2025 Dana Hills FOOTBALL PREVIEW
RETURNING DOLPHINS BRING STAR POWER INTO SEASON
BY JOE MCHUGH
Just a couple of weeks away from the start of the 2025 high school football season, Dana Hills High School is hitting the “fun part” of the offseason where everything is coming together for the Dolphins’ first game against Desert Oasis.
Dana Hills is coming off one of the most memorable seasons in school history, streaking to a school-best 8-0 start before losing the last two regular-season games and falling one game short of a league championship.
But the Dolphins found new life in the playoffs, winning their first two postseason games in the final minute — 45-41 on
a goal-line stand against Barstow and 3835 on a last-second field goal against San Dimas — to advance to the CIF-SS semifinals for the first time since 1991.
Ultimately, Dana Hills’ season ended in a heartbreaking 25-21 loss to Glendora High in the CIF-SS Division 6 semifinals, when the Dolphins squandered a 21-3 loss lead late in the third quarter and lost
on a touchdown pass with 15 seconds left.
Even so, the Dolphins (10-3) can reflect fondly on the first 10-win season in school history and surpassing all expectations last year after being picked to finish last in the new Foxtrot League.
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Although unable to make the state championship game, head coach Tony Henney feels that his team gained invaluable experience to help this year’s group shine even brighter.
“There’s been a great work ethic amongst the team; the group is really together,” Henney said. “There they are in every sense of the word, we’re a family, and it’s a cool thing to be around every day. We still have a long way to go.
“We have a lot of things to get better at before we start playing games here, but it’s been a fun offseason ride with them.”
Returning Excellence
The Dana Hills offense was the top offense in the Foxtrot League last season. As a unit, they scored 418 points, 51 points more than the second-place team.
This success was in large part to the well-rounded offensive talent, headlined by then-transfer quarterback Vanden Duggar — an incoming senior from Peoria, Arizona. The signal caller carried high expectations and produced results beyond them, throwing for 2,842 yards and 33 touchdowns while adding 407 rushing yards and six scores.
Because Duggar was a key piece of the team and graduated, Henney said that the offseason has consisted of a fierce quarterback competition between two new varsity Dolphins this year: Tommy Moro and Carter Anderson.
Morrow, a two-sport athlete, was the junior varsity quarterback a year ago and leans on his experience as a baseball player to give him “a cannon for an arm,” according to Henney. Anderson was the freshman team’s starting quarterback last season and has “big upside,” Henney says, as he is a sophomore with all the intangibles to succeed at the varsity level.
With both options available and fighting for who takes the first snap, Henney is still weighing his options on who will be the first one to take the field.
“It’s been neck-and-neck at times,” he said. “There’s been times where one looks better than the other, and there’s been times where the next day it changes — sometimes within the hour it changes. It’s been a very healthy competition between two great kids.”
Regardless of who the opening-day starter is, he will have some serious support from the Dolphins’ skill-position players — starting with 2024 All-League running back Radley Geiss.
Geiss is coming off what Henney called an “extraordinary year.” As a junior, he rushed for over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns and caught 17 passes for over 200 yards and one touchdown. Even with those video game-like numbers, Geiss is prepping to be even bet-
ter in the new season. He has added 10 pounds of muscle, something his coach feels will help take the senior to another level.
“He’s just really got an explosive step,” Henney said. “We’re really excited about what he’s going to be able to do this year for us — running the ball, inside, outside, catching the ball. He’s going to be the go-to guy on our offense, and I think everybody knows it. But it’s going to be an exciting thing to watch.”
On the outside, Dana Hills will have a star to throw to and attack downfield: first-team All-League receiver James Leicester. Leicester anchored the Dolphins’ receiving corps last year, racking up 918 yards on 61 catches for 13 touchdowns. A player who has developed himself into a college receiver at Dana Hills, he has been dominant in 7-on-7 matchups throughout the offseason.
