YOUR GUIDE TO THE SEASON: GAME PREVIEWS, KEY PLAYERS AND MORE!
The San Clemente football team is stacked up for the final running of the South Coast League.
Granted, the South Coast League, Sea View League and all other traditionally named Orange County athletics leagues will still exist across the rest of the high school sports landscape, but this is likely to be the final go-round for football teams against their longtime rivals in their usual alignments.
A proposal to organize Orange County football leagues into computer rankings-based groupings next season instead of geographic ones was approved by the county’s athletic directors and principals earlier this year and is expected to receive the final CIF-SS stamp of approval in October. It’s yet another stab at mathematically calculated “competitive equity,” similar to the change to the CIF-SS playoff division format in recent years in which divisions are created off the season-end CalPreps ranking formula. While winning a league championship is (Continued)
always the first goal for the Tritons football team, San Clemente hasn’t put any extra emphasis on winning the last South Coast League football championship, at least not yet.
“Honestly, the beauty of San Clemente High School and our kids, they don’t pay too much attention to that,” San Clemente coach Jaime Ortiz said. “They go out and compete every single week. We haven’t even really talked about it.”
If anything, the path to a league championship next season may not be any different than this season, as most projections have the Tritons slotted for the top-ranked league alongside usual league title foe Mission Viejo. It’s also just a natural evolution for a San Clemente program that has long maintained a high standard among its contemporaries.
“We’re considered one of the top public schools in Orange County, and our goal is to continue that tradition of being one of those top schools,” Ortiz said. “It’s why we play schools like Corona del Mar and Edison that are like-minded.”
Amidst all the changes to the high school football landscape, San Clemente contin -
ues to strive for excellence, and the Tritons know they can achieve that.
Even last season, when the CIF-SS algorithm bumped San Clemente up a playoff division higher than many projected, the Tritons held their own, as they pushed Chaminade of West Hills, No. 2 seed in Division 2, to overtime. On the road, San Clemente fell by a point in double-overtime on a two-point conversion that barely crossed the plane of the goal line.
It’s an experience the returning Tritons keep with them as a vote of confidence and motivation to aim high.
“I hate saying we’ve got a chip on our shoulder, but it definitely adds a bit of that, because to lose in double-overtime by a half an inch, that’s frustrating,” senior quarterback Dylan Mills said. “We know that we are that caliber of team, and we know when the moment comes again, we’re going to get that half an inch.”
A strength to give San Clemente that extra edge will be a renewed ability to attack in multiple ways on the offensive side of the ball.
The Tritons are the definition of balanced with the ability to throw or pass with equal efficiency. Balance is often achieved through a bit of sacrifice, and for San Clemente that sacrifice was made by senior Broderick Redden.
As a junior, Redden began the season as San Clemente’s starting quarterback, and after the midway point, when Mills became eligible after his transfer sit-out period, the two had a nearequal split of the signal-calling duties. However, over the spring and summer, Redden has moved to the tight end position, which unlocks a variety of options with his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame as a target over the
middle. Redden called it a “natural transition” because of his size and basketball instincts along with a family legacy, including former Triton Bentley Redden, who is now a tight end at BYU.
Redden also saw it as a better path for himself to playing football at the college level, and Ortiz indicated that he’s already received some interest just based on his summer performance in camps and passing league.
It also means San Clemente isn’t going back and forth between two quarterbacks with different skill sets and rhythms, which Ortiz said hurt their consistency last season. The Tritons can now push forward with Mills, a Villanova commit, at the helm.
“He’s done a great job working on his pocket presence,” Ortiz said. “We did a lot of passing league this summer and spring. We all know that Dylan can tuck it and run it any time. I think he’s really worked on the finer points of the passing game, being able to stay in the pocket, be patient and make some throws. Working with (quarterback coach John) Beck and (offensive coordinator Troy) Kopp, I think he’s really improved.”
Even in spots where San Clemente lost impact seniors, there are more than capable
“We’re considered one of the top public schools in Orange County, and our goal is to continue that tradition of being one of those top schools.”
