Football Preview 2019 by Signal

POWER. PRIDE. VICTORY. Let’s kick off another great season.

2 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW NL023481_FivePointFootballAd_SCVSignal_FNL | 8” W x 10.5” H

AUGUST 17, 2019

FLOOR & HOME

eauEtiEful TheAB RANT GU

™ *

Beautiful ore has The st e n o ly oor, n O love your fl ™ . If you don’t e for free. Guarante other floor an h it w it ce - we are so we will repla you name it s, al ri e at m floor you Labor, you find the lp e h n ca e e it! confident w e Guarante love, that w

BEST PRICE BEST INSTALLERS BEST SERVICE

UP TO 50% OFF IN STOCK ITEMS! 18 MONTHS FINANCING!

100 OFF

any job over $2,000 not valid with any other offers.

250 OFF

any job over $3,000 not valid with any other offers.

FLOOR & HOME

24220 LYONS AVE., NEWHALL • (661) 255-3337

Hours: Mon. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Tues. thru Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Closed Sunday

www.BrentsCarpetOne.com

AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 3

4 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 5

TABLE OF

PUBLISHER/OWNER Richard Budman rbudman@signalscv.com (661) 287-5501

VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Chris Budman cbudman@signalscv.com (661) 287-5545

CONTENTS Predictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Signal’s sports reporters make their picks for how the Foothill League will go.

PROFILES

EDITOR Tim Whyte twhyte@signalscv.com (661) 287-5591

Sports Editor Haley Sawyer hsawyer@signalscv.com 661-287-5530

Sports Staff Dan Lovi Diego Marquez

Photographers Cory Rubin Dan Watson

PRODUCTION MANAGER Doña Uhrig duhrig@signalscv.com (661) 287-559

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT MANAGERS Sharon Bronson Roni Charlton Maureen Daniels Peter Smith Toni Sims

Sticks and Six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Three & Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Football has evolved into a year-round endeavor for Foothill League players. Whether it’s in the classroom, at 7-on-7 events or with private coaches, there is always the opportunity for competition.

TEAM PREVIEWS

Foothill League Teams

Valencia receiver Hunter Koch is back and taking on a bigger leadership role this season as a senior.

What It Takes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Johnathan Kaelin is constantly striving to become a better player and person for the Grizzlies.

Lasting Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Football is a way of life for Hart quarterback Zach Johnson. He’s ready to continue the legacy of Hart QBs.

Valencia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Saugus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Golden Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Canyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 West Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Weekends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Trinity Classical Academy . . . . . . 26

Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Private School

EXTRAS

A list of Santa Clarita Valley products you can watch play in college or the NFL.

What Southern Section playoff division is your school playing in this year? And what teams stand between it and a CIF title?

All-SCV Player of the Year. . . 39 A look at every player to have been honored since the award started in 1977.

The Signal is a newspaper of general circulation as defined by Section 6072, Government Code, State of California, and is adjudicated to be a newspaper entitled to print and publish legal advertising by decree, No. NVC15880, dated March 25, 1988, of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, State of California. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. All contents © The Signal, 2019.

The Signal Victory Bell . . . . . . 7 Who will hold symbol of Santa Clarita football supremacy after this season?

The Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 We printed six covers for the SCV High School Football Preview.

THE SIGNAL VICTORY BELL The Signal Victory Bell symbolizes football supremacy in the Santa Clarita Valley. The Foothill League team with the most victories against other Foothill opponents wins possession of the bell for a year. If there is a twoway tie for best record, the bell will go to the winner of the head-to-head matchup. If there is a three-way tie, the Foothill League's tie-breaking formula for playoff seedings will be used. 1969 – Hart

1986 – Canyon

2003 – Hart

1970 – Canyon

1987 – Hart

2004 – Valencia

1971 – Hart

1988 – Hart

2005 – Canyon

1972 – Hart

1989 – Hart

2006 – Canyon

1973 – Canyon

1990 – Canyon

1974 – Hart

1991 – Canyon

1975 – Hart

1992 – Hart

1976 – Canyon

1993 – Hart

1977 – Hart

1994 – Hart

1978 – Saugus

1995 – Hart

1979 – Canyon

1996 – Hart

1980 – Saugus

1997 – Hart

1981 – Saugus

1998 – Hart

1982 – Hart

1999 – Hart

2015 – Valencia

1983 – Canyon

2000 – Hart

2016 – Valencia

1984 – Canyon

2001 – Hart

2017 – Valencia

1985 – Canyon

2002 – Hart

2018 – Valencia

AUGUST 17, 2019

2007 – Hart 2008 – Saugus 2009 – Valencia 2010 – Valencia 2011 – Valencia 2012 – Valencia 2013 – Valencia 2014 – Valencia

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 7

Jake Santos

Mitchell Torres

Owen Hand

Ryan Morrison

VALENCIA 2018 Results Final record: 7-4 overall 5-0 Foothill League (First place)

Arbor View Valencia Sierra Canyon Valencia

17 58 44 17

Calabasas 21 *Valencia 47 *Valencia 34

14 35 38 7 20 Valencia (OT) Canyon 7 Hart 7

Valencia Silverado Valencia Loyola

Golden *Valencia 49 Valley *Valencia 41 Saugus *Valencia 42 West Ranch **Mater Dei 44 Valencia

15 14 13 6

*Foothill League game ** CIF-SS Div. Playoff game

By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

fter 10 straight years of winning the Foothill League title, most recently in undefeated fashion as the only CIF-Southern Section Division 1 team in the league, what comes next for Valencia football? “We’re going for an 11peat this year,” said receiver Hunter Koch. It’s business as usual for the Vikings, who once again have talented returners with an undefeated league title on

8 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2019 Schedule

Projected Starters

Aug. 30

at Arcadia

7 p.m.

Sept. 6

Silverado^

7 p.m.

Sept. 20

Loyola^

7 p.m.

OFFENSE Ryan Morrison

Sept. 27

at Calabasas

7 p.m.

Jake Santos*

Oct. 4

Canyon*^

7 p.m.

Hunter Koch*

Oct. 11

at Hart*

7 p.m.

Mitchell Torres

WR WR

Oct. 18 Golden Valley*^

7 p.m.

Zamondre Merriweather

Oct. 25

at Saugus*

7 p.m.

Dominic Portillo

West Ranch*^

7 p.m

Aidan Christie

Tristen Lachman

Vincent Casillas

Caleb West

Jack Seymour

Nov. 1

^at Valencia High >at Canyon High * Foothill League game +at COC Game times subject to change.

their minds. They’re entering with an undefeated mindset and a sense of grit, too. Valencia’s deepest position on offense is running back. There are multiple capable players, starting with Jake Santos, who was the primary ball carrier for the Vikings last season. He racked up 662 yards and eight touchdowns on 65 carries in eight games. Nick Pham ranked second on the team in yardage with 344 yards and scored two touchdowns on 73 carries and will be back this year for his se-

nior season. Varney Spansel will join the group this year after transferring into the program. Last season, Spansel was playing for Mentor High School in Ohio, where he totaled 446 yards and eight touchdowns on 96 carries. “We like to be patient in the hole and look to see ‘OK, we can burst here and get five yards or there’s a nice hole, we can go there,’” Santos said. “Varney, he’s just strong. And he’s fast, he’s powerful. He’s going to break more tackles than a

DEFENSE Braden Ward

Brady Bryan

Josh Suh

Dean Miller

Mitchell Torres*

Owen Hand*

Varney Spansel

Jake Santos*

Hunter Koch*

Diego Garcia

Jourdan Brentley CB * Returning All-SCV player

See VIKINGS, next page AUGUST 17, 2019

The Basics

2019 Roster # 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Davis Cop

HEAD COACH: Larry Muir

15th season (career record at Valencia: 110-48-1) Base offense: Spread Base defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Offense - 1; Defense - 3 Top returner on offense: RB Jake Santos — 65 carries, 662 yards, eight touchdowns Top returner on defense: LB Owen Hand — 17 tackles, two sacks, one interception, one caused fumble, one pass deflection Potential NCAA Division I Players: Jake Santos, Owen Hand, Hunter Koch Key losses: QB Davis Cop, RB Jayvaun Wilson, WR Cade Erickson, LB/LT Ben Seymour, C Tanner Miller, RB/LB Luring Paialii, CB Josh Doyle, S Kohler Shockley Top returners: RB Jake Santos, WR Hunter Koch, LB Owen Hand, WR Mitchell Torres, NG Josh Suh Top newcomers: RB Varney Spansel, QB Ryan Morrison, WR Brandon Tompkins, WR Zamondre Merriweather

The Numbers 2

Number of running backs the Vikings return from last season: Jake Santos and Nick Pham.

Number of games starting quarterback Ryan Morrison has seen action in for his varsity career.

AUGUST 17, 2019

Number of tackles Owen Hand had last year, according to MaxPreps.com. Expect that number to increase dramatically this season.

Number of Foothill League titles Valencia has.

