2015 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Unfinished Business After a 12-2 season, the San Clemente High School football team readies for another playoff push By Steve Breazeale The San Clemente High School football team’s focus last year was putting the program back on the map of the prep sports landscape after winning only two games in 2013. They accomplished that and then some. The Tritons barnstormed their way to a Sea View League title, won 12 games and appeared in the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship game in 2014. It was in the championship game, however, where they hit a snag. San Clemente was bested by league rival Trabuco Hills in a back-andforth bout that came down to the final minutes. The Mustangs, who the Tritons defeated earlier in the season for the league title, ended up with CIF rings. Now that they have returned the program to contender status, the veteran-heavy Triton program is focusing on taking things one step further after knowing what it feels like to get so close to the top. “We know we should have finished that (championship) game. Our whole mindset (this year) is just finishing,” senior offensive lineman Donté Harrington said. “In the championship game it came down to the last six minutes … It’s still a little bit of a sore spot to talk about. But there’s definitely something going on this season where we know that we put San Clemente back on the map with what we did last year, and it’s time to finish it.” San Clemente enters the season with 12 returning starters and five players who have Division I offers from collegiate programs. Seven players return to the high-powered offense that scored an average of 45 points per game in 2014. A large part of that production was due to graduated senior quarterback Sam Darnold, who had a recordbreaking season and is now playing at USC. But almost all of the pieces that surrounded Darnold are back. The running back tandem of senior Vlad Dzhabiyev and junior Brandon Reaves lived up to their “Thunder and Lightning” nicknames given to them by the coaching staff last season. Dzhabiyev earned Sea View League offensive MVP honors after rushing for 1,149 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught six passes and scored six times as a receiver. Dzhabiyev will be a focal point on offense but will also play linebacker on defense. Reaves rushed for 645 yards and 13 touchdowns and added seven more scores as a receiver. He also had several big plays returning kicks on special teams. Dzhabiyev remains the punishing, down-
San Clemente High School football players run through a tackling drill during practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale
hill runner in the duo, and Reaves has spent the offseason adding 10 pounds to his frame while maintaining his dynamic speed, according to head coach Jaime Ortiz. Ortiz said his team’s offensive line is the biggest the Tritons have fielded since 2011. Left guard Harrington (6-foot-3 inches, 285 pounds), senior left tackle Tucker Scott (6-foot-5, 275 pounds), a Utah commit, and center Noah Valovich (6-foot-1, 280 pounds) all started last year and return to
able to spread the ball around a little more and have a few more weapons that we had in the past,” Ortiz said. The quarterback who will replace Darnold has yet to be named. Senior Jack Sears, junior Sander Lush and sophomore Doug Jackson are all competing for the starting job, but it is Sears who has the slight edge so far, according to Ortiz. Sears, who Ortiz described as athletic and mobile, was the team’s backup last year and picked up an
“In the championship game it came down to the last six minutes … It’s still a little bit of a sore spot to talk about. But there’s definitely something going on this season where we know that we put San Clemente back on the map with what we did last year, and it’s time to finish it.” —Donté Harrington
lead the line. Add the Tritons two tight ends to the mix, 6-foot-5-inch senior Cole Fotheringham and 6-foot-4 junior Isaac Rex, and the Tritons have the makings of a large and physical front line. Fotheringham, a Utah commit who caught eight touchdown passes last year, presents even more options for the Tritons offense to run through. “This year I think we are a little more wellrounded. This year I think we’re going to be
San Clemente Times | Triton Football Preview | Page 3
offer from Utah during the offseason. Five starters return to the defense, including seniors Kevin Kling (cornerback), Andrew Frohner (safety) and Tanner Wright. The trio was a part of a Tritons secondary that recorded 15 interceptions last season. Wright will float in and out of the outside linebacker and safety positions. Replacing graduated senior linebacker Riley Whimpey’s school-record 172 total tackles in 2014 will not be easy, and Ortiz