Rounding out the top pass catchers is first-team All-League tight end Chuck Eckl, who will miss time after suffering a hairline fracture in his elbow in the offseason. Eckl was set to be a major contributor on offense and at defensive end before the injury, but he is expected to return at some point during the season. In Eckl’s absence, Aiden Desormiers, Nick Newsom, Jack Norman and Stephen Reda will see playing time.
Up front, three starters will be returning to the offensive line, two of whom Henney has high expectations for — tackles Logan Day and Issaias Amaya. Day hit the offseason hard, and went from 195 pounds to 260 pounds, helping fill out his 6-foot-6-inch frame. Opposite Day, Amaya represents a 6-foot-4-inch, 320-pound force to help push opposing defenders back. While the star power is there, Henney did note that the offensive line does not have as much depth to protect against injuries, so he’s made sure his guys are in shape to perform for the whole season.
“You have to push yourselves during this time of year,” he said regarding the conditioning of his team. “There’s always the worry about guys getting hurt, but there’s a fine balance of making sure that everybody gets what they need to be able to play in the season.”
The group, in Henney’s eyes, needs to stay the course set by the previous group — a balanced offense capable of throwing the ball 40 times a game, or running the ball as many times in any given matchup. He feels that if his guys can stay healthy, they’ll be as potent a unit as any in the league.
“We just want to keep kind of building on what we did,” Henney said. “Obviously, we don’t have the star-power quarterback that we did a year ago, but we might be deeper as far as the weapons.
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“I feel pretty good about how we progressed. I feel really good about how well the guys know the system and what we’re trying to do. I think it will be fun to watch.”
Experience to lead the defense
In what was a new-look defense for the Dolphins in 2024, some stars emerged for Dana Hills, all of whom have returned this year. With those players geared up for another season, Henney is looking forward to seeing what they can do against some tough competition leading up to league play.
Headlining the stars is Foxtrot League Defensive Player of the Year Thompson Foulger. The now senior linebacker posted 172 tackles last season, forcing six fumbles along the way. Henney said that Foulger is an “active player,” which allows the defense to do whatever they want to do knowing that the middle of the field is locked down.
“You can be a little bit more complex if you want to, or you can be a lot simpler depending on what you are facing,” he said.
Some players that Henney has already seen leadership changes in are senior defensive ends Micah Langohr and Trevor
Blackmore and linebacker Will Reardon. The coach said that Foulger, given all his on-field ability, is more of a leader by example, but the other three have taken to their new roles well and have helped create a cohesive unit.
Langohr and Blackmore, as well as Eckl prior to his injury, manned the defensive line, and were most effective at getting after the quarterback. The trio combined for 26 sacks and bringing them all back this year gives Henney all the confidence that the unit will succeed, he said.
With such pressure coming from inside the box, the secondary will reap the benefits of keeping the play in front of them, quickly swarming to support the run or stop a short passing attempt. Henney feels that the secondary, given its inexperience in some areas, will thrive behind the pace played up front.
“(Newsom) has a lot of experience playing, but (Reda) and (Norman) don’t, and so we’re going to see how that looks early with that group,” he said.
A dedicated season
The Dana Hills community suffered a tragic loss this offseason, as defensive end Calvin Etter was killed in an ear-
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ly-morning automobile crash, as previously reported by the Dana Point Times.
“He was an extremely hardworking, smart, and well-liked kid, and he always did everything to the very best,” Henney told the Dana Point Times. “He will be dearly missed in our program and within our community.”
In honor of Etter, Henney said that each game will be dedicated to him, the team will remember him, and each game will be played in his honor.
“The kids really want to win for him and to honor him in any way that they can,” Henney said. “It’s obviously a shock to our program and a great deal of sadness, but we’ll try to find whatever positive we can.”