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

NAME Diego Garcia Nick Pham Cameron Stein Dom Portillo Mitchell Torres Austin Wilder Joshua Suh Jayden Lawrence Tate Berney Hayden Devoll Brandon Tompkins Braden Ward Vaiden Victoria Ryan Morrison Zamondre Merriweather Jackson Kelley Hunter Koch Caden Harrington Jake Santos Austin Genovese Chris Keener Jordan Brentley Dean Miller Jermaine Estrella Dillon Hennes Makhi Langford Mitchell Reading Ty Morrison Gavin Balian

POS.

YEAR SR SR SR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR SO SR JR SR SO JR SR JR SR JR JR SR JR JR JR JR JR JR JR

VIKINGS

Continued from page 8

lot of us.” Christian Alcantar, another strong and explosive player, also moves up from the JV team to provide support in the run game. The run will serve as a dependable complement to the passing game, which will be run by quarterback Ryan Morrison, a pocket passer who assumed the role of starter over the summer. Although he’s seen limited game action, Morrison has all the physical quarterback abilities that the Vikings need. Throughout the summer, he worked on developing his leadership abilities to match. “I think he needs to come to the realization of who he is and what he is. I think that will be part of

# 32 33 35 36 38 40 41 42 44 45 46 48

NAME Brendan Pepe Christian Alcantar Lucas Rodriguez Sage Hamza Jonathan Tcheumani Varney Spansel Tay-jon Cook Jackson Stein Max Manno Owen Hand Max Begley Tanner Bench

POS.

YEAR SR JR JR SR SR SR SR JR JR SR JR SR

Keller O’Steen

51 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 64 65 66 75 77 79 84

Jack Seymour Caleb West Frank Mitchell Jake DeSantis Jeremy Riordan Max Arellano Matt Nsubuga Brady Bryan Aidan Christie Tristen Lachman Vincent Casillas Ryan Hernandez Justin Koshak Caden Riordan Chris McDowell

JR SR JR JR SR JR JR SR SR SR JR SR JR JR SR

his process,” said coach Larry Muir. “He’s done all the work and now he’s got to do the get into the games and understand that he’s putting the gas on the gas pedal on the offense and he’s making the decisions.” Koch will likely be Morrison’s primary target this season. Last year, Koch ranked second on the team in terms of receiving yards with 351. He caught 23 passes and scored four touchdowns. Mitchell Torres brings experience and athleticism, coming off a junior season in which he caught 12 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown. Two young receivers — Brandon Tompkins and Zamondre Merriweather — could also step up in See VIKINGS, page 38 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 9

HART 2018 Results Final record: 6-5 overall 3-2 Foothill League (Third place)

Downey Hart Hart St. Bonaventure Hart *Saugus *Valencia *Hart *Hart *Hart **Moorpark

33 31 49 39 38 13 34 59 31 60 42

Hart Arcadia Burbank Hart Ventura Hart Hart Canyon West Ranch Golden Valley Hart

21 27 28 36 7 7 7 7 26 27 28

*Foothill League game ** CIF-SS Div. Playoff game

By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

his season, a new standard has been set at Hart High School. “It’s to go undefeated,” said receiver Ashton Thomas. “To win league; to accomplish things that Hart hasn’t accomplished in a long time.” With a bevy of experienced returners at a variety of positions, that expectation is realistic for the Indians. At the forefront of the offense is Zach Johnson, a senior quarterback who committed to the University of California, Berkeley,

10 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Taden Littleford

Leighton McCarthy

Ashton Thomas

Ryan Tomaszewski

2019 Schedule Aug. 23

at Carlsbad

7 p.m.

Aug. 30

Muir+

7 p.m.

Sept. 13

Burbank+

7 p.m.

Sept. 20

at St. Bonaventure

7 p.m.

Sept. 27

Downey+

7 p.m.

Oct. 4

at Saugus+*

Oct. 11 Oct. 18

Projected Starters OFFENSE Zach Johnson

Taden Littleford

Drew Munoz

Ashton Thomas

7 p.m.

Riley Bodemer

Valencia+*

7 p.m.

at Canyon>*

7 p.m.

Ryan Tomaszewski WR LT Jordan Sioussat

Oct. 25 at West Ranch^*

7 p.m.

Nov. 1 Golden Valley+*

7 p.m.

^at Valencia High >at Canyon High * Foothill League game +at COC Game times subject to change.

Luke Jenkins

Tyler Thompson

Tommy Adame

Justin Curtis

DEFENSE in early June after a junior season in which he completed 219-for-357 passes for 2,892 yards and 30 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. Johnson already looks different in the physical sense after putting on 25 pounds in the offseason, which makes him tougher to tackle. According to his teammates and coach, he also has developed a greater sense of leadership and brotherhood with the other players. “He knows the game inside and out and he can

coach those guys up out on the field when they make a mistake and make sure that they win the right spots,” said coach Mike Herrington. “Physically, it’s a big improvement. He’s just gotten bigger, faster and stronger, so that’s the exciting thing.” Johnson has plenty of targets to throw to with Drew Munoz, Thomas, Ryan Tomaszewski and more returning at the receiver position. Munoz topped the group last season with 28

Cade Cavin

Blake Gill

Travis Gill

Leighton McCarthy LB Nathan Dodds

Max Bjorkman

Daniel Larkins

Freddy Alvarenga

Dylan Vradenberg DE Riley Bodomer

Ashton Thomas

* Returning All-SCV player

See HART, page 37 AUGUST 17, 2019

The Basics

Zach Johnson

HEAD COACH: Mike Herrington

31st season (career record at Hart: 288-89-2)

Base offense: Spread Base defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Offense - 8; Defense - 3 Top returner on offense: QB Zach Johnson — 219for-357 passing, 2,892 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, 13 interceptions Top returner on defense: Leighton McCarthy — 79 tackles, one sack, one interception, one caused fumble Potential NCAA Division I Players: Zach Johnson, Ashton Thomas, Leighton McCarthy Key losses: K/P Aaron Rodriguez, WR Jacob Montes, LB Jack McBride, DB Michael Colangelo Top returners: WR Drew Munoz, WR Ashton Thomas, LB Leighton McCarthy, WR Ryan Thomaszewski, DE/TE Dylan Vradenburg Top newcomers: DB/WR Max Bjorkman, LB Travis Gill, WR Riley Bodomer

2019 Roster # 2 3 5 6 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 20 21 22 24 25 27 29 32 33 37

NAME Angelo Lucchese Riley Bodemer Ryan Tomaszewski Taden Littleford Luke Madison Leighton McCarthy Daniel Larkins Dylan Vradenburg Brandon Yadkar Zach Johnson Cruz Lopez Nathan Dodds Daniel Lawson Drew Munoz Nathan Wiles Bordy Burkhead Max Bjorkman Jacob Rasmussen Travis Gill Ashton Thomas Luke Michaelson

POS. WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB RB-LB WR-DB RB-LB WR-DB TE-DE WR-DB QB-DB K-P WR-LB WR-LB WR-DB WR-DE WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-LB WR-DB WR-DB

YEAR SR JR JR SR JR SR SO JR JR SR JR SR JR SR JR JR SR JR SR SR JR

# 40 44 45 47 51 52 53 54 55

NAME Thomas McGillicuddy Ryan Rossi Colin Beck Titus Tucker Nicholas Lopez Audric Torrez Evan Miller Hadi Maaz Blake Gill

POS. WR-DB RB-LB WR-LB QB-DB OL-DT OL-DE OL-DT OL-DT OL-DT

YEAR JR JR JR JR SR JR JR JR SR

Jordan Sioussat

OL-DE

58 63 65 66 67 68 72 74 75 76 77

Cade Calvin Alex Hernandez Grant Maskell Bradley Tristen Francisco Avendano Tyler Thompson Freddy Alvarenga Luke Jenkins Justin Curtis Jacob Carlson Tommy Adame

OL-DE OL-DT OL-DE OL-DT OL-DT OL-DT OL-DT OL-DT OL-DT OL-DE OL-DT

JR JR JR JR SR SR SR SR JR SR SR

Your online source for news and sports.

The Numbers 300

2007

Number of career wins Mike Herrington could achieve as head coach at Hart this season.

Number of pounds Indians quarterback and Cal commit Zach Johnson has gained in the offseason.

AUGUST 17, 2019

Number of starting receivers returning from last season.

The year that Hart last won a Foothill League title. Could this year be the season that ends the drought?

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 11

SAUGUS 2018 Results Final record: 8-4 overall 3-2 Foothill League (Second place)

Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus St. Francis *Saugus *Saugus *West Ranch *Valencia *Saugus **Saugus **Villa Park

Taft 0 63 Agoura 26 51 Buena 0 51 42 Thousand Oaks 6 Saugus 13 17 Hart 7 13 Golden Valley 13 35 Saugus 14 17 Saugus 14 41 Canyon 0 41 Bishop Diego 35 38 Saugus 15 32

*Foothill League game ** CIF-SS Div. Playoff game

Azariah Beaugard

Cade Gallagher

Colton Fitzgerald

Julian Bornn

2019 Schedule Aug. 23 at Granada Hills

7 p.m.

