Every high school football team is looking for an edge this week to get the season off to a good start.
We figure it’s the same way with fans.
So our reporters, Steve Fryer and Dan Albano, are sharing some valuable information and insights about the Orange County football scene.
Like any good two-minute drill, it’s fast and to the point.
1. Is Mater Dei your pick to win the CIF-SS Division 1 title this season?
Fryer: Yes. The Monarchs seem to have separated themselves from the rest by an even larger margin than usual. Two obstacles: the kids could become complacent from having won everything possible last year; and they could take opponents lightly.
Albano: Yes, the Monarchs will three-peat as the Division 1 champion. The reigning national champion has too many playmakers and powerful linemen to be stopped, even by improved St. John Bosco.
2. Is there a county player you think will dominate this season?
Fryer: Trent Mosley, Santa Margarita receiver. Nobody is unstoppable. This guy is close. He is a first-down and touchdown machine.
Albano: Mission Viejo QB Luke Fahey. He’s the No. 1 player in the Hot 150 for a reason, and looks headed for a huge season. The Ohio State commit has improved individually and has the weapons to take charge.
3. What’s the Week 0 game that has your attention?
Fryer: The obvious answer is Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita at Trabuco Hills High on Friday. The game I am at on Friday is San Clemente at Tustin. Tustin has an abundance of All-Orange County candidates. San Clemente has its share of standout players, too, and a longstanding tradition of football excellence.
Albano: Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita. The South County rivalry game will mark the coaching debut of former Santa Margarita star Carson Palmer, which is a huge added bonus to the game.
4. Which county team missed the playoffs last year but will be much improved this season?
Fryer: Corona del Mar. The Sea Kings play in the Bravo League, which is a tremendous league with Newport Harbor, San Juan Hills, Tesoro, Villa Park and Yorba Linda, so it’s going to be difficult to leapfrog some of those teams to finish in the top three for a guaranteed playoff berth. Corona del Mar has a bunch of high-quality returnees including playmaker Dorsett Stecker at receiver, quarterback Brady Annett and perhaps an improved offensive line.
Albano: Fullerton will be much improved. After finishing 0-10 last season, the school made one of the best coaching hires of the offseason with Pete Karavedas. The former Orange County coach of the year at Sunny Hills is hungry to coach again and has assembled an all-star coaching staff.
5. Pick an Orange County player that you would want on your team if you were a coach.
Fryer: Andre Scott, Saddleback senior quarterback. At the Zeta League Media Day, he talked about how every player on that team must continue working on being responsible and accountable. “We all have to learn to think before our actions. We have to be more mature. Put your head down and work harder.” It’s said that sports provide life lessons. Andre Scott gets it.
Albano: Mater Dei’s Tomuhini Topui. Defensive tackles like “Tom Tom” are rare so he’d be my pick to anchor the defense with his physical play that demands a double or triple teams. My squad would have fun playing the USC commit some at fullback and build off his energy.
