+ ROSTERS & OVERVIEW OF ALL SIX SUNSET LEAGUE TEAMS
+ FEATURE: THE SUN IS SETTING ON THE SUNSET LEAGUE
+ IN MEMORIAM: COACHING GREATS MIKE GIDDINGS & BILL WORKMAN
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Every person will forever have a pandemic story. Things changed.
By the summer of 2020, many people had determined that kids were at very low risk from the virus. It’s subjective, of course, but there was a gut feeling that the closing down of athletics was doing more damage to the kids than the virus itself.
Summer and fall passed and by the end of the 2020 year there were still no high school sports.
This created, more or less, an underground community of football players, coaches and parents that quickly organized a *league* where kids could play the sport they loved. No stadiums. No cheerleaders. No press box. No field goal posts. No parking lot. Just discounted team jerseys, a few referees and football games.
At 7:00 a.m. on January 2, 2021, at an unaddressed location in Riverside County, The Sunset Argonauts Football Club (see pages 12-13) stepped onto a barely finished 100-yard turf “field of dreams” football field to kick off a game vs. The Southwestern Warriors.
Huh? Who?
Oh, and two broadcasters.
In order to get the action to family and friends, we hired broadcasters Alex Crawford and Howard Croom to do live radio/streaming. Alex and Howard would drive to the field of dreams and set up their six-foot plastic table before sunrise. The generator needed a long extension cord, so it was not too loud and interrupted the broadcast. The Internet connection was just good enough. Family and friends got to hear the game.
All in all, roughly 1,400 players from all over California made up 32 teams in the Winner Circle Champions League (WCCL). Eight games were played on Saturday. Eight games were played on Sunday. Alex and Howard would call four or five games in a day, quickly studying rosters and asking players and coaches how to pronounce some of the more difficult last names.
Everyone learned a lot during those weeks in the field of dreams. One thing that really hit me was how much people LOVED coverage of high school football. And with so many new friends from the Sunset League schools, it was just a natural fit to invest in Alex and Howard and see what they could do.
Alex and Howard did such a terrific job in the first year. Each of them have moved on to the next chapters of their lives. We were fortunate last year to find two new hosts, Moe Pottios and Kevin Dull, who if you tune into our weekly podcasts, you’ll get to know.
Moe and Kevin are back for their second year (Sunset Rewind’s third year). Please tune in our website, YouTube Channel, Twitter and of course, Instagram.
And for those traditionalists out there, I hope you enjoy the magazine.
Credits
This is the third issue of Sunset Rewind Magazine published by California Rewind (dba Sunset Rewind). Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
The staff of Sunset Rewind are all independent contractors. We rely on awesome people that buy into our mission to provide the best indepth coverage of high school football across the Sunset League.
Individual Contributors
Publisher & Editor: Jason Lavin
Writer/Host: Moe Pottios
Writer/Host: Kevin Dull
Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck (JPWestPhoto.com)
Podcast Studio: Sunset 17 (Murphy Karges & Cole Mensinger)
Social Beat: Teran Rodriguez
Booster Club
Los Alamitos: Greg Shellenbergar
Edison: Chris Brown
Corona del Mar: Danny Lane
Fountain Valley: Chris Tomko
Huntington Beach: Gabe Stubin
Newport Harbor: Jason Lavin
Special Thanks
Kent Bickell & Justin Connolly
(Hosts of Los Alamitos Sports Network’s show)
Head Coaches
Los Alamitos: Ray Fenton
Edison: Jeff Grady
Corona del Mar: Kevin Hettig
Fountain Valley: David Gutierrez
Huntington Beach: Brett Brown
Newport Harbor: Peter Lofthouse
Graphics/Layout (3rd year)
John Cheresh (GoldenComm)
Jason Lavin Publisher & EditorBE SURE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE: SunsetRewind.com. We’ll post tons of updates throughout the season and hopefully provide enough quality coverage where this concept will stick and be here for years to come.
Printing (3rd year)
George Garrett (Slater Print Management Inc.)
COVER (L-R)
Noah Thompson Edison
Davon Mitchell Los Alamitos
Christian Brooks Corona del Mar
Josiah Lamarque Newport Harbor
Justin Tauanuu Huntington Beach
Hayden Espinoza Fountain Valley
Sunset Rewind is online and in the studio doing daily updates and weekly podcasts.
Host/Announcer: Moe Pottios
Host/Analyst: Kevin Dull
Podcast Coach: Murphy Karges
The website is the “hub” to all of the updates, which include but are not limited to:
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
n Podcasts 2x per week breaking down Friday night games and previewing upcoming games
n Highlights and BIG PLAYS from Sunset League football players
n Occasional special guests with great perspective and commentary on all things Sunset League football
n Daily updates on what’s happening in Sunset League football
n 30-second clips/action with links to longer video
n Stories/photos/videos of the action from around the Sunset League football teams
THANK YOU, THE FANS
This is our third year of Sunset Rewind. We are looking to improve on what we did last year. Keep bearing with us as we promise to get better each week. Our mission is to provide the best in-depth coverage of high school football across the Sunset League. Thank you for supporting this program and supporting the players and coaches of Los Alamitos, Huntington Beach, Edison, Newport Harbor, Corona del Mar, and Fountain Valley. Go Sunset League go!
When the state shut down football in California in 2020, the Argos were formed by calling Sunset League coaches and asking if they knew any players that wanted to play football. A few joined, then a few more… and by Christmas Eve (the second practice) there were 57 players and each Sunset League team was represented (except Los Alamitos, who formed their own team). Because the community colleges were also not playing football, the staff was from local JUCO coaches (CIF does not allow high school coaches to coach “club” teams) that were happy to be back on the gridiron. The Argos lost their first two games but ended with four straight wins to end the season 4-2.
Since that was three seasons/years ago, only a few of the Argo players (a handful of freshman at the time) are still in high school. Most of the players from this photo have graduated out.
Regardless, The Sunset Argonauts Football Club is how this magazine (and podcast) started, so it’s worth reflecting back.
This past Spring, the principals of Orange County met to determine the future of high school football. When all was said and done it was determined that all the existing Orange County public school leagues would cease to
exist. One of which includes the Sunset League.
The Sunset League had its first season in 1937 with the charter members Anaheim High School, Huntington Beach High School, Newport Harbor High School, Orange High School, Jordan High School (Long Beach), and Excelsi-
or High School. The name "Sunset" was selected at the first league meeting held on April 26, 1937, at Anaheim High School. Other names considered at the time were Pacific, Little Six, Bi Count, Orla (Orange-Los Angeles), OLAC (Orange-Los Angeles counties) and Del Mar. Since its inception 24 different
schools have been members over the 85 seasons of competition; led by Huntington Beach at 80, then Newport Harbor 57, Edison 50, Fountain Valley 50, Los Alamitos 32 and Corona del Mar 6 seasons. Not all years of membership have been continuous. Other schools of note who have been a part of the
league include Garden Grove, Downey, Orange, Fullerton, Santa Ana, La Habra and Esperanza
Starting in the 2024 season, 69 OC teams will be moved into the Orange County Football Conference (OCFC). With the only exception being the Trinity League schools. Within the OCFC
there will be 12 leagues A-L. League A will have four teams, league B through K will have 6 teams, and league L will have 5 teams. The league that teams end up in will be based on the team’s rankings as determined by the website calpreps.com. The website uses different factors including strength of schedule and overall record. A school’s overall ranking will be determined by this season’s performance accounting for 65% and last year’s season performance accounting for 35%. Going forward, the leagues will be readjusted every two years using the same criteria.