Aug. 30

7 p.m.

at Agoura

Sept. 6 Redondo Union+

7 p.m.

OFFENSE Colton Fitzgerald

Sept. 13 at Thousand Oaks

7 p.m.

Julian Bornn

Sept. 20

St. Francis+

7 p.m.

Hart +*

7 p.m.

Oct. 4

12 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Hunter Girch

7 p.m.

Jacob Faraldo

Oct. 18

West Ranch+*

7 p.m.

Seth Edwards

Oct. 25

Valencia+*

7 p.m.

Logan DeShazer

OL OL

at Canyon>*

7 p.m.

Tyler Ayers Ryan Hampsten

Zach Swartz

Nov. 1

By Dan Lovi efore the start of every football season, players have a tendency to circle certain opponents on the schedule. Whether it’s a rematch they are looking forward to, a chance to play against an old rival, or just gearing up for a game against the defending league champion, it’s human nature to get caught looking ahead. However, at Saugus, there is no looking ahead. “We’re going to take it one game at a time, I

Azariah Beaugard WR WR Cade Gallagher*

Oct. 11 at Golden Valley>*

^at Valencia High >at Canyon High * Foothill League game +at COC Game times subject to change.

Signal Staff Writer

Projected Starters

DEFENSE think we’ll do it extremely well,” said senior lineman Seth Edwards. “We’re not going to focus on who we play four or five weeks ahead.” “We’re going to take each game the same, starting off against Granada Hills,” added junior quarterback Colton Fitzgerald. And it’s not just that the Centurions don’t get ahead of themselves. Of course the coaching staff and players study film of their opponents, but the team is more fo-

cused on what they can control each and every day to ensure that they continue to improve throughout the year. “It doesn’t change year to year, it’s always about us against the best version of us,” said Saugus head coach Jason Bornn. “If we can focus on that and developing ourselves and be better today than we were yesterday and better tomorrow than we are today, the opponents are irrelevant.” This year’s squad in-

Seth Edwards

Zach Swartz

Logan DeShazer

Tanner Schanks

Travis Mathis

Jakob Corrigan

Damon Zavala

Cade Gallagher

Azariah Beaugard DB Robert Vega

Evan Dawson

* Returning All-SCV player

See SAUGUS, page 36 AUGUST 17, 2019

The Basics

Julian Bornn

HEAD COACH: Jason Bornn

17th season (career record at Saugus: 95-88) Base offense: Multiple Base defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Offense - 1; Defense - 3 Top returner on offense: Julian Bornn - 33 carries for 226 yards and 4 TDs and 16 receptions for 289 yards and 4 TDs. Top returner on defense: Cade Gallagher - 49 tackles, two interceptions in 2018 Potential NCAA Division I Players: Seth Edwards Key losses: QB Cole Gallagher, RB Reid Huseman, WR/CB Matt Ballentine, WR/S Devin Thompson, OL/DL Gaetano Ferrera, TE/DL Carson Smith, LB Angelo Bornn, LB Myles Garrett WR/S Trevor Girch, LB Blake Adams, OL Nathan Tripp, K Colton Dolder Top returners: WR/CB Cade Gallagher, WR/CB Azariah Beaugard, WR/S Robert Vega, RB/LB Josh Bond, RB/S Julian Bornn, RB/S Cameron Warr Top newcomers: QB Colton Fitzgerald, OL/DL Seth Edwards, OL/DL Zach Swartz, RB/CB Jacob Faraldo

2019 Roster #

NAME

POS.

NAME

POS.

YEAR

Azariah Beaugard

WR/CB Sr.

YEAR

Miles Dullas

RB/CB

Jr.

Brayden Giraldo

QB/CB Sr.

Travis Mathis

TE/DL

Sr.

Cade Gallagher

WR/CB Sr.

Joseph Comeau

K/P

Jr.

Miles Sanders

WR/S

Sr.

Brandon Cruz

WR/CB Jr.

Robert Vega

S/WR

Jr.

Evan Dawson

RB/S

Hunter Girch

WR/QB Jr.

Seth Clark

RB/ILB Sr.

Timmy Angelo

WR/CB Sr.

Damon Zavala

RB/ILB Sr.

Jayden Dickey

TE/OLB Sr.

Kayden Mathis

TE/ILB

Sr.

Anthony Marchione

WR/CB Jr.

Tristan Scott

OL/DL

Jr.

Kobe Iniguez

WR/CB Sr.

Trevor Dahring

OL/DL

Jr.

Mateo Reale

WR/CB Sr.

Cristian Anaya

OL/DL

Jr.

Jakob Corrigan

WR/ OLB

Tyler Ayers

OL/DL

Sr.

Nick Galvez

OL/DL

Sr.

Nick Cesta

OL/DL

Sr.

John Carlos Ochoa

OL/ILB Jr.

Sean Chiu

OL/DL

Sr.

Ryan Hampsten

OL/DL

Sr.

Luke Lemmond

OL/DL

Jr.

Logan DeShazer

OL/DL

Sr.

Ian Price

Sr.

Seth Edwards

TE/DL

Sr.

Nathan Macedo

OL/DL

Jr.

Adam Riley

OL/DL

Sr.

Ty Durazo

OL/DL

So.

Zach Swartz

TE/DL

Jr.

Octavion Uzdris

OL/DL

Sr.

Cole Griswold

WR/CB Jr.

Cody Collier

QB/S

Dylan Beauchamp

OLB/TE Jr.

Colton Fitzgerald

QB/S

Jr.

Kaden Welch

WR/S

Sr.

Braden Salazar

WR/CB So.

Carson Farber

K/P

Tanner Schanks

TE/OLB Jr.

Julian Bornn

RB/S

Jr.

Cameron Warr

RB/S

Sr.

Joshua Bond

RB/ILB Sr.

Billy English

OLB

Sr.

Jacob Faraldo

RB/CB

So.

Angel Martinez

WR/S

Sr.

So.

Sr.

The Numbers 54

132.2

The number of touchdowns Saugus scored last season, which was the second most in the Foothill League

The league-leading number of interceptions Saugus had last season AUGUST 17, 2019

The number of tackles for loss Saugus had last season

The number of rushing yards Saugus averaged per game last season 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 13

Daniel Morales

Darnell Musgrove

Lendale Cervantes

Tyler Walker

GOLDEN VALLEY 2019 Schedule

2018 Results Final record: 2-8 overall 1-4 Foothill League (Fifth place)

Highland Antelope Valley Fullerton Golden Valley Bishop Diego *West Ranch *Saugus *Valencia *Golden Valley *Hart

46 61 33 21 28 53 35 49 35 60

Golden Valley Golden Valley Golden Valley Crespi Golden Valley Golden Valley Golden Valley Golden Valley Canyon Golden Valley

7 7 26 14 14 16 13 15 33 27

*Foothill League game ** CIF-SS Div. Playoff game

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

ntering 2019-20 summer football camp at Golden Valley, the Grizzlies’ players and coaching staff are positive and upbeat about one thing in particular: depth. Led by a determined group of returning seniors like Johnathan Kaelin, Tyler Walker, Lendale Cervantes and Darnell Musgrove, to name a few, the Grizzlies have come together since the end of last season to produce some very effective connections ahead of the start of the season. “I think that’s important

14 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Aug. 22

at Crescenta Valley

4 p.m.

Aug. 30

Burbank>

7 p.m.

Sept. 6

at Quartz Hill

7 p.m.

Sept. 13

at Rio Mesa

7 p.m.

Sept. 20

at Chatsworth

Sept. 27 Newbury Park >

Projected Starters OFFENSE Austin Garcia Jaxson Miner

Luke McCoy

7 p.m.

Johnathan Kaelin*

7 p.m.

Noah Thompson

Carlos Meza

Maki Bey

Lendale Cervantes

Oct. 4

West Ranch>*

7 p.m.

Oct. 11

Saugus >*

7 p.m.

Oct. 18

at Valencia*

7 p.m.

Daniel Morales

Oct. 25

Canyon>*

7 p.m.

Joseph Lahn

Nov. 11

at Hart+*

7 p.m.

Darnell Musgrove

Peter Ramirez

^at Valencia High >at Canyon High * Foothill League game +at COC Game times subject to change.

when it comes to building chemistry within groups, when you talk about DB’s, linebackers, receivers and positions like that,” said Golden Valley head coach Dan Kelley. “I think chemistry teamwide, is really positive. We really get along well together, we don’t have any big issues when it comes to behavioral issues and anything like that, they work together and it’s competitive. Anytime you have depth, you are in a great position. Three-deep is

where we want to be because that will guide us and get that guy who won the starting role satisfied. Every week you get fresh legs and stuff like that. But this is a good team overall, this a good team.” Having a bit of a down year during the 2018-19 season, the Grizzlies finished towards the bottom of the Foothill League in fifth place with their lone win coming against Canyon in a 35-33 road win.