and his staff will be rotating players like Wright, Dzhabiyev, juniors Ryan Russell and Riley Croft in at linebacker. As a whole, the Tritons defense is not as big as it was last season, which should put a different skill set in the spotlight. “We’re really focusing on our speed and ability to get to the ball fast. We don’t have the biggest kids but we do have the skill and speed to be good,” Wright said. Defensive end Liam Buhl and defensive tackle Nate Atkins will be mainstays at their positions. Ortiz said the defensive line will have a lot of personnel changes and movement in the early going. The Tritons competitive schedule remains almost entirely intact from last year, with the new additions being San Juan Hills and La Mirada. San Clemente has returned as a contender. A lot of the players on the roster now know what it feels like to be on the biggest of prep sports stages. But Ortiz is advising his players to have a short-term memory because staying on the map is never a guarantee. “We can’t rely on last year. We can’t rely on the record, the league championship, the CIF finals appearance and we can’t rely on the players who graduated. It’s about the players in the room right now and they’ve had a great offseason,” Ortiz said. “Right now we’re ahead of where we were last offseason … The kids have learned and adapted on both sides of the ball and it’s going to pay dividends down the line.” www.sanclementetimes.com
2015 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2015/2016 TEAM ROSTER
Triton
TALK
Senior Tanner Wright is among several Tritons players with three years of starting varsity experience. Photo: Steve Breazeale
With the football season about to begin, we catch up with three impact players to get their thoughts on last year, the offseason and what to expect out of the Tritons in 2015. San Clemente Times: Last year’s offense put up big-time numbers. Will this year’s group be able to replicate that? Or will it be a different style? Donté Harrington (offensive lineman): We put up a lot of points up on the board (last year). This year I think we’ll be pretty balanced too. We have those big dudes up front … we’ll pound the ball …we’re going to definitely establish the run and then open it up with the pass. (Opponents) aren’t going to know what’s going on. SCT: This year’s team motto is “Respect the Process”. What does that mean to you? Tanner Wright (linebacker): Coming out
San Clemente Times | Triton Football Preview | Page 4
here every day and being on the field doing your hardest for the people you play with. It’s also working in the weight room too and making sure you study the other team and know your responsibilities and execute them. SCT: The defense will have a new look this year. What will be something for fans to key in on when you take the field? Andrew Frohner (safety): We’re just high energy. (We have) a little more pop this year because we don’t have to build necessarily. None of us are 6-foot-3 or anything. But we’re going to fly around and we’re going to swarm every play. We’re going to gangtackle (players).
#
Name
Position
Height
Weight
Grade
1 2 3 4 6 7 8 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 35 36 37 43 44 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 67 70 72 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 88 90
Andrew Frohner Brandon Reaves Jason Graff Chase Berman Sander Lush Logan Manning Dade Amon Liam Buhl Cole Fotheringham Ryan Russell Jack Sears Tanner Wright Doug Jackson Liam Eldridge Christian Brown Tristin Carroll Taylor Scott Jordan Summers Kevin Kling Cesar Alvarez Bryce Wilson Josh Sanchez Shane Lockett Kalvin Shahnavaz Vlad Dzhabiyev Airen Lapsley Austin Whitsett Calvin Williams Branden Wilson Josh St. Clair Chase Gutierrez Riley Croft Jesse Mikulec Turner Tonkovich Scott Royer Marc Leiss Tucker Scott Austin Moore Cody Burner Luis Romero Mike Rinehart Johny Serrano Dayton Romo Jake Dobson Micah Butts Noah Valovich Zachary Cochrun Nate Atkins Donté Harrington Tyler Hundley Tyler Hickey Jack Regalado Isaac Rex Chris Kane Keith Jones Marko Zlatic Garrett Silverman
S/WR RB SS/FS WR/K QB QB DT DE TE OL QB OLB QB WR CB CB SS RB C WR FS CB LB CB RB/LB WR RB WR CB RB LB LB RB Ctr DT RG LT DE DL G LB DL DL/OL RG RT C RT DT OL WR WR WR TE TE WR DE DE
5’10 5’9 5’11 6’0 6’ 3” 6’0 6’1 5’8 6’4 5’9’’ 6’3” 5’10 6’3 6’1 5’10 5’ 10” 6’0 6’0 5’11 6”1 5’10 5’8” 5’10” 5’11 5’10 5’9 5,10 5’ 9” 5”7 5’9 5’7” 5’ 10” 5’10 5”11 5’11” 6’0 6’5 6’4” 6,1 56 5’11” 6’0 6’0 6”3 5’11 6’1” 6’5 6’2” 6’3 6’2” 6’2” 6’2” 6’4 6’4 6’2 6’ 1’’ 6’1”
175 170 162 165 190 170 230 185 225 175 200 185 158 175 160 160 165 175 166 190 160 140 180 165 185 150 180 140 150 155 170 190 160 195 155 205 275 204 220 210 195 200 210 248 235 280 276 230 285 175 180 145 220 200 187 180 210
Sr. Jr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Soph. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Soph. Jr. Sr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Soph. Jr. Sr. Soph. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Soph. Jr. Jr. Jr. Soph. Soph. Sr. Jr.
www.sanclementetimes.com
2015 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SEASON SCHEDULE AND GAME PREVIEWS GAME ONE
AUGUST 28
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. SCHS: DNP Season Outlook: 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 CIF-SS 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-foot-4-inch, 215-pound frame and a strong arm.