A true test for the whole team
Henney said that given the offensive and defensive strengths his roster possesses, the schedule is the most challenging the Dolphins have seen in his tenure as head coach. He added that he sees a potential challenge for the team to overcome in each matchup, some of which Dana Hills would be the proverbial underdog.
The biggest test in the early season is the matchup against consistent Division 3-4 playoff team El Modena. The Vanguards
made it to the second round of the CIFSS Division 4 playoffs, eventually losing, 21-14, to Thousand Oaks. The program will be in a bit of flux this year, graduating most of its offensive contributors from last season, but Henney feels that the game is a true learning experience.
“That’s going to be a real measuring stick game and a game that I feel like no matter what happens, it’s positive for us,”
he said. “If we win, that means we’re probably a pretty good football team. If we play a close game, that means that we’ve gotten a lot better. If we get blown out, well, it’s going to show us in the ways that we’re still deficient.”
He emphasized that the team will need to stay healthy in order to keep up with the gauntlet it will be put through week in and week out. If the Dolphins can do that, then Henney thinks that his players are ready to answer the call.
“I think our kids are really excited to play football,” he said. “I think they’re really excited to play football for Dana Hills, and I think they’re probably the most excited to play with each other.
“I don’t think that I actually have to do much to extract the most out of them. … We just have to stay hungry.”
Dana Hills will open the season at home on Friday, Aug. 22, against Desert Oasis.
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BY JOE MCHUGH
RADLEY GEISS
Geiss was a star for Dana Hills in the 2024 season. He has grown with the program exponentially, increasing his role in the offense from a back in a committee to a full-fledged bell cow. Geiss carried the ball for 1,419 yards and 17 touchdowns, while hauling in 17 catches for 214 yards and another score. After putting on 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason, he is primed for another breakout year.
JAMES LEICESTER
Leicester was the anchor of the Dolphins’ receiving corps in 2024. As a junior, he racked up 918 yards receiving and 13 TDs. At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, he is primed to play at the next level, according to Coach Tony Henney. He has shown an ability to break loose from defenders on deep routes, high point the football in contested scenarios and find open space for scores. Look for an even better campaign from the senior.
Players to Watch (OFFENSE)
LOGAN DAY
Day aggressively hit the offseason with one goal — get bigger. His goal was achieved, as he put on 70 pounds, according to head coach Tony Henney, bringing him up to 260 pounds to fill out his huge 6-foot-6-inch frame. His knowledge of the offensive line as a returning starter will help lock down opposing defensive linemen at the tackle spot. The junior can also play on the defensive line, if needed.
ISSAIAS AMAYA
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 320 pounds, Amaya is a “large human,” according to Coach Tony Henney. The junior offensive tackle is quick to his spots and uses his size to bull over defensive linemen, as well as stand strong in protection of his quarterback. Opposing defensive linemen will be hardpressed to get around him.
SEAN AGUILAR
Aguilar will be operating out of the guard spot for the Dolphins as a senior this season, bolstering the offensive line. Checking in at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, he is a member of the team’s 1,300-pound lifting club. Aguilar will look to be an anchor up the middle to help clear space for the Dolphins’ offensive playmakers, especially star running back Radley Geiss.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
BY JOE MCHUGH
THOMPSON FOULGER
Foulger, a senior linebacker, is the leader of the Dana Hills defensive unit. The 2024 Foxtrot League Defensive Player of the Year has a knack for sticking his nose where the action is. He possesses a tuned ability to shed blocks, navigate to the ball carrier and secure the tackle, usually with significant force behind it. During his stellar 2024 season, Foulger racked up 172 tackles and forced six fumbles.
MICAH LANGOHR
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound defensive lineman was dominant last season as a junior, posting 10 sacks to lead the team. He is primed to improve those numbers as a senior, given his quickness at the line of scrimmage and ability to elude offensive linemen to get to the quarterback. Coach Tony Henney says Langohr has become more active in a leadership role on the field and in the locker room.