DEFENSE Pablo Duran*

Raysean Gilmore

Daniel Morales

Luke McCoy

Shant Melkonian

Johnathan Kaelin*

Carlos Meza

Jacob Cipperley

David Kim

Tyler Walker*

AJ Hall

* Returning All-SCV player

See GV, next page AUGUST 17, 2019

The Basics

Darnell Musgrove

HEAD COACH: Dan Kelley

6th season (career record at Golden Valley 27-30) Base offense: Spread Base defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Offense - 6; Defense - 4 Top returner on offense: Johnathan Kaelin - 35 receptions for 526 yards and six TDs Top returner on defense: Carlos Meza - 42 tackles, one sack Potential NCAA Division I Players: Johnathan Kaelin, Tyler Walker Key losses: Zachary Chevalier, QB; Derrese Morganfield, LB Top returners: Johnathan Kaelin, WR; Tyler Walker Top newcomers: Luke McCoy, RB; Noah Thompson, WR; Maiki Bey, WR; Peter Ramirez, RT; Jacob Cipperley, FS; Luke McCoy, LB; Shant Melkonian, LB; David Kim, DT

2019 Roster #

NAME

POS.

NAME

POS.

Carlos Meza

WR/LB JR

YEAR

Brayzon Henderson

RB/DB SO

YEAR

Austin Garcia

Anthony Wilson

TE/DE

Kyle Mendoza

FB/LB

Jordan Greene

RB/DB JR

Noah Thompson

WR/DB JR

JJ Okunna

FB/LB

Chris Alcantar

RB/DB SR

Josh Barlow

TE/LB

Jaxson Miner

Raysean Gilmore

OL/DE

Luke McCoy

RB/LB

Steven Eakins

OL/DL

AJ Hall

WR/DB SR

Darnell Musgrove

OL/DL

Tyler Walker

WR/DB SR

David Kim

OL/DL

Mekhi Newton

WR/DB JR

Pablo Duran

OL/DE

Harley Medellin

WR/DB SR

Zachary Ziese

OL/DE

Johnathan Kaelin

WR/DB SR

Emmanuel Sahagun

OL/DE

Jordan Kennon

WR/DB JR

Anthony Contreras

OL/DL

Josh Garcia

WR/DB SR

Joseph Lahn

OL/DL

Zachary Perez

TE/DE

Peter Ramirez

OL/DL

Maki Bey

WR/DB JR

Lendale Cervantes

OL/DE

Amir Ashoury

WR/DB SR

Joseph Poole

OL/DL

Jacob Cipperley

WR/DB JR

Daniel Morales

OL/DL

Cameron Wedge

WR/DB SR

Hunter McMahon

TE/LB

Shane Upshaw

RB/DB JR

Shant Melkonian

TE/LB

The Numbers 15

1,500

Number of total touchdowns that Johnathan Kaelin scored in 2018.

Number of seasons Dan Kelley has been head coach of the Grizzlies.

Number of quarterbacks (Austin Garcia and Jaxson Miner) still vying for the starting job.

The estimated collective weight of the Grizzlies’ starting offensive line.

Continued from 14 While Golden Valley finished the season 2-8 overall, winning one more game in overtime against Crespi, the players and coaches are optimistic for better results with the bevy of returning and incoming talent this season. Losing their two-year starting quarterback Zach Chevalier to graduation, the Grizzlies’ coaching staff are in a position that most coaching staffs welcome, a quarterback battle. Serving as Chevalier’s backup last year, Austin Garcia returns for his senior season and will to try to take over the starting job leaning on his avid work ethic and knowledge that he learned See GV, page 40 AUGUST 17, 2019

FALL HOURS M-TH 3-8pm F 3-10pm Sat 11am-10pm Sun 11am-8pm

Show Your SCV High School ID any Monday-Thursday to receive one FREE Miniature Golf Game. Excludes holidays. Valid through 12/12/19

661-253-4FUN MOUNTASIAFFC.COM 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 15

2019 SCV HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

GOING FULL-TIME 7-on-7 football brings year-round competition By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

ootball teams have offseason workouts and players are encouraged to work out on their own time, but 7-on7 football has allowed football players to unleash their sense of competitiveness year-round. Seven-on-7 football, a variation of football that has seven players on each side of the ball with no offensive or defensive lines, has become a standard part of offsea-

son training for Foothill League teams. Although it doesn’t look like 7-on-7 is going anywhere, it has its fair share of supporters and critics as well. Ashton Thomas, one of the top returning receivers for Hart football, sees 7-on-7 as an opportunity to work on his football IQ. “It’s not really about going out there like it’s real football,” Thomas said. “If I run a dig pattern, do I need to sit down in the middle of the field or do See 7-ON-7, page 34

Balancing sports and grades a tough challenge By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

t an early age, kids are encouraged to play sports in order to build their self-esteem, confidence, teach them commitment and create personal and social skills. It’s typical that young boys and girls grow up idolizing a professional basketball player or football player, but at a young age do not realize all the hard work, dedication and schooling that goes

into reaching the pinnacle and playing professional sports. Although very few athletes actually make that dream a reality the majority of them fall short due to lack of balance — a balance between academics and athletics. “That’s what lasts forever, said Trinity Classical Academy quarterback Rick Roberts, who earned his first scholarship offer from Carleton College an NCAA Division 3 school in May. “You can play sports See GRADES, page 34

Valencia receiver Mitchell Torres makes a catch at the Rams 11-on Passing Tournament over the summer. Haley Sawyer/The Signal

16 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AUGUST 17, 2019

Players investing in private coaches to improve By Dan Lovi Signal Staff Writer

he sport of football is constantly evolving, and over the past decade a trend has started to emerge. Known in its early days as being a seasonal sport, football has become a year-round activity that requires work not only in camps before the season but in the offseason and summer as well. High school players, college players and even professionals have their own private position coaches, most notably quarterback coaches,

who are a separate entity from their team’s coaching staff. “It wasn’t as big as it is now, about 10 years ago is when it really started picking up,” said Danny Hernandez, a private quarterbacks coach who works with West Ranch quarterback Walker Eget and USC commit and Mater Dei player Bryce Young, among others. “The quarterback position has really evolved.” Hernandez, a former quarterback himself, covers almost every aspect of the position, including footwork, proper throwSee COACHES, page 34

Weston Eget, left, and Wyatt Eget, right, have learned a lot from quarterbacks coach Danny Hernandez, center. Dan Lovi/The Signal

• Take classes on our Valencia campus, Canyon Country campus, online or at your high school. • Earn college and high school credit at the same time. • Get ahead and save money!

AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 17

PROFILE - VALENCIA’S HUNTER KOCH

STICKS AND SIX Hunter Koch a leader for Valencia — and he can score, too By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

n a road trip to Arizona that required multiple cars, Tim Koch decided that walkie-talkies would be the best means of communication for each car. And, of course, walkie-talkies necessitate nicknames. The name he assigned to his son, Hunter, was “sticks and six.” The reasoning? If Koch isn’t moving sticks as a receiver for Valencia football, he’s scoring six

points with a touchdown. “I’d be kind of like a Julian Edelman-type guy,” Koch said. “Kind of move the chains and really in tough games, grit time, I’m the guy who’s going to get it done and going to go all out for everything for my team.” Koch is one of the top returning receivers, and all-around players, for the Vikings for those reasons. He’s got the talent — he hauled in 23 passes for 351 yards and four touchdowns in nine games last season — and he’s got

the heart. “Hunter works really hard at like, everything he does,” said quarterback Ryan Morrison. “He’s very strong, very fast, runs great routes, doesn’t drop many balls and he’s also a really good leader. Having him around is good.” At practice, Koch conducts himself like an older brother to his teammates. Probably because he is, in fact, an older brother. He has two younger sisters and is very close with his dad, a single parent of

nine years. If Koch is wearing a cowboy hat, there’s a good chance it’s a gift from his father. He estimates he has about seven of them so far, but he’s inherited more than just headwear from his dad, a firefighter who prioritizes his Christianity and family. “I always make sure that everything is respectable here,” Koch said of how he acts with his team. “Kind of not that many shenanigans and messing around and

Valencia receiver Hunter Koch. Dan Watson/The Signal

18 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AUGUST 17, 2019

Go to a game Valencia football’s Hunter Koch. Dan Watson/The Signal

being polite and stuff. It kind of makes me a better leader too because I have to lead my sisters all the time, it kind of helps me out there too.” True to his desire to do whatever he can to help lead the team, Koch will also take on a defensive role again this season at safety. Last season, he had two pass deflections at the position. He works well alongside Mitchell Torres and Jake Santos, two other Vikings who will have roles on offense and defense this season. “He’s kind of the heart and soul a little bit,” coach Larry Muir said of Koch. “He’s so intense and he only knows one speed and he’s really competitive. Him and Jake Santos and Mitchell Torres, those three guys are guys that are super competiAUGUST 17, 2019

tive guys that have a little charisma.” In the offseason, Koch drilled his route-running and spent plenty of time in the weight room. He’s been watching plenty of highlights of Edelman — the New England Patriots receiver whose personality is just as exciting as his plays. Whatever he’s doing, Koch is working hard at it. And he’s hoping his team approaches this season with the same attitude. “I want to see how competitive we can be and how much we want this,” Koch said. “How hard we could work. Like in late games like Sierra Canyon or Calabasas, we lost those last year. I want to see if we can have that much hard work to be able to be on top of those games. We want to see how hard we can work.”

