2015 Dolphin Football Preview by Dana Point Times

2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Dolphins Reenergized Young Dolphins roster enters 2015 with new look and new head coach By Steve Breazeale The offseason for the Dana Hills High School football team was one filled with change. Following a season that saw the Dolphins win one game and go winless in the competitive South Coast League, former head coach Todd Rusinkovich resigned. When looking for a replacement, the school’s administration did not have to look very far. Phil Skinner, who has been an assistant coach with the program since 2006, was named the new head coach. Skinner and his coaching staff have had to go through a wide array of obstacles in order to get the team ready for the upcoming season. A large amount of seniors graduated from last year’s team and a key defensive player, linebacker Corey Selenski, transferred to nearby JSerra Catholic. On top of that, Skinner wanted to implement a new, up-tempo offense. The young Dolphins team that returns 12 players with experience from last year had to hit the ground running. “The kids have really risen to the challenge … There’s obviously learning curves every time you’re the new head guy. They’ve not only met the expectations, they’ve exceeded them,” Skinner said. Skinner wants his offense operating in double time. From the time the play ends, the Dolphins are looking to get their next play off in 17 seconds or less. It’s a system the coaching staff feels best suits their personnel and style. The Dolphins are not the biggest team on paper but have multiple weapons with speed at their disposal. Among the fastest players on the team is senior running back Connor McCloud, who was a bright spot on offense last year. McCloud played in nine games, carrying the ball 64 times for a team-high 512 yards and three touchdowns. He was also a threat on special teams as a kick returner, averaging just over 20 yards per return. McCloud will remain in that role this season and will return to man one of the team’s starting cornerback spots. “(McCloud) is a special player. He’s got those cuts. He’s quick and he has the feet and the legwork to make some people miss,” Skinner said. Joining McCloud in the backfield will be sophomore quarterback Corey Cisowski. Skinner said the Dolphins will use several different packages on offense and when the play calls for a man under center, Cisowski will be that pocket passer. Junior Charlie Bortnick, who will play receiver and safety, will also get time at quarterback in different

Dana Hills High School football players run through a tackling drill during practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale

packages. One major change from last year will be an emphasis on special teams, according to Skinner. The first-year head coach’s practice plan regularly has a large chunk of it devoted to special teams, where players like McCloud and junior David Dylan Arrone will be unleashed as returners. One word that kept popping up at Dolphins training camp was “aggressive”. Skinner used it while describing the special

“I think they work very well together. With that, we’re able to disguise coverages and play little games with that,” Skinner said. “We try to get takeaways, so they have the green light. They’re going to go for the ball; they’re going to ball hawk a little bit. Playing safe is one thing and playing aggressive is another. I like them going after it.” The Dolphins schedule remains a daunting one this season, with tough early games slated against rival San Clemente and

“We try to get takeaways, so they have the green light. They’re going to go for the ball; they’re going to ball hawk a little bit. Playing safe is one thing and playing aggressive is another. I like them going after it.” —Phil Skinner

teams, the offense and especially when describing the team’s secondary, which returns three players with experience. McCloud, Bortnick and junior cornerback Ryder Lynch all patrolled the secondary together last season and have built up a bit of chemistry as a result. Skinner has been encouraging the trio to use their athleticism and gamble a bit in hopes of making a game-changing play.

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 3

reigning CIF-SS Southern Division champion Garden Grove. Things will only get tougher when Dana Hills heads into South Coast League play and a league-opening tilt against Mission Viejo on Oct. 9. For a good amount of players on the Dolphins roster, this will be the first time they play against the caliber of teams that lurk in the South Coast League. For the young returning players, like Bortnick, that quality of

Dana Hills senior running back Connor McCloud looks to lead the offense in 2015. Photo: Steve Breazeale

opposition is all they have known. Bortnick’s first varsity game was against the Diablos as a sophomore last season. Bortnick, along with his other young and experienced teammates, are using that knowledge to fuel their drive in 2015. “We’re pretty experienced. We’ve played against the best teams that we’re going to play (this year). We know what’s happening and we just have to get all of the other guys on the same page,” Bortnick said. Dana Hills will open their season on the road against Tustin on Aug. 28. www.danapointtimes.com

2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

FIVE

to watch

OFFENSE

1 Charlie Bortnick

2 Connor McCloud

Head coach Phil Skinner pegged Bortnick as a crucial player for the Dolphins, given his ability to play multiple positions. Where Bortnick will make an impact on offense will be at wide receiver as well as at quarterback, where the coaching staff plans to unleash his speed and athleticism. Bortnick will also play defensive back.