GAME TWO
SEPTEMBER 4
Huntington Beach Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Eric Lo League: Sunset 2014-2015 record: 3-7 (2-3 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 44-21 Season Outlook: The Oilers are two years removed from a CIF-SS Southwest Division title and will have to find a replacement for graduated senior quarterback Chad James. Whoever steps in under center will have several threats surrounding him on offense. Senior tight end Nick Crabtree, a Boise State commit, returns after a 21-catch, 332-yard campaign in 2014. Senior running back Hunter Simmons, who rushed for 1,020 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior, returns. The Oilers should have depth on defense and will be led by senior defensive end and USC commit Liam Jimmons. Jimmons had 45 total tackles and led the team with nine sacks last season.
GAME THREE
SEPTEMBER 11
Dana Hills Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Phil Skinner League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 1-9 (0-4 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 49-21 Season Outlook: The Dolphins struggled mightily throughout the 2014 season. Dana Hills played a very tough nonleague schedule and went winless in the tough South Coast League. There was a shakeup at Dana Hills over the offseason, as former head coach Todd Rusinkovich resigned and longtime assistant Phil Skinner stepped into the lead role. The Dolphins plan to use an uptempo offense that will feature plenty of junior running back Connor McCloud. McCloud is one of a handful of returning players and rushed for 512 yards and three touchdowns as a junior.
GAME FOUR
SEPTEMBER 18
La Mirada Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Mike Moschetti League: Suburban 2014-2015 record: (9-2, 6-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: DNP Season Outlook: La Mirada was a pass-heavy team last season. Graduated senior quarterback Christian Lara averaged 208 yards per game and completed 30 or more passes to three different senior receivers, who have all graduated. The Matadores have a viable running option in the backfield with the return of senior Sei-J Lauago. Lauago rushed for 612 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. La Mirada returns several standouts on defense, including lineman Keanu Saleapaga, linebackers Cameron Carr and Titus Dixon and defensive back Micah Croom.
BY STEVE BREAZEALE
GAME FIVE
SEPTEMBER 25
Newport Harbor Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Jeff Brinkley League: Sunset 2014-2015 record: 6-6 (3-2 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 47-24 Season Outlook: Newport Harbor’s depth chart took a heavy hit to graduation, but if there is one thing you can count on in Orange County high school football it’s the Sailors always being in the playoff discussion come the end of the season. Newport Harbor’s head coach Jeff Brinkley is entering his 30th year at the helm and in his tenure the Sailors have made the postseason 23 times. Juniors Gage Roberson and the 6-foot-1-inch, 194-pound Cole Kinder return to the running back position.
2015 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SEASON SCHEDULE AND GAME PREVIEWS GAME SIX
OCTOBER 2
Tesoro Location: Tesoro Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Matt Poston League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 9-3 (3-1 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Win, 59-38 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 just nine interceptions last season. Battista, a fast, workhorse-type back, carried the ball 183 times for 845 yards in 2014.
GAME SEVEN
OCTOBER 9
Capistrano Valley Location: Capistrano Valley Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Ernst Bucher League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 9-4 (2-2 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 54-27 in regular season; Loss, 28-27 (OT) in playoffs Season Outlook: Capistrano Valley seemed to hit their stride under second-year head coach Ernst Bucher in 2014. The Cougars won nine games and advanced to the semifinals of the CIF-SS Southwest Division playoffs. Several key players from last year’s team have graduated, and the new-look Cougars will be put to the test early by their tough nonleague schedule, which features games against Tesoro and El Toro. Capistrano Valley’s offense will be anchored by two-sport standout Jordan Bocko. Bocko, a star for the Cougars baseball team, is a versatile back who racked up 942 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns as a junior.
GAME EIGHT
OCTOBER 23
Laguna Hills Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Bruce Ingalls League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 1-9 (0-4 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 49-10 Season Outlook: The Hawks simply could not stop teams with their defense last season. Laguna Hills’ opponents scored 30 points or more against them seven times last year and things got worse in league play, where Sea View League opponents averaged 49 points per game against the Hawks. The defense, which was young last year, returns six starters with experience. The Hawks used a twoquarterback platoon system last year, with graduated senior Lucky Zuvich getting a slight majority of the touches over current senior Mitchell O’Hair, who figures to be this year’s starter.