“There’s something about the feel of Friday night football” - Garrie Calhoun

HartDistrict.org

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 19

CANYON 2018 Results Final record: 2-8 overall 0-5 Foothill League (Sixth place)

San Fernando Canyon Palmdale Simi Valley Canyon *Valencia *West Ranch *Hart *Golden Valley *Saugus

41 50 54 38 48 47 46 59 35 41

Canyon Burroughs Canyon Canyon Royal Canyon Canyon Canyon Canyon Canyon

27 21 30 25 21 7 14 7 33 0

*Foothill League game ** CIF-SS Div. Playoff game

Signal Staff Writer

his year, there is a new energy surrounding the Canyon football team, as first-year head coach Joe Maiale takes over the storied program. Maiale brings with him a new style of play: a fast-paced, outwork and out-condition approach that is meant to wear opponents down while the Cowboys stay fresh. “Our goal is to out-condition them by the time it gets to the fourth quarter,” said linebacker Angel Vasquez. “We’re going 100 percent while

20 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Travis Dyson

James Mendibles

Angel Vasquez

2019 Schedule Aug. 23

Crespi>

6:30 p.m.

Projected Starters

Aug. 29 at San Fernando

7 p.m.

Sept. 13

Palmdale>

7 p.m.

OFFENSE Aydyn Litz

Sept. 20

Simi Valley>

7 p.m.

Dylan Roof

Sept. 27

at Royal

7 p.m.

Valencia>*

7 p.m.

Oct. 4

James Mendibles WR WR Colin Figueroa Reno Sifuentes

Oct. 11 at West Ranch^*

7 p.m.

Felo Ibrahim

Oct. 18

7 p.m.

Mathew Pineda

Ivan Castillo

Hart>*

Oct. 25 at Golden Valley>* Nov. 1

By Dan Lovi

Evan Cox

Saugus>*

7 p.m. 7 p.m.

^at Valencia High >at Canyon High * Foothill League game +at COC Game times subject to change.

Cameron Acquaviva OL

Justin Willingham OL OL Edward Peifer DEFENSE

they’re already gassed out, that’s our goal.” The Cowboys are going full speed ahead in practice, building up their endurance and stamina as they prepare for a grueling preleague schedule that begins with Crespi, a division 6 program, followed by San Fernando, who went undefeated in the Valley Mission League last season. Things don’t get easier when Canyon opens Foothill League competition on the road against the defending league

champs, Valencia. “You have to be prepared to play in this league and we’re at Canyon, there is no hiding,” Maiale said. “Everyone knows who we are, knows the tradition, so we play a tough schedule. You have to be ready for this league, if you show up unprepared you will just get beat up.” While Canyon graduated a large contingent of influential players last year, one familiar face remains: starting quarter-

Jacob Arsiniega

Evan Cox

Donny Garrison

Matthew Santos

Angel Vasquez

Travis Dyson

Derek Gonzalez

Porter Lawler

Connor Romero

Brandon Leal

Blake Mahaffey

* Returning All-SCV player

See CANYON, page 42 AUGUST 17, 2019

The Basics

Aydyn Litz

HEAD COACH: Joe Maiale

1st season (career record at Canyon: 0-0)

Base offense: Spread Base defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Offense - 3; Defense - 2 Top returner on offense: QB Aydyn Litz Top returner on defense: DL Evan Cox Potential NCAA Division I Players: Matthew Pineda Key losses: RB/DB Jake Acquaviva, OL/DL Jacob Lopez, WR/FS Nico Shields, WR/DB Carson Strickland, RB/MLB Ryan Valdes, WR/DB Henry Vera, OL/DL Max Graham, K Ryan Guluzza RB/LB Shawn Gallagher Top returners: RB/DL Evan Cox, QB Aydyn Litz, WR/DB James Mendibles, OL/DL Matthew Pineda, OL/DL Justin Willingham, OL/DL Jacob Arsiniega Top newcomers: LB Travis Dyson, RB Dylan Roof, WR Reno Sifuentes, QB/LB Angel Vasquez, RB Sam Nguyen, LB Derek Gonzalez

The Numbers 1

The number of Foothill League games Canyon has won the past three seasons.

15.8

The average yards per catch Canyon recorded last season, which was the second most in the league.

AUGUST 17, 2019

The division Canyon is now in after moving down a spot.

2019 Roster #

NAME

POS.

YEAR

NAME

POS.

YEAR

Colin Figueroa

So.

Barron Dula

Sr.

Aaron Monreal

WR/CB Sr.

Josh Perrin

RB/CB

Jr.

James Mendibles

WR/CB Jr.

Dedrick Knox

LB/RB

Sr.

Brandon Monreal

WR/CB Sr.

Derek Gonzalez

So.

Tommy Kidd

WR/CB Sr.

Donny Garrison

DL/WR Sr.

Connor Romero

CB/WR Sr.

Jasen Abramovitch

LB/RB

Sr.

Jarrett Reeser

K/P

Jr.

Travis Dyson

Jr.

Angel Vasquez

LB/QB

Jr.

Lauro Franco

OL/DL

Jr.

Felo Ibrahim

WR/CB Jr.

Felix Garcia

OL/DL

Jr.

Aydyn Litz

Sr.

Jacob Arsiniega

DL/OL

Sr.

Brandon Leal

CB/WR Sr.

Ivan Castillo

OL/DL

Jr.

Aidan Corcoran

LB/RB

Sr.

Mathew Pineda

OL/DL

Sr.

Reno Sifuentes

WR/CB Sr.

Matthew Santos

DL/DL

Jr.

Blake Mahaffey

DB/QB Sr.

Edward Peifer

OL/DL

Jr.

Dylan Roof

RB/CB

So.

Cameron Acquaviva

OL/DL

Sr.

Sam Nguyen

Sr.

Isaac Quintana

OL/DL

Sr.

Porter Lawler

CB/WR Jr.

Justin Willingham

OL/DL

Sr.

Evan Cox

JJ Fechtelkotter

WR/CB So.

Sr.

Good WinGs

Wickedly

SPORT TVs 26583 Golden Valley Rd.

Santa Clarita • 661-259-9464 • Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-midnight ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE

wickedchickenwings.com

The number of Foothill League starting quarterbacks returning this season, including Canyon’s Aydyn Litz.

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 21

Bryce Buchanan

John Collier

Jackson Reyes

Brandon Wyre

WEST RANCH 2018 Results Final record: 9-3 overall 3-2 Foothill League (Fourth place) West Ranch 39 West Ranch 54 West Ranch 46

Nordhoff 14 Burroughs

St. Genevieve 24

West Ranch 48

Royal

West Ranch 56

Oak Park

2019 Schedule Aug. 23

at Nordhoff

7 p.m.

Aug. 30

Granada Hills Charter ^

7 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Antelope Valley Sept. 13

Royal ^

7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Projected Starters OFFENSE Zach Van Bennekum TE WR Matt Striplin John Collier*

Owen Gomez Sanchez

Dylan Clark

*West Ranch 46

Canyon 14

Sept. 20 at St. Genevieve

*West Ranch 17

Saugus 14

*Hart 31

West Ranch 26

Oct. 4 at Golden Valley >

7 p.m.

*Valencia 42

West Ranch 13

Oct. 11

Canyon ^

7 p.m.

**West Ranch 35

Silverado 31

Matthew Krough

**Oxnard 34

West Ranch 31

Oct. 18

at Saugus +

7 p.m.

Nate Jerzykowski

Oct. 25

Hart ^

7 p.m.

Jackson Reyes*

Valencia

7 p.m.

Nick Cole

Walker Eget

Reiger Burgin

*Foothill League game ** CIF-SS Div. Playoff game

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

inning a program-high nine games and earning their first playoff win in program history during the 2018-19 season, the West Ranch Wildcats football team set the precedent for future Wildcats teams and this year is no different as the team wants to collectively grow and continue the winning trend this season. “We just want to continue with what we’ve done and what I’ve been able to build here is consistency and things like that,” said West Ranch head coach Chris Varner. “Try-

22 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Nov. 1

7 p.m.

^at Valencia High >at Canyon High * Foothill League game +at COC Game times subject to change.

ing to make sure we are continuing to take steps forwards and not taking leaps backwards.” Last year’s quarterback, Weston Eget, threw for 2,752 yards and 25 touchdowns, while averaging 229 yards per game. Under the direction of Eget, the offense averaged 38.7 points per game over the course of 12 contests, outscoring their opponents 464 to 227. The majority of points came from brothers, senior running back Ryan and

senior wide receiver Jovan Camacho, who between the two scored a combined 51 total touchdowns. They have all since departed, as Eget is committed to play quarterback for New Mexico State and Ryan and Jovan will stay local to play for the College of the Canyons baseball team in the fall. “I think we will be just as good this year,” said three-year varsity linebacker Bryce Buchanan.