For many, it will be tough to say goodbye to the Sunset League after 86 years of top-quality competition. A league that since 1988 has had every current member winning at least one CIF Championship in football. A league that has produced many pro football players, Super Bowl champions and an NFL Hall of Famer. However not all is lost. The teams that make up the league will continue to play football and many of the classic rivalry games, Battle of the Bay Newport Harbor vs CDM and The Bell game, Edison vs Fountain Valley will continue to be played. Perhaps coach Grady, a former player and current coach in the league, said it best when asked what makes the Sunset League so special, “it’s simple, the tradition and the rivalries”.
Edison High School does a bangup job running the most prolific high school passing tournament in the country.
Some could say that this year’s tournament was extremely competitive, as pool play itself featured 13 games decided by seven points or less and at the end of pool play 14 out of the 20 teams had two or more wins. In addition, three out of the four pools needed tiebreakers to decide who advanced to the gold and silver brackets. Mater Dei wound up winning the entire tournament, defeating Rancho Cucamonga in the final 39-6.
Here is how the three Sunset League teams did the tournament;
The host Chargers started out the tournament with a bang, defeating St. John Bosco 16-6. The win had the attention of fans, spectators, and reporters alike, despite it only being 7-on-7. Edison then went on to edge Chapparal in a defensive slugfest 7-0. After their bye, the Chargers picked up where they left off, defeated North Kitsap of Poulsbo, WA 27-6, and St. Bonaventure 22-14. After lunch, Edison found out it was playing Rancho Cucamonga in the gold bracket quarterfinals. But unlike the previous four games, it was unable to win, falling 17-7. Despite the loss, the Chargers flashed a ton of potential. Taking the snaps under center following the graduation of Park Awad is Savelio Niumata, who threw it to receivers Mason York, Jake Minter, Aidan Brown and Carson Daniels. The
Chargers start their season off sooner than the other five Sunset League teams as they head down to Hawaii to play Baldwin on Friday August 11 at 6 p.m. PST. The following week, they play Lahainaluna on August 18 at 7 p.m. PST.
Corona del Mar
The Sea Kings started out the tournament with an uphill climb by dropping a tough game to Mater Dei 23-2 but rebounded nicely with a 13-4 win over Inglewood. After its bye, CdM took down the always-tough Warren 23-6. The Sea Kings ended pool play with a tough 16-7 loss to Liberty of Bakersfield, which had they won, they would’ve made the gold bracket automatically. Instead, they were 2-2 at the end of pool play, just like
Liberty and Warren and a tiebreaker was needed. Since Corona del Mar beat Warren, which beat Bakersfield, which beat Corona del Mar, head-to-head tiebreaker was out of the question, so the tiebreaker went to point differential. Fortunately for the Sea Kings, they had a better point differential than Liberty by one point and Warren by two points, meaning they advanced to the gold bracket. The Sea Kings drew another tough opponent in the gold bracket, as they faced Mission Viejo – last year’s tournament champion. From the beginning, Corona del Mar struggled with the Diablos’ two quarterback tandem and fell behind 19-0 and eventually fell 28-14. Despite the early exit from the gold bracket, the Sea Kings showed signs of promise as Kaleb Annett
is now the QB1 for the team after seeing some time last season along with David Rasor. If the Sea Kings are still going to have the same quarterback blueprint as last season where Rasor and Annett both split time, their quarterback duo for this year will be Annett and Max Nashed. The receivers that the two have to work with are Russell Weir, Cordell Cook, Dorsett Stecker and Zach Giuliano. The Sea Kings scrimmage Tesoro at Davidson Field on Friday August 11 at 6 p.m. before taking on Downey at Downey High School on Friday August 18 at 7 p.m.
The Griffins were the lone Sunset team that didn’t make the gold bracket of the tournament, but that didn’t stop
them from having a productive day. Los Alamitos started the day off with a tough 35-17 loss to Santa Margarita and dropped a 19-14 decision to Rancho Cucamonga. But the Griffins got on the board with a win by defeating Cathedral Catholic of San Diego 28-14. After its bye, Los Alamitos rallied back to beat Capistrano Valley 24-15 to end pool play 2-2. The Griffins saw themselves tied with Rancho Cucamonga after pool play, but with the tiebreaker going to the other team, they were sent to the silver bracket. The Griffins kicked off the silver division quarterfinals by defeating Chaparral 18-6 and followed that up with a 24-18 win in the semifinals over St. Bonaventure. In the final, the Griffins played Warren and came
away victorious, winning 21-19, ending the day 5-2 with five straight wins. Alonzo Esparza, a transfer from Sierra Canyon, takes over as Los Alamitos’ signal caller following the graduation of Gatorade State Football Player of the Year in California Malachi Nelson. Esparza’s options in terms of throwing the ball includes Ja’Myron Baker, Carson Clark, Kobe Boykin and Davon Mitchell. Mitchell is a tight end that transferred from Allen, TX who is one of the highly recruited players in his position while Boykin, who can play multiple positions, transferred from Orange. The Griffins scrimmage against Serra of Gardena on Friday August 11 before opening up the season on Friday August 18 at Western at 7 p.m.
Mike Giddings, the legendary Newport Harbor head coach and NFL icon, died July 27th due to complications from a stroke. He was 89.
In the 1930’s and 1940’s, Mike Giddings grew up on Balboa Island (Topaz Avenue). Young Mike spent most of his free time surfing and fishing.
“I loved to fish in the bay, and we actually ate it in those days – spotfin croaker, bass,” Giddings said. “We used to feed our family for a week, because when I was young it was Depression time, and then during World War II we had our own victory gardens. People forget we had to grow our own food in World War II. They forget. I can hear my mom – she would say there are people starving in Europe. Eat your vegetables.”
On Dec. 7, 1941, his mother, Kathryn, came charging toward the shore on an unusually warm morning in the 10 o’clock hour, when Giddings and his younger sister, Carolynn, were swimming in the ocean at Big Corona, before the jetty was extended.
“There were no houses at the time – there was hardly anything there,” Giddings said. “So my mom comes over the cliff and yells down, ‘Children, children, get out of the water.’ I asked ‘why mom?’ She said the Japanese are attacking Pearl Harbor, and I said ‘mom isn’t Pearl Harbor in Hawaii? ‘Yes, Michael, it is in Hawaii,’ she said, and then I said ‘won’t it take them a while to get here? Why do we have to get out of the water?’”