GAME NINE
OCTOBER 30
Trabuco Hills Location: Trabuco Hills Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Joe Silvey League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 10-4 (3-1 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 42-35 in regular season; Win, 44-37 in playoffs Season Outlook: Despite winning the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship in 2014, a lot of change took place at Trabuco Hills this offseason, starting at the top. Head coach Troy Henney resigned to take the head coaching job at Westlake and Joe Silvey has taken over. Personnel-wise, the Mustangs lost All-CIF and All-Sea View League brothers Brenden and Colin Schooler, who transferred to Mission Viejo. Colin Schooler was the league’s co-defensive MVP. Even with the turnover, the Mustangs should remain strong defensively and return their top running back, Chad Crosbie, on offense.
GAME 10
NOVEMBER 6
Aliso Niguel Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m. Coach: Kurt Westling League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 4-6 (1-3 league) 2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 56-15 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.
2015 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
5
to watch
OFFENSE
3
Tucker Scott OL (No. 53) Sr.
Scott is another member of the Tritons of-
1
Cole Fotheringham TE (No. 14) Sr.
Fotheringham will be one of the key play-
2
DontĂŠ Harrington OL (No. 79) Sr.
Harrington is a four-year starter at of-
ers in the Tritons passing game in 2015.
fensive line and serves as the voice of the
The 6-foot-5-inch senior had a solid junior
team, according to head coach Jaime Ortiz.
season and will provide a big target who
Harrington, who stands at 6 feet, 3 inches
can also block. Fotheringham, a Univer-
and weighs 285 pounds, will start at left
sity of Utah commit, will help make up a
guard and could potentially play center if
tall and physical offensive front at the line
called upon. Harrington holds offers from
of scrimmage.
Army, Navy and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
4
5
Liam Eldridge WR (No. 19) Sr.
Eldridge was a starting cornerback last
Vlad Dzhabiyev RB (No. 30) Sr.
Dzhabiyev had a stellar junior season
fense with three years of starting experi-
year and led the Tritons with five inter-
running the ball for the Tritons. He led
ence. Scott, a University of Utah commit,
ceptions. This offseason, he has made the
the team with 165 carries, piling up 1,149
will play the all-important left tackle
transition to receiver. The Tritons will
yards and 13 touchdowns en route to
position. Ortiz said Scott, along with Har-
have multiple weapons at their disposal
Sea View League offensive MVP honors.
rington, is the heart and soul of the offen-
on offense this season and Eldridge is in
Dzhabiyev will also be an offensive threat
sive line. Scott was a first team All-CIF and
the mix to claim the top receiver spot.
that can catch passes out of the backfield
All-League selection in 2014. San Clemente Times | Triton Football Preview | Page 8
and at the slot receiver spot. www.sanclementetimes.com
2015 TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
5
to watch
DEFENSE
3
Liam Buhl DE (No. 11) Sr.
Buhl was an impact player on the defensive
1
Andrew Frohner S (No. 1) Sr.
Frohner had a breakout junior season at
2
Kevin Kling CB (No. 24) Sr.
Kling saw a considerable amount of
safety, tallying 77 total tackles and three
playing time last year at cornerback and
interceptions. The All-Sea View League
appeared in nine games. With that experi-
selection returns to help anchor the Tritons’
ence under his belt, Kling will be tasked
veteran secondary unit. Frohner has the
with regular starting duties at the position
ability to make game-changing plays and, ac-
as a senior.
cording to head coach Jaime Ortiz, is among the hardest working players on the team.
4
Nate Atkins DL (No. 77) Sr.
Atkins played in 10 games as a junior and
5
Tanner Wright DB/LB (No. 17) Sr.
Wright, a three-year starter and All-Sea
line last season, racking up 46 total tackles,
will provide some leadership at defensive
View League selection from last year, is
four sacks, seven hurries and even recorded
line. Ortiz said the personnel at defensive
gearing up to be a versatile weapon on
one interception. The Tritons defensive line
line will be a mix and match situation, but
defense for the Tritons. Ortiz said Wright,
lost a few starters to graduation and will
Atkins, who had 22 tackles last year, will
who played safety last season, could do
have a rotating group of players lining up
definitely get a large amount of playing
anything from filling in at a linebacker spot
in the early going, so look to Buhl to be a
time.
to dropping back into coverage as a roving
fixture at the line of scrimmage. San Clemente Times | Triton Football Preview | Page 10
defensive back over the course of a game. www.sanclementetimes.com