griffins’ top linemen and a Division 1-A recruit.
63. Sean Tulette, Los Alamitos, OT
The 6-3, 285-pound senior is a three-year starter and a captain. His physical style helps set the tone for the Griffins.
64. Brandon Reaves, San Clemente, RB
The junior brings quickness and pass-catching talents to his backfield duo with Vlad Dzhabiyev.
65. Jacob Gasser, Los Alamitos, WR
The senior looked noticeably improved during the summer, so get ready for Jack Telenko connecting regularly with Gasser in the fall.
66. Chase Garbers, Corona del Mar, QB
The Sea Kings picked a junior who completed 70 percent of his passes last season to be their starter.
67. Peter Bush, Corona del Mar, WR/QB
The senior’s athleticism and teamwork will be on display as he takes his rugged, 6-2, 210-pound frame to wideout.
68. Carter Jaenichen, Tesoro, WR
The sure-handed senior continued to impress during the summer, connecting well with quarterback Devon Modster. “He was as good as any receiver I saw,” Titans coach Matt Poston said at the spring Air Strike.
69. Ramon Chaves, Villa Park, RB/LB
The 205-pound senior operates like a runaway truck on offense and applies the brakes on defense.
70. Elijah Bynum, Buena Park, RB
The junior moves from slot back at Orange Lutheran to featured running back with the Coyotes. Are Deven Boston-like numbers next?
71. Dillon Sherman, El Toro, LB
The hard-hitting senior racked up 11 total tackles and caused a fumble in Chargers’ upset of Los Alamitos in the playoffs last season. He’s fast and smart.
72. Zach Arnold, Brea Olinda, LB
The senior left a path of stinging hits en route to the North Hills defensive player of the year award. The Wildcats will need a sequel.
73. Adam Tourville, La Habra, OG
The senior packs a punch at 6-3, 350 pounds, but also moves well as a pulling guard.
74. Sosefo Mailangi, Edison, DE
The Chargers believe the Marina transfer has the potential to be one of the county’s best defensive ends.
75. Draytwoine Shaw, Troy, RB
The senior showed his ability last season by playing his best against the league’s best: 147 yards, four TDs against La Habra. The Warriors will take more of that.
76. Austin Fine, Trabuco Hills, DT
The under-sized senior plays with one of the best motors in the county.
77. Cole McDonald, Sonora, QB
The 6-4 senior can run, but if he improves his accuracy, the Raiders will have the complete package.
78. Sammy Duarte, Servite, LB
A breakout season from the senior middle linebacker would be a major lift for the Friars.
79. Jason Harman, Canyon, QB
The dual-threat senior makes the Comanches title contenders in the Southern Division.
80. Brenden Schooler, Mission Viejo, WR/S
The 6-3 senior gives Brock Johnson a tall target, the Diablos secondary a playmaker and he returns kicks. The Trabuco Hills transfer will fit in.
81. Nick Shanks, St. Margaret’s, WR/ATH
The senior’s game-breaking talents make him the biggest challenge to Ben Sukut’s status as the county’s top small-school player.
82. Hunter Simmons, Huntington Beach, RB
The 6-foot, 200-pound senior is coming off a 1,000-yard, 16-TD season.
83. Matt Mark, Santa Margarita, RB/LB
The 6-foot, 210-pound senior is a smart pick to be the Eagles’ breakout star.
84. Nick Chapman, Aliso Niguel, QB
The 6-3 senior and his 22 TDs from last season make the Wolverines a possible surprise team in the Sea View League.
85. Connor McBride, Woodbridge, RB
If his 1,018-yard sophomore season was a preview, the 6-1, 240-pounder will deliver a blockbuster junior year.
86. Ryan Scotti, Troy, WR
The Brown commit is back for encore after collecting 52 catches last season
87. Alex Young, Woodbridge, WR/ATH
The speedy Yale commit is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
88. Nathan Garcia, Garden Grove, DL
The All-CIF linemen anchors the Argonauts’ vaunted defense and also plays fullback.
89. Tyler Noble, Tustin, WR/RB
George Wilson is a tough act to follow, but the Tillers have a worthy successor in Noble, who will also play running back. “He’s a playmaker,” Tustin coach Winter Welz said.
90. Corey Selenski, JSerra, DE/OLB
The Lions are expecting high production as the former Dana Hills standout becomes a pass rusher. “He’ll be a guy we’re going to do a lot with,” Lions coach Jim Hartigan said. “He’s smart.”
91. Derrick Deese, Kennedy, WR/TE
The 6-4, 205-pound senior is coming off an injury late last season, but the Fighting Irish expect a breakout campaign.
92. Keith Taylor, Servite, CB
The transfer from St. John Bosco is a 6-2, 185-pound junior who teams with Tre Webb to give the Friars a pair of tall cornerbacks. “He’s going to be a real good player,” Servite coach Scott Meyer said. “He’s getting a lot of interest (from colleges) already.”