Players to Watch (DEFENSE)
TREVOR BLACKMORE
Blackmore is due for an uptick in production as a senior defensive lineman this season. A true all-around player, he can get after the quarterback and stop the run. He recorded 66 tackles, five sacks, three tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hurries and four fumble recoveries for the Dolphins during the 2024 season. Coach Tony Henney feels that he has taken the next steps to become a leader and a star on the defense.
NICHOLAS NEWSOM
The most experienced player in the Dolphins’ secondary, Newsom operates out of the nickel cornerback position. The senior possesses a blend of tackling ability and coverage skills that helped him rack up 40 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception during Dana Hills’ 10-3 season in 2024. He is being counted on again to solidify the defense in the secondary.
WILL REARDON
A senior linebacker and one of Dana Hills’ vocal leaders, according to Coach Tony Henney, Reardon is not shy to cheer on his teammates while also playing his hardest each down. He had 70 tackles, including two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in 2024. His ability to support his teammates and be a stalwart member in the middle of the defense will be key to the Dolphins’ success this year.
GAME PREVIEWS 2025 DANA HILLS
DESERT OASIS
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Coach: Matt Rosdahl
2024 Record: 8-4 (3-2 in 5A Division III Southern, Nevada)
2024 vs. DHHS: Did Not Play Season Outlook:
Ranked as the 28th-best team in Nevada last season, the Diamondbacks will be looking to improve on an impressive 2024 campaign. Desert Oasis entered Nevada’s 5A Division III South playoffs as the No. 3 seed and breezed to the state finals before getting blown out by top-seeded division rival Centennial, 34-7. The Diamondbacks will rely on star quarterback Vincent Hales to carry the load offensively. The signal caller was efficient last season, passing for 2,169 yards and 27 touchdowns with only five interceptions in a pass-dominant offense.
Coach: Matt Mitchell
2023 Record: 9-3 (3-2 in Delta League)
2024 vs. DHHS: Did Not Play Season Outlook:
El Modena was a strong contender in the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs but eventually dropped the quarterfinal matchup to Thousand Oaks. The program is set to be starting fresh, as it graduated key contributors such as star dual-threat QB Xzavior Guess and star WR Connor Smith. Guess’ void will be felt heavily, though, as the program’s all-time career passing yards leader racked up 2,676 yards and 32 TDs. He also carried the lion’s share of the Vanguard’s ground game, toting the ball 133 times for 1,277 yards and 16 TDs.
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Coach: Michael Calahan
2023 Record: 7-4 (3-2 in Foxtrot League)
2023 vs. DHHS: DHHS win, 20-10
Season Outlook:
Aliso Niguel is entering the 2025 season fresh off a 43-21 loss to San Dimas in the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs. However, the Wolverines ended the regular season strong with wins over eventual Foxtrot League champion Laguna Beach, Orange and Fountain Valley. This year, the team aims to replace star RB Jarrett Sabol (1,476 yards, 17 TDs). Next up is RB Brady Defrain (173 yards in 2024). Quarterback Carter Vestermark (1,400 yards, 9 TDs passing) returns, as do defensive stalwarts in linebacker Logan Wagner and safety Kaleo Elam.
Coach: Jason “JP” Pressley
2024 Record: 6-5 (3-2 in Kappa League)
2024 vs. DHHS: DHHS win, 40-34 Season Outlook: Esperanza will be returning a key piece of its offensive puzzle, QB Travis Frazier. As a junior, he threw for 2,697 yards and 31 TDs with 9 interceptions. He will also have two experienced weapons to throw to in Davian Franco and Eddie Matthews. Both receivers carved out solid roles under the shadow of two senior starters and will have their turn to shine. Combined, the duo hauled in 51 catches for 814 yards and nine TDs. Defense will be young this year; safety Joseph Fields is returning, with Matthews and Franco also playing cornerback.