DEFENSE Carlos Alcaraz

Gavin Wright

Nick Aquino

Zach Van Bennekum* LB Sean Castor

Henry Samuelson

JC Cotti

Brandon Wyre

Derek Miranda

Dominik Martinez

John Collier

* Returning All-SCV player

See WR, page 43 AUGUST 17, 2019

The Basics

Brandon Wyre

HEAD COACH: Chris Varner

Fourth season (career record at West Ranch: 18-13) Base offense: Spread Base defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Offense - 5; Defense - 5 Top returner on offense: Zach Van Bennekum Top returner on defense: Bryce Buchanan Potential NCAA Division I Players: Zach Van Bennekum, LB/TE; Bryce Buchanan, LB; John Collier, DE/OL; Jackson Reyes, RB/DB Key losses: Ryan Camacho, RB/DB; Jovan Camacho, WR/DB; Weston Eget, QB; Joseph Tempesta, LB; Mason James, DB/WR; Ethan Eichten, DL/OL Top returners: Zach Van Bennekum, LB/TE; Brandon Wyre, WR/DB; John Collier, DE/OL; Matthew Krogh, OL; Dylan Clark, C; JC Cotti, DE/OL; Henry Samuelson, DL; Zach Van Bennekum, LB/TE; Bryce Buchanon, LB; Brandon Wyre, WR/DB Top newcomers: Derek Miranda, RB/DB; Nick Kohl, WR; Walker Eget, QB; Nick Aquino, LB; Reiger Burgin, RB/DB; Thierry Sirias, DB/QB; Jake Priske, WR

The Numbers 3

The number of Eget brothers who will have played quarterback at West Ranch after this year.

Number of wins the Wildcats began last season with. AUGUST 17, 2019

Total number of touchdowns scored by the Wildcats in 2018-19.

Number of wins accrued last year, West Ranch program record.

2019 Roster #

NAME

POS.

YEAR

Walker Eget

Brandon Wyre

WR/DB

Rory White

RB/DB

Dominik Martinez

S/DB

Nicholas Kohl

JohnnieRay Poucher S

Thierry Sirias

DB/QB

Max Macias

Jackson Reyes

RB/DB

Gavin Wright

LB/WR

Erik Bryant

Matthew Striplin

WR/DB

Nick Aquino

Zachary Van Bennekum

LB/TE

Dylan Cotti

Brian Walton

OL/DL

Carlos Alcaraz

Derek Miranda

RB/R

Dylan Rogers

Jake Murray

NAME

POS.

YEAR

Bryce Buchanan

Jake Priske

Richie Padilla

Keven Cho

Gavin Nogosek

Reiger Burgin

RB/DB

Ethan McCune

SR SO

Thomas Wunsch

John Collier

OL/DE/P SR

Jack Klein

OL/DL

Sean Castor

O/DL

Nathan Jerzykowski

Owen Gomez Sanchez

Russell Westall

OL/C

Henry Samuelson

Dylan Clark

Matthew Krogh

JC Cotti

DE/OL

Jacob Erenberg

David Mkhitaryan

Best of Success LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER GREAT SEASON OF SANTA CLARITA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IN 2019!

Bob Jensen, MAcc, CPA Evan Faucette, MAcc, CPA

Mike Garrison, MAcc, CPA

Dennis King, CPA

Tom Engman, CPA

Bud Alleman, CPA

Sandie Snetiker

Phone 661-705-4222

KKAJ, LLP CPAs

27200 Tourney Road, Suite 475 â&#x2013;ª Valencia, CA 91355 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 23

city doubletruck 40762_1

24 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 25

Aidan Duhm

Kyle Fields

Lucas Mendoza

Rick Roberts

TRINITY CLASSICAL 2019 Schedule

2018 Results Final record: 5-5 overall 2-2 Academy League (Third place)

Desert Christian Academy Trinity Fillmore SCCS

Trinity FF

58 29 56

Rivera Trinity Trinity Cavalry Chapel Trinity 46 Christian *Trinity 58 Firebaugh *Fairmont Prep 33 Trinity *Trinity 0 Ribet Academy *Capistrano Trinity 31 Valley Christian

6 20 28 9 8 14 FF 12

*Academy League game

Aug. 23 at Desert Christian 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29

at Rivera

6 p.m.

Signal Staff Writer

laying a quick, uptempo brand of football for the 2019 football season, the Trinity Classical Academy Knights team may be small, but it welcomes back a strong core in addition to a flurry of newcomers to the team. “All of our guys right now, they have experience,” said Trinity Classical Academy’s threeyear varsity quarterback Rick Roberts. “Even the younger guys coming up, they are not new to football. These guys coming in know how to play

26 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

OFFENSE Rick Roberts*

Nick Parrinello

Zack Ball Jr

A. J. Horning*

Lucas Mendoza*

Kyle Fields*

Aidan Duhm

7:30 p.m.

Edgar Romero*

7 p.m.

Zack Meadows

Jonny LaFrance Owen Allen

OL OL

Sept. 13 at Calvary Chapel

7 p.m.

Sept. 21

at SCCS+

6 p.m.

Sept. 26

St. Pius X+

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3

Desert+

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10

Vasquez+

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18

Firebaugh

7 p.m.

Oct. 24

Southlands+

Nov. 2 at Fairmont Prep By Diego Marquez

^at Valencia High >at Canyon High * Foothill League game +at COC Game times subject to change.

the game which is a huge plus, so really it’s about getting them used to the speed and the mental side of the game because a lot of them are physically ready. It’s just the timing and the quickness of the play calls because we are trying to go a little uptempo this year. Just being able to get the hand signal and go.” Roberts returns for his senior season to lead a Knights team that finished 5-5 overall and for a third-place Academy League finish just a sea-

Projected Starters

son ago. In his third year with the varsity squad, Roberts threw for 1,403 yards and 17 passing touchdowns for almost a 6:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. “Our goal is to see him pass somewhere between 3 and 5,000 yards and he has the potential,” said Trinity head coach Les Robinson. “If we can stay healthy and if he can stay healthy, I’ll be very disappointed if he didn’t throw for at least 3,000.” One of his three pri-

DEFENSE Jonny LaFrance*

Aiden Duhm

Edgar Romero*

Robin Li

Joey Haro*

Lucas Mendoza*

Nick Parrinello

Noah Estanol

Zack Ball

Kyle Fields*

A.J. Horning*

* Returning All-Academy player

See TRINITY, page 44 AUGUST 17, 2019

The Basics

2019 Roster # 2 3 6 7 9 10 12 15 21 24 15 33 42 48

NAME Evan Hackett Aiden Leigh Rick Roberts Jack Spector Lucas Mendoza Brandon Fields Greg Salazar Zach Ball Kyle Fields AJ Horning Jackson Unruh Joey Haro Nick Parrinello Caeden Sandifer

POS. WR/DB OL/DL QB WR/LB WR/LB QB/WR WR/DB QB/WR WR/RB ATH WR/DB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB

YEAR SO FR SR FR SO FR SR JR SR SO FR JR FR FR

50 52 55 60 66 70 76 77 22 32 82

Johnny Lafrance Owen Allen Zackery Meadows Anderson Howell Lucas Sotelo Robin Li Aiden Checketts Scott Black Noah Estanol Edgar Romero Aidan Duhm Brandon Chase Luke Sachs Ethan Swords

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR

JR FR SR FR JR SR SO SR FR JR JR FR FR FR

Aidan Duhm

HEAD COACH: Les Robinson

Sixth season (Career record at Trinity: 25-24)

Base offense: Spread Base defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Offense - 0; Defense - 0 Top returner on offense: Rick Roberts Sr. - QB Top returner on defense: Jonny LaFrance Jr. DT Potential NCAA Division I Players: Rick Roberts and Kyle Fields Key losses: Carson Campuzano, Andrew Dever, Jacob Estanol and Phineas Yi Top returners: DT Jonny LaFrance, LB Lucas Mendoza, CB/WR Kyle Fields, LB Joey Haro, QB Rick Roberts Top newcomers: WR/QB Brandon Fields, RB Nick Parrinello, LB Noah Estanol, and DT Owen Allen Rick Roberts

The Numbers 5

Number of wins the Knights achieved in the 2018-19 season. With the amount of talented returners and eager newcomers the on the team this season, Trinity can easily match that number or even surpass it.

Number of touchdowns Rick Roberts threw for last season. Roberts will command the offense at the starting quarterback position this season.

AUGUST 17, 2019

Number of returning players who earned All-Academy League honors last season. The Knights may have a small roster, but it’s one that definitely isn’t lacking in skill.

Number of freshmen on this year’s Trinity roster. Although they’re all new to varsity football, each of them already has strong football knowledge.

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 27

THE DIVISIONS The CIF-Southern Section’s competitive equity system affected the Foothill League in a big way this season. Here’s a look at where each of the Santa Clarita Valley football teams ended up in this season’s divisions.