Soon after the Pearl Harbor attack, Giddings moved with his family to
Giddings always wanted to play for Newport Harbor, but never did; instead, he became a legendary coach for the Sailors in a storybook life and football career.
South Pasadena, where he spent the first three years of his life. He was born in 1933 at St. Vincent Hospital in Los Angeles.
“I always wanted to play for Newport,” Giddings said. “Harold Sheflin was my hero and so forth. But right after Pearl Harbor, the next year, my folks moved up to South Pasadena, with the promise that I could come back and play football for Newport. Well, once you got to South Pasadena, Frank Williamson was our coach and you ended up just dying to play for him.”
Williamson, a star lineman for USC in the early 1930s, coached a combined South Pasadena/San Marino program for 11 years, winning nine league championships, before turning to administration and becoming the Monrovia High Principal. Williamson passed away in 2002.
In 1942, Sheflin famously sparked the Sailors to their first CIF-Southern Section championship game, after the Tars captured their inaugural Sunset League title, defeating every opponent, including highly regarded Santa Ana, 7-0, late in the regular season.
“Mom and dad split when I was in like sixth, seventh grade, then as soon as I graduated from South Pasadena High School (in 1951), mom moved back down here to Bay Shores,” Giddings said. “That’s why my sister, who’s 2 ½ years younger, graduated from Newport, and then my son (Mike) also graduated from Newport (in 1981).”
Giddings returned to Newport for a third time in his life when he began coaching at USC in 1961 and purchased a home in Newport Shores, a perfect spot for any surfer. Giddings made a big name for himself on Trojan Coach John McKay’s staff as defensive coordinator, and USC won the 1962 national championship under his watch.
Giddings, who served as a head coach at Glendale College, the University of Utah and the Hawaiians in the World Football League, joined the San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff in 1968 and
has worked in the NFL since, mostly through his player evaluation business, Proscout, Inc.
When Giddings started his business and decided to settle in Newport, he couldn’t resist getting back on the field, so he volunteered to coach the sophomore football team at Harbor in 1979 and three years later he was named varsity head coach, starting a local legacy second to none.
The football program was struggling at Newport Harbor High when Giddings took over as head coach, and at the time of his hiring it was quite a coup for the Sailors, landing a former professional and collegiate head coach with deep ties to USC and a national
championship.
While Giddings served only four years as head coach at Newport Harbor, and three years prior as sophomore coach, his legacy is so strong that former Harbor players host reunions in his honor and started a Facebook page to promote one in 2018.
“Coach Giddings is one of the most famous and revered football men in the game on all levels,” former Tar assistant coach Seamus Callanan wrote on the page.
“Mean and tough, pride and poise,” John Stockham added about Giddings, who admitted he could create the illusion of being furious and intentionally make a face or yell to get a reaction or
move a cause on the football field in a way that would benefit his team. In other words, Giddings was smart and savvy.
After 1981’s 1-9 record, Giddings stepped in as the new head coach, and the Sailors, with Old Glory on their helmets, returned to prominence and the top of the sports section in the local newspaper. In four glorious years, the Sailors enjoyed a 34-12-3 record, a .693 winning percentage. Harbor captured Sea View League championships in 1983, ’84 and ’85, the latter two shared titles, and advanced in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs to at least the quarterfinals in all four campaigns.
From record-setting tailback Steve Brazas to gifted quarterback Shane Foley, the Sailors featured almost largerthan-life talent on offense every season to go along with the type of defense that has come to define what the term Tar Ball represents.
“The best player ever I think at Newport was Steve Brazas,” Giddings said. “There had never been an all-around (player) like that. I mean he could do it (on offense or defense as a lineback-
er). He could play quarterback. He could pass. In fact, I would go shift to a shotgun and put the quarterback out in the slot, and Brazas would be like an old single-wing tailback. He was phenomenal.”
Foley, who played at USC after becoming Orange County’s all-time leader with 5,364 passing yards in his three-year career at Newport Harbor, said he loved playing in Giddings’ prostyle offense and watching videos each week of the San Francisco 49ers and Joe Montana.
“I was very fortunate to play for Mike Giddings and honored to play on the last team he ever coached,” Foley said. “Coach Giddings and I connected from day one and I still call him my second dad.”
After serving in the Marine Corps, Giddings began his football coaching career at Monrovia, where his team played in a CIF championship game in 1959. After a year as head coach at Glendale College, Giddings was the defensive coordinator under John McKay at USC for five years, including the Trojans’ 1962 national championship.
Fritz Howser, a three-year standout fullback for the Sailors in three of Giddings’ four years (1982-84), said playing for him was beyond high school
football.
“It was good playing for Giddings, because it was like playing high school football in a professional setting,” Howser said. “Coach Giddings was a critical component in turning a lot of things around and getting Newport Harbor football back into winning.”
When Giddings volunteered to coach the sophomore team, his son, Mike, was playing on the varsity and earning MVP honors, and later playing for Illinois in the Rose Bowl Game. Giddings never coached his son at Harbor.
“When my son was playing at Newport Harbor, it was obvious we weren’t going to win on speed, so you better have some size,” Giddings said. “So we went out to the ninth grade P.E. classes and I got all the big guys assembled, and I said ‘guys if you’ll join my program, I’m going to put you on the weights and work your (rear) off. But I promise you two things by the time you’re seniors: Your (breasts) will become pecks and you’ll be dating one of those blond cheerleaders.’ It’s called internal recruiting, and we were big. If you look at our line in those days, one year our right tackle was 290 pounds and our whole offensive line were guys 250-270. We were big and so we kept the ball or pass protected. Once we got to Foley it was pass protecting. To me, that’s the start – getting big kids out.”
Prior to taking over the varsity, and in Giddings’ third and final year as the sophomore coach in 1981, the Sailors trampled through the Sea View League with players like Kacura and Brazas. “I think that got everything going,” Giddings said of the ’81 sophomore team that finished 10-0, following backto-back 5-4 seasons and playing in the Sunset League. “Our sophomore team would have beaten anybody. Our games weren’t even close.”
To hear Giddings speak of his 1980s teams and players resonates with Sailor pride, and to hear his former players talk about their coach symbolizes a proud Tar Ball heritage.
The Edison High School community recently lost a legend when former Charger Head Football Coach Bill Workman passed away in July at the age of 82 years of age.
Coach Workman took over the Edison football program in 1973. In his thirteen years as the Head Coach he amassed an overall record of 109-33-5. That amounts to a .759 winning percentage in one of the toughest, most competitive and premiere areas for high school Football in the entire United States.
During his tenure at Edison, Workman never had a losing season. From 1979 until 1981, the Chargers were able to run off a string of thirty-two consecutive victories, which at the time was a county record. Workman’s teams won the CIF-SS Big Five conference titles in 1979 and 1980. For good measure, Workman was able to add a third title, when the Chargers were crowned co-champions of the CIF-SS Big Five Conference in 1985, which was Coach Workman’s final season with the Chargers, before taking the position as the Head Football Coach at Orange Coast College.