—Coach Jaime OrtizSan Clemente will bring a physicality at every level starting with several returning linemen with size and length to control the line of scrimmage. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
players that have stepped up to fill those roles.
At wide receiver, Drew Shanley and Holden Stakston both provide potential deep threats for a big score or to open up underneath routes in the middle for Redden.
Aiden Rubin steps into the running back role as the full-time starter. Last season, Rubin came in and posted a 100-yard rushing performance in the first half against Steele Canyon when then-starter Blake Allen went down. Rubin is also one of many rugby players on the San Clemente roster and brings that same physical-yet-elusive running style.
The Tritons will also be particularly stout on the offensive line with three returning starters in Connor Bachhuber, Ben Baker and Will Sanders. Bachhuber is 6-foot-5, 245 pounds and committed to Stanford. Baker is 6-foot-2, 270 pounds and committed to getting even stronger in the offseason. Sanders is 6-foot-0, 240 pounds.
However, despite that strength, Ortiz said the line is one place where other contributors will need to step up, as Bachhuber and Baker are instrumental on the defensive line, as well. They’ll need solid back-up options to emerge to confidently give those two occasional rest.
San Clemente was hit hardest by graduation on the defensive side of the ball. The Tritons will be looking for the contributions of players that got limited reps as juniors to make big leaps into their senior seasons.
One player in particular on that path is defensive end Owen Bollinger. With Bachhuber on one end and Baker in the middle, San Clemente will still put out an intimidating front line, but if Bollinger raises his level, the Tritons could truly be monstrous in the trenches.
“You see the transition of guys that were part-time guys as juniors that make that push into their senior year,” Ortiz said. “He (Bollinger) is going to have to step up and have a presence by himself.”
The physicality of the defensive line is something overall that San Clemente looks to restock at other positions after the graduation of leaders including Cole Robertson and Nolan Reid.
At the linebacker level, Zeke Rubinstein and Puka Lee Fuimaono should be able to fill those roles of physicality to step up and stop the run and hold down the middle of the field.
There is a lack of starting experience in the secondary, where the Tritons will be pushed to the “max” with Max Gonzales, Max Bollard and Max Kotiranta.
However, San Clemente could get an unexpected infusion there with the recent transfer of Matai Tagoa’i, a four-star junior safety from Faith Lutheran of Las Vegas. Tagoa’i is the cousin of Fuimaono and is expected to be immediately eligible when his transfer paperwork processes. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound junior currently has 18 Division 1 college offers, including Alabama, Oklahoma and USC.
With an offense that has the opportunity to be explosive, Ortiz is looking for consistency from his defense.
“Defense wins championships, and I’ve felt that way since Day 1,” Ortiz said. “I think with
the new guys on the defensive side of the ball, we have to be able to tackle and swarm. How we play defensively the first couple games will be a good indication of where we’re at.”
In this last run through the South Coast League, it might be San Clemente’s best clean shot at a league championship in a while.
Mission Viejo graduated every offensive stats leaders and nearly all of its top defenders, although that may be the stronger side of the ball for the Diablos in terms of returners. Mission Viejo always reloads, but is it high time for San Clemente’s first road win against the Diablos this century?
Capistrano Valley also graduated its dynamic offensive players, and after a winless run in the South Coast League last season, it’s hard to see that getting better for the Cougars.
Tesoro could be the potential trip-up in the South Coast League, as the Titans look to improve with a solidified quarterback position. San Clemente won on the road last season, but just because the Tritons get the homefield advantage this time doesn’t mean they should overlook the Titans.
With the offensive potential, the strong defensive front and brimming confidence, San Clemente could be in position to turn the South Coast League over one last time.
QB, Sr.
Mills steps in as the unquestioned starting quarterback in his second year with the Tritons, after splitting time in his five games last season. The dual-threat Villanova commit averaged 10 yards per carry and completed 50% of his passes and should be even more effective with the return of offensive coordinator
TE, Sr.