Coach: Robert Pedroza
2024 Record: 2-8 (2-3 in Foxtrot League)
2024 vs. DHHS: 35-14
Season Outlook:
Orange will be looking to build on a season that was, on the record sheets, dismal. But freshman starter QB Star Thomas (1782 yards, 11 TDs, 10 INT) now has a year under his belt, and his talent is undeniable, already receiving six Division I offers from prominent programs including Arkansas, Kentucky, Oregon State, Purdue, San Jose State and UNLV, according to 247Sports. The program, however, lost star WR Gianni Porfilio, who transferred to Bishop Amat. The team will be young again, but the Panthers should improve as if Thomas develops.
Coach: Mitch Olson
2024 Record: 1-9 (0-5 in Foxtrot League)
2024 vs. DHHS: DHHS win 42-24
Season Outlook: Fountain Valley pressed the reset button this offseason, as it brought on a new coach Mitch Olson. After a dreadful 1-9 season, the Barons under new leadership will have almost an entirely different team. The team graduated most of its key contributors, but returning is RB Cameron Farr (253 yards, 2 TDs in 2024). Junior WR Raymond Dillon Jr. (15 catches for 200 yards in 2024) is also set for an uptick in usage. Defense is looking to be the strong suit for the Barons, as they will be returning most starters, headlined by outside linebacker Nathan Lares.
Coach: Raudric Curtis
2024 Record: 9-5 (3-3 in Moore League)
2024 vs. DHHS: Did Not Play Season Outlook:
Long Beach Wilson is coming off a one-point loss to Highland in the CIFSS Division 9 State Championship game. In what was a transformative season for the Bruins — improving their record from 4-6 the previous year to 9-5 — they will be returning many key pieces from that team under new head coach Raudric Curtis. QB Mack Cooper was solid, throwing for 2,716 yards and 21 TDs with 10 interceptions. Other key weapons are RB Jamell Edmond (722 yards) and WR Thomas Jones (33 catches for 532 yards). Jones (68 tackles, 2 INT) also plays defense.
Coach: John Shanahan
2023 Record: 9-2 (4-1 in Foxtrot League)
2023 vs. DHHS: DHHS loss, 35-32 Season Outlook: Laguna Beach was a powerhouse in the Foxtrot League last year, which netted them a playoff bid in the CIFSS Division 4 playoffs. Although the Breakers were dismantled, 47-14, by the eventual CIF champion Pacifica, the team was senior-heavy. Laguna Beach will be operating with fresh faces, headed by junior QB Jack Hurst (620 yards, 9 TDs passing in limited playing time). Flanking Hurst will be returning wideouts Brady Stringham and Grant Regal, who combined for 776 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Coach: Mike Zangl
2024 Record: 3-7
2024 vs. DHHS: Did Not Play Season Outlook:
Tesoro has been struggling to find consistent success for the past few years. The Titans brought on head coach Mike Zangl in 2023 to hopefully right the ship, but growing pains have struck the program hard. Tesoro graduated many contributors on both sides of the ball, but returning are RB Nic Brubaker (527 yards on 86 carries) and WR Braiden Vaca (67 catches for 710 yards). The defense brings experience back as well and will lean on linebackers Wyatt Owens and Ryker Donohue to stay stalwart in the middle of the field.
Coach: Erik Terry
2024 Record: 9-3 (3-2 in Foxtrot League)
2024 vs. DHHS: DHHS loss, 22-7 Season Outlook: Northwood advanced to the second round of the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs before a 19-10 loss to Murrieta Mesa. The 2021 and 2022 CIF champions will be looking to get back to winning form, but there are big holes to fill, because four first-team All-League players graduated: LB Joseph Harper, Foxtrot League MVP; WR/CB Cole Hildalgo; OL/DL Quintin Lynch; and safety Eddie Petrushin. QB Gavin Lounsbury and OL Josh Chao, both second-team All-League selections, return to try to continue the program’s success.