Perhaps the most memorable game that took place while Workman was the Head Coach at Edison occurred in 1980, when Edison bested their Sunset League rivals the Fountain Valley Barons for the CIF-SS Big Five Conference championship, winning by the score of 14-0 in front of a massive crowd of
over 29,000 fans at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
Workman founded the tradition of “Stand Tall” at Edison. This happens when the Charger defensive players stand at attention with their hands on their sides in between plays.
This tradition still exists today.
Structure, character, pride, class, commitment, diligence and leadership were characteristics of a Bill Workman run Football program.
Workman was very successful in mentoring coaches, probably most notable of all the coaches that learned under his tutelage, was Dave White, who himself went on to become the Head Football Coach at Edison for thirty-one years.
Workman took over the Edison program when Dave White was a senior in high school playing for the Chargers. White praised Workman as a “mentor” and a “second father” to him. White also declared that Coach Workman was “The ultimate Player’s Coach” adding that “All of Coach Workman’s players loved him.”
Coach Dave White credits Coach Workman for bringing him into the high school coaching community, as it was Coach Workman who first hired
Dave White as a high school
Coach White also stated that when Coach Workman was the Head Football Coach at Orange Coast College, that Coach Workman would still often attend Edison games to support the Chargers, as well as meet with Coach White to lend him expertise and guidance.
A teacher, guide, advisor, friend, leader, instructor and a great family man are some of the other descriptions befitting Coach Workman.
He was so instrumental and important to so many individuals, that the positive effects he had on so many people’s lives are immeasurable.
So thank you Coach for all that you did and all that you were. There is also a debt of gratitude to be bestowed upon the entire Workman family for sharing Coach Workman with everyone else. Your sacrifices are commendable and admirable. The world truly is a better place because of Coach Bill Workman and the Workman family.
So rest in peace Coach, and again, thank you for everything. You are loved and you will always be missed, but you will never, ever be forgotten.
Structure, character, pride, class, commitment, diligence and leadership were characteristics of a Bill Workman run football program.coach, after White graduated college.
ALONZO ESPARZA, QB
Michael Cobleigh Safeties/Co-Defensive Coordinator
John Eyeman Co-Defensive Coordinator
TJ Fenton Offensive Coordinator
Greg Russell Defensive Line
Demar Bowe Wide Receivers
Matt Nunez Running Backs
Head Coach: Ray Fenton
Klano Misa Linebackers
Matt Nunez Offensive Line
Steve Mao Offensive Line
Mario Morales Tight Ends
Shaq Richardson Defensive Backs
Terry Moseby Defensive Backs
Malachi Nelson (QB) USC, Makai Lemon (WR) USC, Damien Henderson (RB) Colorado State, Sinn Brennan (DL) San Diego State, Gavin Porch (DB), Isaiah Dorsey (DB)
KEY RETURNERS:
Kapono Mao (OL), Ja’Myron “Tron” Baker (WR), Zion Scrivens (OL), Anthony League (RB), Manoah Faupusa (OL/DL), Jerod Terry (RB/DB), Carson Clark (WR/DB)
Davon Mitchell (TE), Alonzo Esparza (QB), Kobe Boykin (RB/WR), Josh Tuchek (DB/WR), Ivrick Carrigan (LB), Isaiah Rubin (DB), Jett White (DB)
At Mission Viejo, Friday 9/15
The Los Alamitos Griffins have been one of the most dominant football teams in the county since the mid 80’s, and this year should be no different. Despite losing a large number of key players, the Griffins should have continued success with many players who helped contribute to last year’s success. Los Alamitos has been undefeated in Sunset League play for three straight seasons and will be favored to win their fourth straight title, a feat that has not been accomplished since Anaheim did it in 1952. In addition to playing in the best league in the country, Los Alamitos will once again have a monster non league schedule, one that features Utah power
house Timpview. Perhaps the non league game of the year will take place Friday September 15th, as the Griffins head down to face Mission Viejo. Continued success is forecasted in the Griffins future.
OFFENSE:
When one of the greatest quarterback/wide receiver combinations in the history of high school Football graduates, as Malachi Nelson and Makai Lemon did, the Griffin faithful might be wondering what do we do now? Don’t worry Griffin Nation, the future is bright with the key addition of dynamic quarterback Alonzo Esparza. Esparza has all of the tools that comprise a great quarterback, he is agile, insightful, has a strong arm, recognizes coverages, and can diagnose defensive fronts in an instant. His tremendous skill set and superlative quarterback abilities will enable him to pick apart, confuse, frustrate and utterly dismantle, as well as, dispose of opposing defenses. Ja’Myron “Tron” Baker, who was a First-Team All-Sunset League selection in his freshman season last year, is a gifted, quick, and elusive wide receiver who will be one of the keys to the Griffins success. Carson Clark, who was a Second-Team All-Sunset League selection in 2022, will also be instrumental in the passing attack for Los Alamitos. Need a tight end to block and catch passes? No problem there either, as Davon Mitchell will be the guy the Griffins rely on. At 6’5 and 245 pounds, defenses are going to have a challenging, if not impossible time dealing with him. As far as the ground game goes, the Griffins have nothing to worry about either. Anthony League, who garnered Second-Team All-Sunset League honors last season, and who seemingly gets into
the end zone every time he touches the ball, will be the engine that drives the Los Alamitos ground game. As far as the “big guys’ up front go, the Griffins offensive line will be led by Kapono Mao, a 2022 First-Team All-Sunset League honoree. Moa is a gifted and versatile athlete who can create holes where there were none, and provide his quarterback with what seems to be an endless amount of time to throw. Joining him up front will be Manoah Faupusa, also a First-Team All-Sunset League selection last season, who can stand his ground against any defensive player. Look for 2022 Second-Team All-Sunset League honoree, Zion Scrivens to make a huge impact on the line for the Griffins as well. Offensive Coordinator T.J. Fenton will have the Griffins soaring again this year, putting up immense numbers on the scoreboard regardless of who they are playing.