Redden moves from being the starting quarterback at the start of last season to being one of the Tritons’ top receiving threats this season at the tight end spot. Redden’s 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame and basketball instincts make it a natural transition for the senior and could unlock the offense’s
RB, Sr.
As the second-string running back last season, Rubin showed his promise to be able to step into the top spot as a senior. Rubin averaged over six yards a carry with five touchdowns, and in his only game as the featured ballcarrier, he ran for 100 yards in the first half.
WR, Sr.
Shanley is the top returning wide receiver for the Tritons, as he was the third-leading receiver with 215 yards receiving and a touchdown last season. Shanley averaged eight yards per reception last year, and that consistent production should lead to bigger numbers with higher usage.
WR, Sr.
Stakston goes from not having a single varsity reception last season to being a big player in the Tritons’ more balanced offensive attack. Stakston will be a deep threat for San Clemente, and that’s something that developed over the summer. He shined in passing league competition for the Tritons.
DE, Sr.
Bachhuber is part of the element of strength for San Clemente on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound, lengthy Stanford commit will go both ways as an offensive and defensive lineman, but he may be most valuable to the Tritons at the defensive end spot.
BEN BAKER
DT, Sr.
Baker is another key to what San Clemente will be able to do in controlling both sides of the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound lineman anchors the middle of the defensive line as a run-stuffer, and with strength increases across the board, Baker will help carve running lanes on offense.
MAX BOLLARD SS, Jr.
Bollard is the only returning starter in the defensive secondary for the Tritons, and he will be expected to lead the younger group. The junior was fourth on the team in tackles last year with 61, the most of any returning defender. Bollard will be a vocal leader on the back end.
LEE
LB, Jr.
San Clemente lost a lot of physicality at the linebacker position, and Fuimaono will be one counted on to fill that bruising role. The junior is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds and will be looked to as a run-stopper at the second level. Fuimaono will also handle some running back duties on offense.
DB, Jr.
Kotiranta will be a relied-on member of that young secondary as he steps up into a main role. As a sophomore, Kotiranta was an impact player on the junior varsity level and has speed and size that translates. He is another player that can contribute on offense in receiver-heavy spread formations.
Coach: Andrew Ramer
2022 Record: 7-5 (4-1 Big West –Upper League)
2022 vs. S.C.: Did Not Play
Season Outlook:
In 2022, the Pumas firmly established themselves as the second-best squad in the Big West – Upper League behind Corona Centennial, before falling by two scores to Corona del Mar in the second round of the playoffs. This year, Chaparral of Temecula heads into 2023 as the fourth-best team in the Inland Empire, according to IE Sports Net’s preseason rankings.
Junior quarterback Dash Beierly, who holds numerous offers from Power 5 colleges, will lead the charge for the Pumas, along with a host of preseason Cal-Hi Sports All-Inland Empire teammates.
Coach: Robby Collins
2022 Record: 4-8 (2-4 Avocado League)
2022 vs. S.C.: SC win, 28-17
Season Outlook:
The Falcons’ first year under head coach Robby Collins was underwhelming, albeit with a shutout win in the playoffs.
The early going of their season included a convincing loss to San Clemente, during which the Tritons led, 28-3, in the third quarter before Torrey Pines scored a couple of garbage-time touchdowns.
Torrey Pines will need to find a new offensive approach after graduating its top passer and running back.
Coach: Sean Sovacool
2022 Record: 7-5 (4-2 Avocado League)
2022 vs. S.C.: SC win, 17-0
Season Outlook: San Clemente earned the first multiscore victory in the past five games between these two schools in 2022, extending its winning streak in this inter-county series to three. La Costa Canyon brings back defensive playmakers Trey Blazevich and EJ Brandreth in the front seven, as well as highly touted tight end Trevor Ladd.