Valencia Division 1/2 (24 schools) Mater Dei St. John Bosco Oaks Christian Mission Viejo Lutheran/Orange JSerra Catholic Centennial/Corona Upland

Bishop Amat Chaminade Serra Rancho Cucamonga San Clemente Murrieta Valley Vista Murrieta

Calabasas Santa Margarita Servite Norco Poly/Long Beach Sierra Canyon Notre Dame/SO Rancho Verde

Hart Division 4 (20 schools) Villa Park Bishop Diego Roosevelt, Eleanor San Juan Hills Paramount Downey

Palos Verdes South Hills Murrieta Mesa Damien Camarillo Paloma Valley La Mirada

Loyola Yucaipa Charter Oak El Toro Chaparral Great Oak

Saugus Division 5 (21 schools) Glendora Oak Hills Lompoc Citrus Hill Newbury Park St. Paul Yorba Linda

Oxnard Colony Aquinas St. Bonaventure Etiwanda Chino Hills Corona

Culver City Mayfair Antelope Valley El Modena Diamond Ranch Mira Costa

Download in the

APP STORE or GOOGLE PLAY search SignalSCV for more information go to Signalscv.com/app

28 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Golden Valley Division 6 (20 schools) San Jacinto Harvard-Westlake St. Margarets Episcopal Rio Mesa Millikan Los Osos

La Serna Redondo Union Warren Dos Pueblos Silverado Crespi Ayala, Ruben

Kaiser Valley View Citrus Valley Los Altos/Hacienda Heights Pacifica/Oxnard Apple Valley

Canyon & West Ranch Division 7 (21 schools) Northview Huntington Beach Carter Serrano Fountain Valley Don Lugo Fullerton

Burbank Valencia/Placentia Arcadia Temecula Valley Ventura Elsinore King, Martin Luther

Wilson/Long Beach Alta Loma Quartz Hill Redlands Cypress

Trinity Division 14 (70 schools) Montclair Mary Star of the Sea Granite Hills Webb Beckman Perris Miller, A.B. La Sierra Campbell Hall Loara California Military Arroyo Valley Beverly Hills Pioneer Azusa Bloomington Riverside Prep Indio Cerritos Bassett Indian Springs South Torrance Vasquez La Puente La Canada

Century Jurupa Valley Capistrano Valley Christian Hoover Desert Christian Academy Fairmont Prep Santiago/Garden Grove San Bernardino Calvary Murrieta Ganesha Verbum Dei Centennial/Compton St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy Mountain View Malibu Saddleback Western Christian Southlands Christian Mark Keppel Los Amigos

Cathedral City Magnolia St. Monica Catholic Gabrielino Costa Mesa Desert Mirage Desert Hot Springs Hamilton Don Bosco Tech San Gabriel Vista Del Lago/ Moreno Valley Bolsa Grande Santa Rosa Academy Portola Gladstone Nuview Bridge Sherman Indian Temecula Prep Firebaugh Sierra Vista Ribet Academy Duarte Marshall AUGUST 17, 2019

Pho Sure

Santa Clarita’s Favorite!

So Much More Than Pho Call ahead and order to-go!

(661) 257-3888

23876 Copper Hill Dr. • Valencia, CA 91354 AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 29

PROFILE - GOLDEN VALLEY’S JOHNATHAN KAELIN

WHAT IT TAKES Johnathan Kaelin constantly striving to reach the next level By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

ntering his third year playing varsity football at Golden Valley, senior Johnathan Kaelin understands what it’s like as a student-athlete to make adjustments for the betterment of the team whether it be in the classroom or on the gridiron. “I do whatever it takes to get the job done on the football field and in the classroom,” Kaelin said. “I really go hard in the classroom because I

know colleges look at that first and then the film. I pretty much do my job in the classroom and then do my job on the field.” Beginning his high school football career in 2016 playing for Bishop Alemany in the San Fernando Valley, Kaelin transferred into Golden Valley ahead of his sophomore season wanting more out of football. Kaelin played defensive end in his only season with the Warriors, but felt that his talents could be effective at a

myriad of positions. Joining the Grizzlies in 2017, Kaelin had to learn a new playbook, build chemistry with his new teammates and still find a way to make an impact on the field, amongst other difficulties that transferring into a new high school brings. Still young and raw in terms of varsity football experience, but Golden Valley head coach Dan Kelley saw the potential in Kaelin and thrust him into new positions on both sides of the ball in his first year with the team.

“When he first came in, he was a big kid that started on both sides of the ball for us at receiver and free safety,” Kelley said. “Over time, he has gotten a lot bigger, a lot stronger and is a competitor that wants to work to get better. I think he can take it as far as he wants if he can stay focused and stay motivated. He has definitely grown as a young man on and off the football field.” Lining up at wide receiver and linebacker, Kaelin quickly adapted to the new team and positions with the

Golden Valley’s Johnathan Kaelin. Dan Watson/The Signal

30 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AUGUST 17, 2019

help of another transfer, current University of Texas player DeGabriel Floyd, whom Kaelin still keeps in contact with to this day. “(DeGabriel) helped me how to read the defense and how to make openfield tackles,” Kaelin said. “I still talk to him, he tells me, ‘Keep balling out and do what you have to do.’” Kaelin finished his sophomore year with 54 total tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery on the defensive side of the ball while catching 17 passes for 174 yards on offense in 13 appearances, according to MaxPreps.com. The following year, Floyd transferred to Westlake High School, setting up a breakout year for the more versatile Kaelin. With a year at Golden Valley under his belt, Kaelin once again transitioned to a new position on defense, taking over for Floyd at the free safety position while lining up as a receiver and taking up some running back duties because of the team’s depth issues. Hardly stepping off the field last season, the 6-foot4, 215-pound junior continued his ascent on both sides of the ball. Rushing 43 times for 302 yards while catching 35 balls for 526 years, Kaelin finished the year with 15 total touchdowns to lead the Grizzlies, scoring nine on the ground and catching another six. Kaelin scored multiple touchdowns in five games during the 2018 season, finding paydirt three times in two wins against Crespi and Canyon. On defense, Kaelin was equally impressive, recording 45 total tackles and finishing second on the team. “But with Johnathan, I think we will use him in the same aspect as we did last year,” Kelley said. “Again I think we leaned on him AUGUST 17, 2019

a little too much last year because of some of our depth issues. I think we will be able to spread the ball around better which may open him up a little more and not get that double-triple coverage on him when he’s at receiver or loading the box when he’s in the backfield. “Again, he’s too good of a player not to use him in all aspects on offense and defense. I think coach Tony Brown on our defensive side of the ball is looking at him playing some linebacker and strong safety and also because we have our depth at defensive back, move him around.” A quiet and stoic kid by

nature, Kaelin has embraced every opportunity that has been thrown his way, literally. He sees his senior season no different than the others, but will try to take on another new role, a more vocal leader. “I will talk more on the field and still lead by example so that people could still get hyped and try to do the things that I’m doing,” he said. Setting up for a big senior year, Kaelin has already drawn the interest of NCAA Division 1 programs like Arizona State, BYU, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, thanks to his versatility and work ethic.

Come the start of football season, expect Kaelin to be ready and willing to do whatever it takes for his team to get a “W” on Friday nights. “He’s confident in his ability and he does keep to himself, but he’s one of those kids that it takes some time to get to know,” Kelley said. “Once you do, you quickly find out what he loves is the game of football. He’s one of those guys that loves to be out here and loves to practice.”

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 31

PROFILE - HART’S ZACH JOHNSON

LASTING LEGACY Football is a way of life for Hart quarterback Zach Johnson By Dan Lovi Signal Staff Writer

ootball has been a part of Zach Johnson’s life, pretty much since he was born. He’s even got the photo evidence to prove it. “I’ve always grown up around it, fell in love with it the second I could pick up a football. My parents have pictures of me throwing balls, rolling balls around, stuff like that,” he said with a smile. “I definitely fell in love with it early.”

Johnson started playing football when he was 6 years old. Most kids typically start playing after the age of 7, so he had a leg up from the get-go. Granted, competing against older kids may have given him a few extra bumps and bruises along the way. The first year Johnson played football, he was positioned on the line and played tight end, but in his second year he switched to quarterback and hasn’t looked back since.

The Hart senior started working with his quarterback coach Dean Herrington, brother of Hart head coach Mike Herrington, at an early age. “I started working with Dean at a real young age, he’s been my quarterback coach, only one I’ve ever had,” Johnson said. “He’s been incredible, taught me everything I know about the quarterback position. Him and coach Mike have been amazing, I’ve been able to learn

so much and it’s really shaped me into the quarterback I am now.” Johnson, who has already committed to play college football at the University of California, Berkeley, wants to leave a lasting impression this season and add his name to the list of legendary Hart quarterbacks who have passed through the school. Former NFL quarterbacks Kyle Boller and Matt Moore played at Hart, as did current Division 1 quarterbacks J.T.

Hart quarterback Zach Johnson. Signal photo by Dan Watson.