DEFENSE:
The Griffins have a multitude of depth and talent on the defensive side of the ball. Up front for Los Alamitos will be Manoah Faupusa who can disrupt any offense, any time, anywhere. Fauousa will undoubtedly have to fight double and possibly triple team blocking, but that won’t make a difference for rival offenses. Faupusa is one the most skilled and gifted defensive linemen that you will see play high school football this season or any other. At linebacker for the Griffins will be Ivrick Carrigan, who is a gifted run stopper, but also has the ability to disrupt passing routes. The Griffins are loaded with talent as well in the secondary. Isaiah Rubin, Jett White, Jerrod Terry and Josh Tuchek, all have Power 5 Conference Division I scholarship offers. They comprise what may very well be the best secondary unit in the entire country. It will be challenging, if not impossible to throw against this gifted group, who are all great coverage defensive backs and can read wide receivers with expertise. Intercep-
tions will be a common occurrence for the Griffin defense this season. Look for Tron Baker, Carson Clark and Kobe Boykin to all make key contributions to the Griffin defense this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
When you have as much exceptional talent on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, it only stands to reason that your special teams units will be outstanding as well. The Griffins have several players they could utilize on their kickoff return, among them are Kobe Boykin, Anthony League, Jerrod Terry or Isaiah Rubin. Each one of these players has the ability to take a kickoff to the house and put quick points up on the scoreboard. Speedy Running Back Lenny Ibarra or Carson Clark will most likely handle the punt return duties for the Griffins. Each of them are highly skilled and have tremendous speed, with great hands, who can easily turn a routine punt return into a scoring opportunity. Either Benji Gamarnik will handle field goals and extra points for the Griffins, while Connor McLachlan or Beckham Hofland will handle the kick off duties for the Griffins. Both are agile kickers that will be essential pieces to the Griffin kicking game. As for the punting game, Gamarnik or Hofland could be called upon to handle that responsibility as well. The Griffins definitely have depth on Special Teams which will surely help put additional points on the scoreboard this year.
School Principal
Christiana Kraus
School AD
Richard Smith
Booster President
Greg Shellenbergar
Home Stadium
Veterans Stadium and Los Alamitos High School
Live Stream Info and Podcast
Kent Bickell and Justin Connolly - “Los Alamitos Sports Network’s Show”
DAVON MITCHELL, TE/WR
ANTHONY LEAGUE, RB/OLB
KAPONO MOA, C/G
Ernie Sagiao Linebackers
Dave White Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Backs
Al Granado Defensive Tackles
Larry Grady Defensive Ends
Bruce Belcher Defensive Line & Special Teams
George Greenwalt Wide Receivers & Defensive Backs
Ed Hwang Offensive Line
Kody Afusia Offensive Line
Sam Allen Equipment
Fred Marquez Assistant Coach
KEY DEPARTURES:
Carter Hogue (RB) Arizona Christian, Parker Awad (QB) Golden West, Zachary Gruwell (OL), Jackson Irwin (DL), Dominic Lopez (LB), Nicolas Preston (K), Ashton Hurley (WR), Nathan Gates (OL)
KEY RETURNERS:
Mason York (WR), Makai Sagiao (OL), Noah Thompson (DL)
KEY ADDITIONS AND IMPACT PLAYERS: Fisi’iHoi Hansen (LB)
CAN’T MISS GAME:
v.s. San Clemente, Friday 9/15
OUTLOOK “WE DON’T REBUILD WE RELOAD”: Edison has been one of the most consistent programs ever since they have been playing football. Every year they are able to reload and make strong runs at both league and CIF titles. Last season the Chargers finished the regular season with a 9 and 1 record. They advanced to the Division 1 playoffs where they lost to Orange Lutheran by one point. Despite the loss of an incredibly talented senior class the 2023 campaign has the potential to be a great one. The Chargers will be playing their first two games of the season in Hawaii, in addition a key game against San Clemente will have the Chargers battle tested and primed to make a run at a league and possible CIF title.
OFFENSE:
The fast paced, high powered, efficient Edison Offense will be back this season. Edison graduated a host of talented Football players, but not to fear Charger nation, as there is still plenty of talent on the Offensive side of the ball for the Chargers. The offense will rely heavily upon Mason York, who was a First-Team All-Sunset League wide receiver last year as a junior. York is the type of receiver that every quarterback wants in their offense. York is 6’3, has great speed, and is not afraid to go over the middle and make the tough catch in traffic. If the ball is not where it is supposed to be, that is not a problem at all for York, as he will go find it and get it. Fade routes and high point throws will be almost impossible to defend, as York can pretty much out jump anyone trying to cover him. Look for York to do some impressive and special things on the gridiron this year for the Chargers. Makai Sagiao was also a First-Team All-Sunset League honoree in 2022 as a junior. He will be the foundation of the offensive line for the Chargers this year. The 300 lb adept and talented lineman will move opposing defenders wherever he wants to. Look for him to block defenders in the second level and even in the third if needed. His athleticism and knowledge of the offense will have the Chargers moving the ball down the field and into the endzone often. The Chargers have several quality running backs that they will rely on to carry the ball. Daniel Sonnenberg is a strong and quick runner who gets great leverage upon contact with defenders. The work he has put in in the weightroom, should pay huge dividends for the Chargers this season. Jared Schnoor is an explosive and quick runner who can accelerate through opposing defenses. Additionally,
Julius Gillick is showing the potential to be a great running back in the Charger’s offensive scheme. Taking over the quarterback duties this year for Edison will be junior, Savelio Niumata, who is a tall and athletic signal caller and has all the tools that comprise a great quarterback. The 2023 version of the Edison offense should resemble their offenses from past seasons; fast, effective, high scoring and fun to watch.
DEFENSE:
Every good defense needs energy to be successful, and the Chargers will rely upon defensive lineman Noah Thompson to provide that energy. Thompson returns for his senior year after having been honored as a First-Team All-Sunset League selection for the 2022 season. Thompson can split blocks, get into the backfield and neutralize a team’s ability to run. He maintains his gaps on the line and creates problems for offenses by not letting them run in the lanes that they want to. He is equally skilled at pass rushing, which puts additional pressure on the opposing quarterback. Look for Thompson to have another great season for Edison this year. Matt Lopez has had a great off season and will be the featured linebacker for the Chargers. He will be instrumental in stopping the running game of opposing offenses. In the secondary, Edison has a talented group of defensive backs that
will stifle enemy passing attacks. Jared Schnoor is a fast defender who will take away any downfield threats, and make route running difficult for wide receivers. Carson Schmidt is a consistently reliable defender and versatile player, who can pretty much play anywhere the Chargers need him too in the secondary. Carson Daniels is a speedy defensive back who can frustrate opposing quarterbacks with his ability to cover and contain wide receivers. He is an extremely gifted athlete and will greatly contribute to the success Edison will have on defense this season.
If and when the Chargers need a good punt, they will rely on Nico Bammer. In addition to playing football, Nico also plays soccer for Edison. In the battle for field position, which is so crucial to a team’s success, Bammer will provide the Chargers with a punting game that will put opposing offenses well into their own territory.