93. Brennan Corbin, Villa Park, WR
Corbin has been quiet since his transfer from Cypress, but the senior’s time has arrived. “He’s a Division 1 wide receiver,” Villa Park coach Dusan Ancich said.
94. Zach Aguirre, Mater Dei, OG
The senior is the Monarchs’ second-best offensive lineman behind USC commit Frank Martin.
95. Jacob Huff, San Juan Hills, WR
The rising junior is O’Brien’s top returning receiver after 64 receptions last season for 746 yards.
96. Josh Gray, Irvine, RB/WR
The senior returns after leading the Vaqueros in rushing (719 yards), receiving (529 yards) and TDs (11). How many players can say they did that?
97. Tanner Prenovost, Santa Margarita, C
The senior could challenge Nick Harris of JSerra for top center in the county status. Mater Dei’s Grant Crumis another to watch.
98. Marcus Roberson, Fullerton, RB/SS
The Indians are aiming for a bounce-back season, and the senior’s big hits could help mark the way.
99. Tyler Lytle, Servite, QB
The 6-4 junior impressed on the JV level last season and teamed with Aaron Simpson to help the Friars capture the Redondo passing tournament over the summer.
100. Alec Stewart, Santa Margarita, TE/DT
The 6-5, 242-pound senior has been off the radar a bit since transferring from Aliso Niguel, but he could be valuable for the Eagles.
101. JP Hackett, Santa Margarita, CB
The returning all-league cornerback showed in the summer that he’s also a talented receiver if needed
102. Drew Platt, Los Alamitos, DE/TE
A one-handed TD grab over the summer has this junior’s offensive game on the rise. His defense should follow.
103. Anthony Koclanakis, Esperanza, LB
The hard-hitting senior linebacker (6-1, 225) provides hope for a renaissance by the Aztecs. He was a first-team All-Crestview League pick last season.
104. Curtis Jackson, Irvine, S/WR
Another athletic senior in the mold of teammate Josh Gray, but he brings the toughness on defense.
105. Grant Calcaterra, Santa Margarita, WR
The 6-3 junior looks to be the Eagles’ latest summer find at wide receiver – like Conner Bianchini last year. “He’s really emerged,” Santa Margarita coach Rick Curtis said.
106. Mitchell Nickovich, Capistrano Valley, WR
The senior takes the reins as the Cougars’ go-to receiver. His 62-reception season in ’14 proves he is ready.
107. Anthony Battista, Tesoro, RB
Still plenty of quickness left in the senior, who will make defenses pay for focusing too much on Devon Modster.
108. Kenneth Lamb, El Modena, RB
The hard-running senior proved himself worthy last season with 1,099 yards rushing. He was 2 yards shy of finishing ’14 with five straight 100-yard games.
109. Michael Califano, Mission Viejo, SS
The senior will anchor a secondary that needs to reload for the Diablos to defend their South Coast League title.
110. Sydney Solomon, Servite, OT
The Nike camp selection and fellow senior Nicholas Ramirez have received recruiting attention.
111. Andrew Mulipola, Buena Park, LB
The senior is poised to deliver more hits and force more turnovers for the Coyotes’ defense.
112. Blake Peters, Esperanza, WR
The 6-4 senior will be a prime target for the Aztecs’ offense.
113. Jared Copeland, Foothill, RB
Expect the senior to break out with his quickness and the Knights’ talented offensive line.
114. Nick Amoukhteh, St. Margaret’s, LB
The small-school powerhouse has a force at middle linebacker in the 6-1, 230-pound junior.
115. Dylan Laurent, Los Alamitos, CB/RB
The Griffins have the former Orange Coast League MVP slotted for cornerback opposite Cornay, and expect him to get touches on offense.
116. Jimmy Latham, Foothill, OLB/RB
With Chris Yaghi drawing double- and triple-teams, this athletic senior could rack up the tackles.
117. Connor McCloud, Dana Hills, TB/DB
The Dolphins play seven teams that won at least eight games in ’14, but the two-way senior and his All-County spin move give them a chance.
118. Ryan Rains, Fullerton, LB/RB
He joins Roberson to give the Indians a dynamic combination of two-way standouts.
119. Cole Kinder, Newport Harbor, RB
With a strong returning offensive line and the emergence of QB Michael Bonds, the 190-pound junior will take flight.
120. Darren Sandoval, Valencia, RB
The senior combines with junior Jahquon Speed to give the defending Empire League champions a dangerous backfield. Look for Sandoval to join the 1,000-yard club.
121. JT Daniels, Mater Dei, QB
Even if he doesn’t win the starting position, the freshman (6-1, 190) is a name worth remembering. “We have confidence in the freshman kid, too,” Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson said.
