1. La Habra – Some big names are gone, Morales, Davis, Tornell, Puga, just to name a few, but weep not for the defending Southeast Division
champion Highlanders. The return of All-Area safety-turned-QB-prospect
Randall Nygren plus versatile running back/receiver Ronnie Hillman means coach Frank Mazzotta has a solid starting point to build around. And of course, programs that reach La Habra’s level of consistent
efficiency don’t have down years.
2. St. Paul – Defending Western Division champion Swordsmen definitely have a target on their backs but addition of impressive transfer running
back Darius Bratcher and a trio of talented quarterbacks to choose from should make things a bit easier for coach Pete Gonzales. The biggest test will be in rebuilding the defense that has become a cornerstone but
lost many key performers who contributed to a brilliant season on their
side of the ball.
3. La Mirada – Not much to show for last season, but there are some
quality remnants to work with this year for newly named co-head coaches
Mike Moschetti and Ollie Lynch. One close observer wouldn’t go into detail but said, “There’s good things happening there.” Two of them might be returning QB Daniel Ponce de Leon and running back Devon Tracy. Another plus is the return to the sideline of A.D. Kim Brooks to oversee the project.
4. Santa Fe – The Chiefs took a beating on a couple of fronts last
season, both in and out of the arena. A lot of folks who had been waiting at least six years for a crack in the program’s armor were quick to kick the big dog when Santa Fe finished under .500 in both league (2-3) and overall (5-6) for the first time since anyone could remember. However, with Aaron Turner, one of the area’s top running backs, the Chiefs may feature a more conservative and efficient ground
game to take the pressure off which ever of the young quarterbacks (Alex , Flores, Cameron Oliver, Ryan Garcia?) is given the reins.
5. La Serna was on the verge of a break-through season a year ago until waylaid by California and then Pioneer in the last league game. The architect of an otherwise successful season was QB Ben Burke, and he’s back to lead again. Burke’s passing hopefully will help make up for the loss of leading rusher Rudy Jordan and his 1127 yards and 18 (overall) touchdowns. Graduated linebacker Nick Alvarez will be the Lancers’ biggest defensive hole to fill.