Daniel Morris School AD
Rich
Boyce Booster PresidentChris Brown Home Stadium
Huntington Beach High School, ‘Cap’ Sheue Field
NOAH THOMPSON, DT/TE
MAKAI SAGIAO, OL
LOGAN SHILL, OL
Brian Pearsall Defensive Coordinator
Kayvan Aminzadeh Wide Receivers
Mark Cunningham Defensive Backs
Teddy Barber Defensive Line
Ryan Ketcham Linebackers
Dennis Wilbanks Offensive Line
Head Coach: Kevin Hettig
Matt Wagner Defensive Backs
Bob Hettig Offensive Assistant
John Griffin Defensive Backs & Frosh Head Coach
Aaron Stacker Special Teams & Running Backs
Breck Climmer Tight Ends & Outside Linebackers
Clay Kennedy Offensive Line
David Rasor (QB) UC Davis, Brady Sarkisian (LB) Texas, Cooper Hoch (WR) San Jose State, Evan Sanders (RB), Trent Merriman (TE), Chase Horton (OL), Ryan Nielsen (LB), Mason Kubichek (LB) Chapman, Kaulin Post (LB) Chapman, Oliver Ayala (DB), AIden Walsh (DB)
Colin Pene (RB/LB), Zachary Guiliano (TE), Russell Weir (WR), Christian Brooks (LB), Kaleb Annett (QB)
Battle of the Bay v.s. Newport Harbor, Friday 10/20/23
A new era has begun but expect much of the same. Coach Hettig will be entering his first season as the head coach. Coach Hettig will be replacing Dan O’Shea where he previously served as his offensive coordinator. CDM has enjoyed a great amount of success in recent years winning state, CIF and league championships. The Sea Kings will be making another run at a championship season. Perhaps one of the most impressive accomplishments for the Sea Kings is their dominance in the Battle of the Bay rival game against Newport Harbor. The Sea Kings have won it 10 straight years and would love nothing more than to make it 11. A key early test for the Sea Kings will take place week two against Cypress as two of the top quarterbacks in the state will be squaring off.
With David Rasor graduating and moving onto play collegiate Football at U.C. Davis, Kaleb Annett, an extremely gifted field general with an excellent arm, will get the opportunity to take over the offense for the Sea Kings under first year Head Coach and creative Offensive Coordinator Kevin Hettig. Returning for his senior season is 2022 First-Team All Sunset League wide receiver Russell Weir, who will be a big target for Annett. At running back, Corona del Mar has three gifted rushers who will make significant contributions. Owen Sanders is a physical running back who can create space and has the ability, as well as the skills, to turn what appears to be a gain of a couple of yards into a gain of many yards. Wyatt Lucas is a shifty running back, is particularly good at making catches out of the backfield, adding yet another wrinkle in the Sea Kings offensive attack. Colin Pene, who was Second-Team All-Sunset League last season, is not afraid of contact, is blessed with great field vision, and has the ability to find extra yards. Additionally, 2022 Second-Team All-Sunset League award recipient Zachary Guiliano is back at tight end for the Sea Kings, not only giving them another gifted player who can make catches, but also has the ability to provide additional blocking for the Sea Kings running attack. The offensive line will be led by Jacob Bouda who started at Guard last season, but will now move to center. Look for Bouda to give the Sea Kings the advantage on the line, creating openings for the running game. Head Coach Kevin Hettig says that Bouda commands the line of scrimmage and will be a great center. The Sea Kings offense promises to be fast paced, entertaining, and high scoring this season.
The Sea Kings will once again put a “stout” defense on the field in 2023. Oliver Ayala, who was the 2022 Sunset League defensive back of the year, graduated, but not to worry Sea King fans, because Thomas Telesco, a returning starter from last season’s squad is back. Telesco patrols the secondary with command. He knows where to be, and when to arrive. He is a solid and intelligent defender, who tackles with ferocity, and can make a big play when it is needed most. Telasco will make completing passes extremely difficult for opposing quarterbacks this season. Fortunately for the Sea Kings, Christian Brooks, 2022 Sunset League Co-Linebacker of the Year is back. Brooks creates all types of havoc for opposing offenses. A gifted linebacker who has the ability to disrupt run plays, fit and fill in gaps, and stop offenses cold at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield. He is able to recognize passing lanes and routes as well, providing additional pass coverage for Corona del Mar. He is a complete linebacker who knows the game well, and exudes leadership in everything he does on the field. Joining him at linebacker is Colin Pene. Defensively, Pene helps the Sea Kings with his ability to play physical and make tackles. Pene was a Second-Team All Sunset League selection last season. Up front on the defensive line for the Sea Kings is the extremely gifted athlete Braden McKinney. Look for him to plug gaps to both sides of the field, prohibiting other teams from advancing the ball on the ground. McKinney’s athleticism will also enable him to be an effective and disruptive
pass rusher as well, which will disrupt the timing of enemy quarterbacks. The Sea Kings defensive unit is loaded with talent and will make moving the ball extremely challenging for rival offenses this year.
Like last season, the Sea Kings have an extremely gifted and talented athlete in Collin Pene on their squad. Pene is known for his exceptional abilities at running back and linebacker. He is also a very gifted soccer player for Corona del Mar. So it would only make sense that he would be both the kicker and the punter that the Sea Kings will again rely upon this season. Expect to see Pene on the field at all times for Corona del Mar. Pene who can not only get into the endzone carrying or catching the ball, he will also tack on the extra point afterwards. He provides Corona del Mar with an extra scoring weapon by being able to connect on field goals from various distances as well. His punting abilities will ensure that the Corona del Mar defense will start deep in the opposing offense’s territory. Look for the Sea Kings Special Teams to make many positive contributions this season.
Jacob Haley
School AD
Brain Walsh
Booster President
Dan Lane Home Stadium
Newport Harbor High School, Davidson Field
COLIN PENE, LB/RB/K
CHRISTIAN BROOKS, LB
RUSSELL WEIR, WR
JOSIAH LAMARQUE, WR/DB
Brian McHugh Offensive Line
Kevin Emerson Offensive Coordinator
Andre Velazquez Wide Receivers
Sean Donovan Defensive Backs
Alex Gutierrez Defensive Line
Ray Huizar Quarterbacks
Matt Burns Defensive Coordinator
Kap Olsen Defensive Backs
Chase McAfee Linebackers
Eddie Steele Strength & Conditioning
Ryan O’Donnell Equipment Manager
Emily Regitz Coachs' Assistant
Heather Martin Certified Athletic Trainer
KEY DEPARTURES:
Kashton Henjum (WR) Utah, Carson de Avila (DB) Navy, Colton Joseph (QB) Old Dominion, Trey Regitz (DL) Wheaton, Garrett Emerson (DB), Robby Crowell (LB) Chapman
KEY RETURNERS:
Josiah Lamarque (WR), Cameron Denoon (DL), David Flores (OL), Jacob Carlon (LB), Noe Avalos (P)
KEY ADDITIONS AND IMPACT PLAYERS:
Jordan Anderson (WR), Cade Fegel (WR/DB), Tanner Muir (LB), Tony Glynn (S), Daniel Flores (OL), David Flores (OL), Jaden O’Neal (QB) Bode Stefano (QB)
CAN MISS GAME:
Battle of the Bay v.s CDM, Friday 10/20
OUTLOOK “TIME FOR A LEAGUE TITLE”:
Newport Harbor has positioned the:mselves to take their program to the next level. With three straight trips to the CIF semi-finals and a CIF championship two years ago the only thing missing is finishing higher in the mighty tough Sunset League. Look for a big win this year vs. Edison, CdM or Los Alamitos (something that has not happened, yet, in the Lofthouse era). With the transferring in of key players combined and the local talent Coach Lofthouse has developed, the Sailors will be strong contenders in the competitive Sunset League. A week three match up with county superpower La Habra will give Sailor Nation a preview of what they can expect as league play approaches.