McCloud is positioned to be the Dolphins’ most potent offensive weapon this season. The senior tailback stands at only 5 feet 7 inches tall but possesses breakaway speed. McCloud, who will also be the team’s leading kick returner, will likely increase his output of 64 carries, 512 yards and three touchdowns from one year ago.

The sophomore quarterback has impressed the Dolphins coaching staff over the offseason to the point that he has earned the job as the team’s starter. When the Dolphins deploy an offensive package that requires a man under center, Cisowski will be the guy. Skinner said Cisowski has already stepped into the leadership role the position demands.

1 Christian Cortez

2 Evan Hershman

Christian Cortez will start on both sides of the ball for the Dolphins and will be deployed at defensive end. Skinner said Cortez has a knack for finding the football and isn’t afraid of contact.

Hershman spent a lot of time in the weight room this offseason, according to Skinner. At 5 feet 7 inches, he will not be the tallest linebacker in the league, but Skinner said Hershman makes up for it by being a big hitter.

3 Gavin Pappagalo 4 Jacob Herttua

WR/QB (No. 7) Jr.

RB (No. 5) Sr.

3 Corey Cisowski QB (No. 14) Soph.

4 Jakub Podgorski 5 Ryder Lynch OL (No. 63) Sr.

At 6 feet tall and weighing 300 pounds, Podgorski will be among the biggest and more experienced linemen up front pacing the way for the Dolphins offense. Skinner said Podgorski is a “XXL-sized” player and will by a physical presence at the line of scrimmage.

WR (No. 1) Jr.

Lynch will be another one of the Dolphins players who will start on both sides of the ball. Lynch has speed and athleticism and has settled in to the role of being one of the Dolphins’ top receiving options. Lynch will also roam the secondary as a safety on defense.

DEFENSE

DL (No. 90) Sr.

LB (No. 17) Sr.

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 4

DB (No. 87) Soph.

Pappagalo, a sophomore, is poised to be a playmaker on both sides of the ball this season. On defense, Skinner said Pappagalo has the ability to elevate and snag interceptions, which fits in with the aggressive style of play Skinner wants his defense to be known for. He will also be featured at wide receiver.

DL (No. 77) Jr.

Herttua is the team’s resident pass-rush specialist. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 210 pounds, Herttua has the size necessary to disrupt at the line of scrimmage. Skinner said the junior has been working on learning new pass-rush moves throughout training camp.

5 Juan Moreira LB (No. 52) Sr.

Moreira played for the Dolphins as a sophomore and moved away for his junior year. Now that he is back in town, the senior has returned to the program and settled in at the middle linebacker spot. Moreira will be tasked with being a defensive leader at his pivotal position.

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2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Dolphin

2015/2016 TEAM ROSTER

TALK

Name

Position

Height

Weight

Grade

Ryder Lynch

CB,WR

185

Jacob Phillips

WR/DB

5’10

150

Julian Casillas

RB/TE/LB

175

Connor McCloud

RB/DB

5’7

160

David DylanAronne

RB/LB

190

Charlie Bortnick

WR/DB/QB

5’10

180

Zack Schuman

WR/LS

5’10

160

Nick Schuman

QB/LS

5’10

140

Evan Snibbe

5’11

150

Luke Salari

WR/DB

5’8

145

Corey Cisowski

6’2

185

Evan Hershman

WR/LB

5’7

180

Jayden Smith

RB/DB

5’9

145

Blake Rubio

WR/LB

5’8

140

Joe Wilske

WR/DB

160

Erik Hoostal

WR/LS

135

Jake Haynes

WR/DB

5’6

120

Joe Rice

RB/LB

5’9

180

Evan Oliver

5’7

140

Jack Oliver

RB/LB

5’6

180

Jacob Rowley

RB/LB

5’7

180

Erik Jaksch

WR/DB

165

Andrew Davis

RB/LB

5’10

145

Eddie Wood

TE/DL

6’2

210

Dana Hills junior Charlie Bortnick will play receiver, quarterback and safety for the Dolphins this season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Cameron Stairs

TE/DL

5’10

200

O’Shea Smith

245

Q&A with junior jack of all trades Charlie Bortnick

Harry Solakian

OL/DL

5’8

200

Juan Moreira

OL/LB

6’1

180

Watching Charlie Bortnick practice with the Dana Hills football team can be a dizzying experience. The junior wide receiver, safety and quarterback rarely leaves the field and when he does, it’s only for a water break. Bortnick emerged last season during South Coast League play, where he earned his first starting job at safety when the Dolphins played Mission Viejo. In four league games Bortnick recorded 18 tackles and recovered a fumble. With the Dolphins lacking in the experience department this season, Bortnick’s role has been changed drastically. The Dana Point Times caught up with Bortnick at a training camp practice this week to get his thoughts on the upcoming season and how the team has adapted to the offseason changes.

not knowing what was going to happen with the program … We’re looking better, still rebuilding but it should be good. This year we should have a better season than last.