122. Michael Bonds, Newport Harbor, QB
The junior has picked up the quarterback talents that run in his family. His father, Tom, and uncle, Jimmy, were standout quarterbacks at Hart of Newhall. Jimmy went on to UCLA.
123. Josiah Norwood, Troy, QB
The speedy dual threat sophomore (5-11, 160) is earning strong review as a Freeway League sleeper.
124. Kevin Brown, Capistrano Valley, QB
The Cougars’ offense hit its stride last season and the 6-3 junior will try to keep it going as a first-year starter.
125. Riley O’Brien, JSerra, QB/WR/CB
If the junior doesn’t win the starting quarterback job, look for him to make an impact as a two-way player for the Lions.
126. Kyle Adams, JSerra, LB
The senior middle linebacker is a three-year starter and critical piece for a defense looking to retool quickly.
127. Matt Gonzales, La Habra,DE
The senior is a force coming off the edge at 6-1, 255 pounds … with speed.
128. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Mater Dei, WR
Look for this sophomore to earn touches while playing with arguably the best group of receivers in the county.
129. Madison Wheeler, La Habra, WR/DB
Freeway League teams beware: The junior was a standout returner for Bellflower last season. He’s now a two-way player for the Highlanders.
130. George Krantz, St. Margaret’s, QB
The rising junior helped the Tartans capture CIF and SoCal titles last season and could do it again this fall.
131. Mitch Dean, Corona del Mar, OT
The tackle (6-5, 275) brings a physical style that helps make the Sea Kings the team to beat in the Pacific Coast.
132. Chad Olberding, Fountain Valley, QB
The dual-threat is one of the county’s fastest quarterbacks and has the experience to show vast improvement.
133. Malik Bilal, Garden Grove, LB/WR
The All-CIF senior returns as another standout from a strong defense. He finished third in total tackles (81) last season.
134. Gasper Atencio, Edison, DB
The senior was one of the Chargers’ top tacklers last season and emerged as a summer standout. TeammateJacob Price is a similar talent.
135. Nick Sipe, Villa Park, QB
The Spartans have high hopes and plenty of weapons for the 6-4 junior.
136. Connor Brown, Estancia, QB
Don’t give up the Eagles just yet. They lost Orange Coast MVP Dylan Laurent, but return the 6-3 Brown, the league’s reigning co-offensive MVP.
137. Ector Loayza, Katella, OL/DL
If the Knights are going to defend their Orange League crown, look for the league’s reigning lineman of the year to lead the way.
138. Trace Hobbs, Canyon, S/WR
The valuable two-way standout had 124 total tackles in 2014. He teams well with with Avery Jones on defense.
139. Travis Yates, Orange Lutheran, DE
The junior looks to bring more of the heat he showed last season while sacking Josh Rosen of St. John Bosco.
140. Prince Ross, La Habra, WR/S
The defending Freeway League champs are loaded at wide receiver, but the emerging junior started to break through last season.
141. Christian LaValle, Mission Viejo, LB
The sophomore built a strong highlight video as a freshman last season at Orange Lutheran. He projects to start for the Diablos.
142. Michael Bandy, Servite, WR
He’s a sleeper who had five catches for 109 yards against Long Beach Poly in the playoffs last season as a junior. He could soften the blow from the transfers of the St. Brown brothers to Mater Dei.
143. C.J. Parks, Mater Dei, WR
The rising sophomore (5-8, 154) displayed arguably the best hands of any receiver in the county during the summer. If he carries it over to Friday nights this fall, look out.
144. Delon Hurt, Servite, WR
The sophomore’s emergence this summer shows that the talent pool hasn’t run dry at Servite.
145. Elijah Gates, Buena Park, CB/WR
The Alemany transfer showed ultra-quick moves and playmaking skills during 7-on-7 competition.
146. Daniel Herber, Capistrano Valley Christian, RB/LB
Herber is a well-qualified running mate for Sukut after racking up 130 total tackles last season, including an impressive 20 for losses. The senior added 822 total yards on offense.
147. Robby Swanson, Brethren Christian, LT
The reigning Academy League lineman of the year will help ignite the Warriors’ Ground Jordan attack: running backs Jordan Leonard and Jordan James.
148. Nick Ellwein, Crean Lutheran, WR/S
Can the 5-11 senior top last season? He hauled in 70 receptions for 728 yards and added five interceptions.
149. Blake Meyer, Ocean View, QB
The senior projects as one of the top players in the Golden West League after throwing for 1,732 yards and 15 TDs last fall. The three-year starter has more than 3,000 yards the past two seasons.
150. Sam Loy, Santa Margarita, K/P
The San Clemente transfer brings a powerful leg that will make the Eagles’ special teams fun to watch. One recruiting service ranks Loy (6-2, 192) as the No. 1 punter in the nation.
I've been wrestling over who should be No. 1 in Orange County football the last few weeks but Mission Viejo gets my vote this week.