OFFENSE:
The Sailors graduated some talented seniors from last year’s team, but don’t worry Tar Nation. Returning for his senior season, Newport Harbor still has the gifted, talented, speedy and reliable wide receiver Josiah Lamarque, a First-Team All-Sunset League honoree in 2022. Jaden O’Neal, who transferred from Sunset League rival Los Alamitos, will duel Bode Stefano for the QB1 spot. But regardless of who is at the quarterback position, look for lots of touches by 4-year starter Lamarque. The Sailors will have a fun-to-watch and high-powered offense. The other featured wide receiver for the Sailors is Jordan Anderson, who transferred from Long Beach Millikan. Anderson, who committed to play football at The University of Oregon, led his team to the CIF Southern Section quarter finals last season. He is a versatile receiver who is a great route runner, and will make tough catches look easy. He has great hands, gets into open space well, and knows how to find the endzone. At running back, the Sailors have several athletes who can move the ball. Aiden Hunt will also be one of the ball carriers that can pick up quick yardage, while Jagger Blauwkamp, will keep opposing defenses on alert with his ability to pick up yards. Expect Josiah Lamarque to also get some carries in the back field, giving the Sailors even more options on offense. The offensive line will be secured and led by David Flores, who was a Second-Team All-Sunset League award recipient last season. The 6’3, 290 pound lineman is a skilled and accomplished pass blocker, and can create openings for the Sailor ground game as well. The other key blocker on the offensive line will be none other than Daniel Flores, the
identical twin brother of David. Daniel is an athletic blocker that will create clean lanes for the running game, while providing the Sailors with the time they need to effectively throw the ball. Look for the Flores twins to be instrumental in helping the high powered offense of the Sailors effectively move the ball this season.
DEFENSE:
Newport Harbor returns several key players on the defensive side of the ball for 2023. Cam Denoon, who is a solid run defender, and great pass rusher, was awarded for his efforts last season by being given Second-Team All-Sunset League honors. As a senior and leader on the defense, look for Denoon to be disruptive to both the passing and running games of opposing offenses. At linebacker, Newport Harbor will be led by senior Jacob Carlon, who is an adroit football player with the capability to diagnose opposing plays, and therefore prevent enemy offenses from moving the ball. With his skill and expertise, Carlon will be a force on the field for the Sailors this season. The secondary for Newport Harbor is a skillful group who understands how to effectively stop an opposing offense’s passing game. Josiah Lamarque, Tony Glynn, Cade Fegel and Jordan Anderson all are solid coverage defenders, and fly around the field making it additional difficult for other offenses to move the ball. The Sailors defense will be solid this year.
Field position is of paramount importance in the game of Football, so when you return the 2022 Sunset League Punter of the Year to your squad for another season, you have to feel pretty secure and confident about your team’s ability to win the battle for field position. Noe Avalos has a big foot that will pin teams deep in their own territory. Avalos is extremely skilled and has the ability to punt the ball exactly where he wants to punt it. The Sailors return their gifted kicker Jon Richardson, who routinely can hit 55 yard field goals if needed. Snapping the ball to the legs will be long snapping specialist Jimmy Lavin. An accurate and returning long snapper, Lavin will be very reliable, giving the kickers time and confidence. At punt and kickoff return, look for none other than Josiah Lamarque to have those responsibilities. A fast, extremely gifted athlete, Lamarque will not only get the Sailors into great field position with his kickoff and punt returns alike, but into the endzone also.
Sean Boulton
School AD
Jerry Murray
Booster President
Jason Lavin
Home Stadium
Newport Harbor High School, Davidson Field
Live Stream Info
Tar TV
CAM DENOON, OL/DL
JIMMY LAVIN, DE/LS
JACOB CARLON, LB
NATHAN DUMESNIL, DB
Diego Segura Co-Defensive Coordinator
Greg Olquin Offensive Line
Josh Jordan Wide Receivers
Jermiah Flanagan Wide Receivers
Joe Wysocki Running Backs
Chris Estrada Co-Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers
Head Coach: Brett Brown
Brad Hornback Defensive Backs
Jeff Fullerton Defensive Backs
Peter Kim Defensive Line
Alex Algata Defensive Line, Strength Coach, & Special Teams
Jonah Del Rosario Wide Receivers
KEY DEPARTURES:
Nicholas Lobada (LB), AJ Vandermade (WR), Nathan Tauanuu (LB), Dylan Wever (DL), Daunte Bell (QB)
KEY RETURNERS:
Brandon Soleau (LB/DB), Zachary James (DB), Tyler Young (DB), Jaxson Brown (RB), Justin Tauanuu (OL), Sean Marella (OL), Nathan Dumesnil (DB), Hunter Gray (WR), Musachi Ray (WR), Jack Geraccitano (NT, WR)
KEY ADDITIONS AND IMPACT PLAYERS: Brady Edmunds (QB)
CAN MISS GAME:
At Edison, Friday 10/6
OUTLOOK “READY FOR THE NEXT STEP UP”:
Last season the Oilers got off to a hot start winning five of their first seven games, allowing them to qualify for the playoffs. In the first round they lost a very competitive game to Orange High School. Coach Brown’s squad will look to improve on last year’s success. This year’s schedule will have the Oilers battle tested before league play with key back to back games at Capo Valley and Trabuco Hills. With the return of many key players and a physical philosophy, the Oilers will most certainly be competitive in league play and make a run in the playoffs.
OFFENSE:
It all starts upfront for the Oilers in 2023, as Justin Tauanuu (Nathan’s younger brother), the Co-Offensive Lineman
of the year in the Sunset League last season, returns for his senior year. Tauanuu may be the best offensive lineman in the Sunset League this year, if not the county. Already committed to playing collegiately at Stanford, Tauanuu is an extremely skilled big man who provides excellent run blocking for the Oilers, but can also give his quarterback the time needed to effectively distribute the ball through the air. Tauanuu is a dominant force on the gridiron, and will be the leader of what looks to be a fast paced, fun and high tempo offense for the Oilers. Look for Sean Marella, who is skilled at run and pass blocking, to be an impact player on the offensive line as well for Huntington Beach. Making his debut at quarterback for Huntington Beach will be Brady Edmunds. The gifted freshman signal caller has the ability to pass with deft skill, whether it be in a short yardage situation or one that requires him to throw the deep ball down field. He is agile and can run the ball when necessary. His size and skill set are going to create problems for opposing defenses. Jack Geraccitano will be a key fixture on offense for the Oilers, as he can both run and catch the ball effectively, gaining valuable yards for the Oilers. That is of course when Geraccitano is not playing on the defensive line at nose tackle. That’s right, Geraccitano will play on both sides of the ball. He is a tough, strong football player who made some key contributions last season, and looks to make even more for the Oilers this season. Hunter Gray returns for his senior season, and should make some key contributions to the Oiler air attack. He is a solid route runner who should have many opportunities to get the ball this year. Musachi Ray is another talented receiver that will be instrumental in moving the ball for the Oilers. He adds another
wrinkle to the Oiler offense that will help stifle opposing defenses. Of course a great offense has to have a great running back, and the Oilers have found one in Jaxson Brown. Brown is a big, bruising runner who is hard to bring to the ground. He will be instrumental in short yardage and goal line situations, but also has the ability to break through the line for big yardage gains. He should have a big role in the 2023 Huntington Beach Offensive attack.