Christopher Gabriel

RB/LB

5’9

185

Diego Avila

OL/DL

5’8

220

Davis Degroote

OL/DL

5’10

165

Tommy Bortnick

OL/DL

5’9

195

Jakub Podgorski

OL/DL

305

James Gault

OL/DL

230

Christion Pouchie

OL/DL

5’10

225

Marcus Cobb

OL/DL

6’2

270

CB: It’s harder to learn a new offense, but I think everyone is picking that up … It’s fast but we’ve been conditioning, trying to get our stamina up. It’s fitting pretty well. (Up-tempo offense) is kind of in right now. Oregon has had some success with it as well as some other college teams and it’s even moving up to the NFL right now. It can’t hurt if it’s working (there).

Hunter Steele

OL/DL

6’1

210

Dylan Patton

OL/DL

6’5

265

Dan Jelladian

OL/DL

220

Jakob Herttua

OL/DL

6’4

210

Mikah Kott

OL/DL

5’10

260

DJ Moynahan

OL/DL

6’2

270

Eric Fellenzer

TE/K/P

6’4

200

Brandon Oswald

WR/DB

5’11

160

Dana Point Times: After going 1-9 last year, what does the returning group of upperclassmen want to accomplish this season?

DPT: What is it going to take for this team to compete with the top programs in the South Coast League?

Gavin Pappagalo

WR/DB

6’2

180

Paul Topps

TE/LB

5’11

180

Christian Cortez

TE/DL

6’2

205

CB: Just hype from the fans, the community and a lot of positive energy … Just getting the mental mindset and being mentally and physically tough.

Tristan Bonetto

OL/K

250

Gerson Plata

5’10

225

Daniel Wright

TE/LB

5’10

200

Noah Baker

OL/DL

6’7

290

Zed Sayo

OL/DL

5’11

225

Charlie Bortnick: Redemption. We wanted to get back into it and win more games. Everyone was kind of down and our coach left so we were all in a little bit of disarray,

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 4

DPT: Coach Skinner has incorporated an up-tempo offense. How has the team adapted to learning the new playbook and style?

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2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEASON SCHEDULE AND GAME PREVIEWS GAME ONE

AUGUST 28

Tustin Location: Tustin Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Winter Welz League: Empire 2014-2015 record: 6-5 (3-2 league) 2014-2015 vs.DHHS: Win, 20-14 Season Outlook: Tustin head coach Winter Welz appears to have righted the Tillers’ ship following a disappointing 2013 season. In his first full year at the helm, Tustin went 6-4 overall and returned to the playoffs. A big reason for the Tillers’ success was the emergence of soon to be senior quarterback Alema Pilimai, a 6-foot-4-inch dual threat out of the backfield. Pilimai has offers from both BYU and Oregon State. Junior running back Derek Soto also returns. Tustin was the No. 3 team out of the Empire League last season and could better their position this year given their depth.

GAME SIX

OCTOBER 2

Cypress Location: Cypress Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Rick Feldman League: Empire 2014-2015 record: 8-3 (4-1 league) 2014-2015 vs.DHHS: Win, 34-16 Season Outlook: Under the guidance of first-year head coach Rick Feldman, Cypress finished second in the Empire League and advanced to the playoffs. The team had several standout playmakers in 2014 but many of them were seniors. The young Centurions return senior receiver Josh Gutierrez and junior receiver Isaiah Parra. Cypress will have a difficult league schedule and will have to battle with Tustin and reigning league champion Valencia if they want to return to the playoffs for a third straight year.

GAME TWO

SEPTEMBER 4

Corona del Mar Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Dan O’Shea League: Pacific Coast 2014-2015 record: 10-2 (5-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 37-0 Season Outlook: Corona del Mar’s defense helped power them to a Pacific Coast League title and an appearance in the second round of the CIF-SS Southwest Division playoffs in 2014. The Sea Kings’ defense held opponents to 14 points or less nine times last year, including four shutouts. Many of those defensive standouts, like Parker Chase, are gone. The team’s offense, however, should look similar to last year’s version. Junior Chase Garbers and senior Peter Bush both saw significant playing time at quarterback last season but Bush eventually transitioned into the role of wide receiver to make way for Garbers.