Coach: Kevin Hettig
2022 Record: 9-4 (3-2 Sunset League)
2022 vs. S.C.: SC win, 23-6
Season Outlook: Kevin Hettig steps in as the new man leading the Sea Kings after Dan O’Shea, who posted an 80-18 record in eight seasons, left for St. Margaret’s. Hettig was previously Corona del Mar’s offensive coordinator and associate head coach. Additionally, with the departure of quarterback David Rasor for UC Davis, senior Kaleb Arnett is expected to take over. Annett recently committed to Boise State. Leading rusher Colin Pene returns, along with a plethora of weapons including receiver Russell Weir and towering, 6-foot-5 tight ends Sebastien Boydell and Zach Giuliano.
Coach: Jeff Grady
2022 Record: 9-2 (4-1 Sunset League)
2022 vs. S.C.: Edison win, 21-16
Season Outlook:
The Chargers’ matchup against San Clemente was the second-most competitive game for Edison last season on the way to a 9-1 regular-season mark.
This year, Edison will look to replace a vast majority of production off a heavily senior-laden 2022 team. Top receiver and senior Mason York may shoulder the load for a perennially well-coached program.
Coach: George Wilson
2022 Record: 6-5 (2-3 Big West –Upper League)
2022 vs. S.C.: MV win, 48-31
Season Outlook:
The Bachmeier family still has its prints on Southern California football, literally and figuratively. Bear, the youngest of three talented brothers, enters 2023 as a well-built, 6-foot-2 quarterback who is being courted by plenty of top programs. The junior completed 72% of his passes last season, throwing for 285 yards per game with an impressive 26-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
The Nighthawks also feature a dynamic running back duo in Asa Chatman and Dorian Hoze, who rushed for 1341 and 519 yards, respectively, in 2022.
Coach: Arthur Gracia
2022 Record: 8-3 (2-1 Mountain West League)
2022 vs. S.C.: Did Not Play
Season Outlook:
Look for the Bulldogs to lean on senior running back Marquis Monroe in the wake of losing their quarterback, Bryan Wilson, to Roosevelt (Eastvale).
In just nine games, Monroe totaled 703 yards rushing on just 99 carries, good for an average of 7.1 yards per tote.
Fortunately for San Clemente, the Tritons should be well-rested for the trip to Chino Hills, as the Tritons will be coming off a bye.
Coach: Chad Johnson
2022 Record: 10-2 (3-0 South Coast League)
2022 vs. S.C.: MV win, 49-14
Season Outlook:
Last year’s league-opening game received more attention for what happened in between snaps than for actual game action, which is sure to add more fuel to this rivalry. Mission Viejo enters 2023 ranked 31st in the country, according to MaxPreps, with a stacked roster, particularly on defense with junior cornerback Dijon Lee. Lee is the sixth-best player in California per 247Sports. The Diablos will lean on their defense early, as they enter the season with a continuing quarterback competition between junior Drai Trudeau and sophomore Luke Fahey.
Coach: Sean Curtis
2022 Record: 4-6 (0-3 South Coast League)
2022 vs. S.C.: SC win, 51-7
Season Outlook:
The 2022 season was rough for the Cougars, as they endured three consecutive three-point losses in non-league play and were simply outmatched in their first year in the South Coast League.
For this season to be an improvement, Capistrano Valley will have to see a step up in production from its returning playmakers, who saw their elder leaders graduate in June.
Senior linebacker Jackson Sievers, who averaged 11 tackles per game and notched seven sacks last year, is positioned to be the alpha leader on this team.
Location: San Clemente HS
Coach: Matt Poston
2022 Record: 6-5 (1-2 South Coast)
2022 vs. S.C.: SC win, 31-14
Season Outlook:
The Titans won six of their first eight games last year before dropping their final three, including a heartbreaking, one-point defeat at the hands of Upland in the playoffs.
Junior quarterback Cash O’Byrne looks to provide stability for Tesoro, but it’s Air Force-committed running back Travis Wood who will likely shoulder the load again. Wood rushed for 1,335 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022.
Tesoro hasn’t beaten San Clemente since 2015.