DEFENSE:
The Oilers bring back 2022 Second-Team All Sunset League honoree Brandon Soleau to their defense. Soleau is a gifted athlete who can and does play anywhere on the defensive side of the ball. He is a highly skilled linebacker who patrols the field, but can also be utilized as an effective defensive back. If needed, he can also play defensive end. Look for him to be a big part of the success the Oilers will have on defense this year. Zachary James and Tyler Young, both Second-Team All Sunset League award recipients last season, will be instrumental in shutting down opposing receivers this year. James has the ability to cover receivers in space and is highly effective at defending passes. Young adds to the Huntington Beach defense by being a reliable cover guy who can tackle well. Zach James is a skilled safety who will take away any potential deep threats from opposing Quarterbacks, helping to ensure that opposing offenses will not be able to move the ball on the Oilers. Nathan Dumesnil is another talented defensive back that will help
the Oilers be a formidable defense that will be extremely difficult to throw against. Up front on the Defensive Line is Jack Geraccitano. Yes, the same Jack Geraccitano that you will see catching passes at wide receiver on offense for the Oilers. At nose tackle, Geraccitano will plug up any gaps to either side of the Center. He will be an impact player on the line who will have many tackles this season, while disrupting opposing offensive run schemes.
Huntington Beach will utilize both the kicking and punting skills of junior Mattheo Zavala this season on Special Teams. Wide receiver and defensive back Musachi Ray will return kicks, as well as punts for the Oilers this season. Ray will provide the Oilers with advantageous field position due to his ability to elude tacklers. Steel Kurtz will also have the opportunity to return kickoffs and field punts for Huntington Beach. Kurtz, a sophomore, gives the Oilers another specialist that has the ability to make some significant contributions to what is a gifted and adept Special Teams group.
School Principal
Daniel Morris
School AD
Melissa Vandenbosch
Booster President
Gabe Stubin
Home Stadium
Huntington Beach High School, ‘Cap’
Sheue Field
JUSTIN TAUANUU, OL/DL
JAXSON BROWN, LB/FB
SEAN MARELLA, OL/DL
ZACK JAMES, DB
HAYDEN ESPINOZA, WR/DB
Coaching Staff
Trevor Martin Defensive Coordinator
Latrell Flowers Running Backs
Emerson Alava Offensive Line
Evan Huahula Defensive Line
KEY DEPARTURES:
Ben Pham (RB), Cain Elroy (LB) Golden West, Matthew Mena (OL) Golden West, Abdel Habibeh (RB), Michael Rocha (DL), Kyle Nguyen (WR/CB)
KEY RETURNERS:
Nolan Olivares (WR), Luke Taylor (WR), Noa Banua (QB), Cameron Shepherd (OL/DL) Hayden Espinoza (CB/WR)
KEY ADDITIONS AND IMPACT PLAYERS:
CJ Grover (WR/DB), Jordan Anderson (WR/DB), Soljah Ahfook (OL), Gabriel Regalado(RB), Gavin Wang (LB)
The Bell Game v.s. Edison, Friday 10/20
Coach Guiterrez has seen his team’s record improve every year since taking over. Last season the Barrons came out of the gates swinging, going 4 and 1 in non league play. The team missed the playoffs by just one game. This year coach Guiterrez will look to continue to build off of that success. Playing in the Sunset League is a massive challenge for any team. However with the return of last year’s starting quarterback Noa Banua, and all league Wide Receiver Nolan Olivares the Barons will have an opportunity to continue to compete and win. Fountain Valley’s core values, “Blue Pride, Courage, Faith, and Physical Football” are what guides them and what will take them to the next level.
Dakota Lambert Defensive Backs
Russell Washington Defensive Backs
Ryan Washington Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks
The Barons will be led on offense by Noa Banua who had a great season last year. Banua has actively been putting in the work this off season attending various showcase camps to take his game, skills, and the Baron’s offense to the next level. He has a talented core of wide receivers that will be instrumental in putting points on the scoreboard. Luke Taylor, one of the toughest players around, as was evidenced by him continuing to play last season in spite of a broken collar bone, will run efficient routes that will create clear passing lanes for Banua. Nolan Oliveras, who earned a Second-Team All Sunset League selection in 2022, is a gifted and talented wide receiver who will create match up problems for defenses with his route running and ability to make difficult catches look easy. Hayden Espinoza provides Banua as yet another gifted wide receiver who has the ability to make big plays. At running back this season, the Barons will feature Gabriel Regalado, who should provide Fountain Valley with a strong and effective ground attack. C.J. Grover and Jordan Anderson will be key additions to the offense for the Barons. Look for these two wide receivers to make contributions to the Baron attack often and early. Of course no offense is successful without a great offensive line. The Barons will be led up front by Cameron Sheppard and Soljah Ahfook. Whether the Barons Offensive Coordinator Ryan Washington decides to run the ball or throw it, these two talented offensive linemen will ensure that the Barons are able to move the ball down the field and into the endzone.
DEFENSE:
On defense, the Barons will rely heavily on Cameron Sheppard on the defensive line. Sheppard, who also plays offensive line, has a great understanding and knowledge of blocking schemes, which will enable him to be an effective run stopper, and pass rusher. Gavin Wang is a gifted linebacker who can read and disrupt offense’s plays, and make tackles. He can play sideline to sideline prohibiting opposing offenses from moving the ball. The Barons have a highly skilled secondary to shut down opposing passing games. Hayden Espinoza is a leader both in and off the field, and his ability to recognize various passing scheme concepts will be instrumental in helping the Barons maintain a tough defense. C.J. Grover can cover a lot of area on the field, and will provide solid coverage for Fountain Valley. Look for Jordan Anderson to be a key contributor to the Fountain Valley secondary this season as well.
Handling both the kicking and punting duties for Fountain Valley this season will be Nolan Oliveras. The gifted wide receiver is also an exceptional kicker and punter who will put points on the scoreboard, while pinning rival offenses deep in their own territory. Luke Taylor, the speedy wide receiver for the Barons will not only handle the kick off return responsibilities, but the job of being the punt returner as well. With his speed, agility, and football acumen, look for Taylor to get the Fountain Valley offense favorable field position, while also having the ability to get into the endzone for the Barons.
School Principal
Paul Lopez
School AD
Roger Holmes
Booster President
Chris Tomko
Home Stadium
Huntington Beach High School - “Cap”
Sheue Field
CAMERON SHEPHERD, OL/DL
LUKE TAYLOR, WR/DB