GAME SEVEN

OCTOBER 9

Mission Viejo Location: Mission Viejo Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Bob Johnson League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 12-2 (4-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 34-7 Season Outlook: After starting out their 2014 campaign with back to back losses, Mission Viejo flipped the switch and barnstormed their way to the South Coast League and CIF-SS West Valley Division titles. Mission Viejo will have several key players returning in 2015, like senior quarterback Brock Johnson, offensive lineman Zack Aylor and defensive lineman Carter Hartmann. The Diablos will also have Colin and Brenden Schooler, two new transfers, on the roster. The brothers helped Trabuco Hills win the CIF-SS Southwest Division last year and both were All-CIF selections.

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 7

GAME THREE

SEPTEMBER 11

San Clemente Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Jaime Ortiz League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 12-2 (4-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 49-21 Season Outlook: San Clemente comes into the season with 12 returning starters from last year’s Sea View League championship team. The Tritons also appeared in the CIF-SS Southwest Division title game, where they fell to Trabuco Hills. With seven starters returning on offense, including the running back tandem of senior Vlad Dzhabiyev and junior Brandon Reaves, the Tritons are poised to continue putting up a lot of points on the scoreboard. San Clemente is still searching for its quarterback to replace Sam Darnold, who is now at USC. Junior Jack Sears, who has an offer from Utah, figures to be the starter.

GAME EIGHT

OCTOBER 23

Tesoro Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Matt Poston League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 9-3 (3-1 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 52-12 Season Outlook: Tesoro continued their success under head coach Matt Poston in 2014, highlighted by a second-place finish in the South Coast League and an appearance in the second round of the CIF-SS West Valley Division playoffs. The Titans depth in 2015 has them positioned for another playoff push. On offense, the Titans return two of their star playmakers, quarterback Devon Modster and running back Anthony Battista. Modster, a University of Arizona commit, threw for 2,602 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing only nine interceptions. Battista is a fast, workhorse-type back who carried the ball 183 times for 845 yards last season.

GAME FOUR

SEPTEMBER 18

Aliso Niguel Location: Aliso Niguel Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Kurt Westling League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 4-6 (1-3 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: DNP Season Outlook: The bright spot in Aliso Niguel’s 2014 campaign was the youth on the roster getting valuable playing time at important positions. The Wolverines took their lumps and went 4-6 overall last season, defeating one-win Laguna Hills for their lone Sea View League victory. Several players return for Aliso Niguel this season, including senior quarterback Nick Chapman. Chapman had a strong connection with graduated senior Remy Wasserbach last season and will need to find that same chemistry with a new crop of wide outs in 2015.

GAME NINE

OCTOBER 30

San Juan Hills Location: San Juan Hills Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Aaron Flowers League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 4-7 (1-3 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: The Stallions were tasked with performing on a big stage last year after being moved up from the Sea View League to the South Coast League for the first time in program history. The wins were hard to come by, but the team was able to scrape together a strong enough resume to earn a bid into the CIFSS West Valley Division playoffs. Standout senior quarterback and Nebraska commit Patrick O’Brien will be the Stallions’ lynchpin to success this season. O’Brien, who competed in the Elite 11 quarterback competition this offseason, is a dual-threat quarterback with a big 6-foot4-inch, 215-pound frame and a strong arm.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

GAME FIVE

SEPTEMBER 24

Garden Grove Location: Garden Grove Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Ricardo Cepeda League: Garden Grove 2014-2015 record: 13-1 (5-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 14-12 Season Outlook: Garden Grove had a stellar defense last season and returns many of the pieces that led them to a CIF-SS Southern Division championship. Returning to the mix on defense is Malik Bilal, who had 81 total tackles and two sacks last season. Returning seniors Daniel Orellana had 94 tackles and defensive lineman Nathan Garcia contributed 45 tackles and five sacks. The Argonauts will have to find a new quarterback but if last year was an indication, returning senior running back Jordan Antunez will get a lot of carries and power the offense. Antunez rushed for 1,747 yards, averaging eight yards per carry, and 19 touchdowns as a junior.

GAME TEN

NOVEMBER 6

El Toro Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Mike Mayoral League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 8-4 (2-2 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 35-7 Season Outlook: Prolific is the best word to describe the El Toro offense of 2014. Starting quarterback Trey Tinsley threw for 3,855 yards and 33 touchdowns as the Chargers offense averaged 327 yards receiving and 120.1 yards rushing per game. Tinsley, along with all of his top receivers, has graduated, leaving the spot up for grabs. El Toro will play tough games early in their schedule (La Habra, Corona del Mar) before heading into the stacked South Coast League. Mike Mayoral, the Chargers longtime defensive coordinator, replaced Rob Frith as head coach over the offseason.