32 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AUGUST 17, 2019

Shrout and Brady White. “I feel very fortunate and I’m very thankful I get to be around coach Mike, who has been around for so long and has seen so many things and has produced so many good quarterbacks,” Johnson said. “They’ve been able to teach those guys and shape them into the players they were and help them get to the next level. “I just feel so thankful that I get to be in a program that consistently produces athletes and it’s a really cool thing, especially to look back and see how many guys have been able to go on and what they learned here and to get to learn under such a great

AUGUST 17, 2019

staff.” Johnson and the rest of his Hart teammates are ready for the upcoming year, having put in the necessary work throughout the offseason. The dual-threat quarterback has been building rapport with his receivers during the summer and continues to learn their tendencies as the season nears. “He knows the game inside and out and he can coach those guys up out on the field when they make a mistake and make sure that they’re in the right spots,” Herrington said about his signal-caller. Johnson will have a bevy of wideouts to throw to, including re-

turners Drew Munoz, Ashton Thomas and Ryan Tomaszewski, plus newcomers Angelo Lucchese and Riley Bodemer. He boasted about the talent of all his receivers, but said the most important thing is their unselfishness and sharing one common goal: winning. “All those guys are so selfless when they run their routes, everybody wants the open guy to get the ball,” Johnson said about his pass catchers. “They run such good routes, they are really good receivers and so I’m really excited and I’m fortunate to have those guys out there.” Like the rest of his teammates, Johnson wants to win and bring a

Foothill League championship back to Hart. But beyond wins and losses, Johnson knows that as long as he leaves it all out on the field each and every week, the season will be a success. “For me I want to be able to look back and say that I gave it everything I had in every game and I didn’t take any plays off,” he said. “I wasn’t lazy in any of my preparation and try to be the best teammate possible. It’s really going out there and giving everything you have and the chips will fall however they do.”

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 33

He’s been incredible, taught me everything I know about the quarterback position.” -Hart quarterback Zach Johnson

7-ON-7 Continued from 16

I need to sit down where the outside linebacker just left? Or if I’m playing corner, if a receiver runs a slant, do I need to break heavy on the slant or do I need to worry about No. 2 coming out?” Although NCAA rules forbid college coaches and scouts from attending 7-on-7 events, college football players have been watching 7-on-7 develop and not all are completely pleased with it. Khalil Tate, quarterback at the University of Arizona, said at Pac-12 Football Media Day in July that he felt that 7-on-7 never fully allowed him to display his running abilities. Michael Pittman Jr., a receiver at the University of Southern California, was a little more blunt. “(Kids are) getting followers, they’re making videos, highlight videos

COACHES

Continued from 17

ing mechanics and goes over film with his players. He also helps them navigate the recruiting process, which can be intimidating to high school kids. He has built relationships with college coaches and also puts together film reels of his players and sends them out. “With recruiting it’s about having them understand the timing because there’s somewhat of a science to the whole recruitment process,”

34 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

like off of 7-on-7 tape, which I mean, is cool, but it’s not real football. I’ve never been a fan of 7-on-7 because I never thought it was real football. But it is fun to go out there and play football also. It’s a good thing to do, but I don’t think that you can put so much on it because it’s not real football.” Valencia receiver Mitchell Torres echoed a similar sentiment, but also noted that players have the opportunity to see skilled teams they might not have the chance to see in the regular season at summer passing tournaments. “At the end of the day, it’s not football, this is two-hand touch and when you puts the pads on it’s a whole different game,” Torres said at the Rams 11-on tournament this summer. “But it’s a good thing to see all these pretty good teams out here.” Hernandez said. “I feel I’ve had some pretty good luck and help the guys with that. I go over film sessions, going over their film or whether it’s an opponent’s film or college clips that relate to what they are doing.” Hernandez has been working with Eget this offseason on being more twitchy in the pocket, delivering balls quicker and going through his reads faster. He believes the youngest of the Eget brothers who include former West Ranch quarterbacks Wyatt and Weston could develop into a

GRADES for a while, but when you are done with school, that lasts forever. Sports is just preparation for life.” It’s not a secret that there is a direct correlation between students who participate in athletics and the success in the classroom. Kids that play sports apply the same effort and mindset that they show on the field in the classroom, as well. But somewhere along the journey, the line gets blurred for some student-athletes as they turn all their attention and focus towards their respective sports and let academics fall by the wayside. Out of the nearly 8 million students that participate in high school sports in the country, about 495,000 of them move on to compete at NCAA schools, according to

NCAA.org. Golden Valley’s Johnathan Kaelin has garnered interest from NCAA Division 1 schools like Arizona State University, BYU, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming and admits that the coaches who he has talked to emphasize good grades. “They said to keep the grade and we will keep talking to you,” Kaelin said. “That’s the main thing to playing football is taking school serious. That’s No. 1.” To play at an NCAA Division 1 or 2 college, student-athletes must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better and athletes need to do their best to find a harmony between academics and athletics. “Grades are another thing that sets me apart and having good grades opened the door for the scholarship offer to Carleton, and I hope it opens up other offers,” Roberts added.

highly touted prospect who can go on to do big things in his career. “One of the things we worked on this summer is being a little more twitchy, a key little phrase that coaches like to use is suddenness, being very sudden,” Hernandez said. “That was something I really tried to focus on with him during this offseason. Every session that I see him I feel like he is getting better every time.” Zach Johnson, Hart’s starting quarterback, has been working with his quarterback coach Dean Herrington since he was young.

Herrington is the brother of Hart head coach Mike Herrington, and Johnson said both coaches have had a major impact on him as a player, and have helped him become one of the area’s top quarterbacks. “I started working with Dean at a real young age, he’s been my quarterback coach, only one I’ve ever had,” Johnson said. “He’s been incredible, taught me everything I know about the quarterback position. Him and coach Mike have been amazing, I’ve been able to learn so much and it’s really shaped me into the quarterback I am now.”

Continued from 16

AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 35

SAUGUS

Continued from 12

cludes a bevy of fresh faces and a core group of returners from last year’s 8-4 team that finished second in the Foothill League. Fitzgerald takes over as the starting signal caller for Cole Gallagher, who put up considerable numbers last season. Gallagher threw for 2,058 yards and 22 touchdowns, adding 178 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. On the JV team last year, Fitzgerald put up similar numbers, throwing for 1,732 yards and 25 touchdowns and ran for 249 yards and three scores. Senior Brayden Giraldo was slated to start at quarterback this year, but tore his ACL over the summer, opening the door for Fitzgerald. He’s made the most of the opportunity, building rapport with his teammates over the summer and improving day by day in typical Saugus football fashion. “He’s really come a long way, throughout spring and summer camp he’s really gotten better and better,” said senior wideout and defensive back Azariah Beaugard. “I think throughout the season he’s going to grow as a quarterback.” “He’s really paying attention, learning from the coaches, really stepping up into a big role he wasn’t expecting to be in,” said senior Cade Gallagher, who in addition to starting on defense will catch passes from Fitzgerald. “It sucks that Brayden is not there, but Colton is stepping up

36 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Saugus quarterback Cole Gallagher (3) fakes a handoff to Joshua Bond (24) and rolls out to to pass against Villa Park at College of the Canyons. Dan Watson/The Signal

and doing everything he can.” In addition to Fitzgerald’s accurate arm — he threw just six interceptions in 233 attempts last season — he can also do damage with his feet. “Colton is mobile, I’ve played with him since freshman year, he can tuck it and run if he needs to,” Edwards said. “Knowing his playing style helps us out because most of our line is a mix of juniors and seniors, which really helps out. We know how he plays.” Edwards is part of a revamped offensive line that Bornn says is one of the most balanced units he’s ever coached. The 6-foot-5 lineman will also be featured on the defensive line, along with 6-foot-4 senior Logan DeShazer and 6-foot3 junior Zach Swartz. “Seth Edwards playing O-line and D-line, a little bit of tight end, he’s really flourished this offseason,” Bornn said. “Zach Swartz, I think he’s going to step up big time for us.” Saugus graduated a handful of productive wideouts, leaving Beau-

gard as the lone wide receiver on the roster who caught a pass last year. He’ll have help this season from his counterpart in the secondary, Gallagher, and a handful of new talent at the wide receiver position. “We have a lot of guys, Jacob Faraldo, Robert Vega, Hunter Girch,” Gallagher said. “There’s a whole bunch of people who go down the line who can really step up and help.” One of the names to keep an eye on is Faraldo, a dynamic playmaker who had a noteworthy season on the freshman team last year. Faraldo carried the ball 147 times for 1,174 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging eight yards per carry. He also recorded 550 yards and seven touchdowns on 29 receptions and returned a kick for a score. The sophomore will join a talented backfield that includes Josh Bond, Julian Bornn and Cameron Warr, who combined for 634 yards and six rushing touchdowns on 96 carries. Saugus will open the season on the road

against Granada Hills Charter High School, a program that has struggled the past few seasons, but is looking for a fresh start with a new coach. But the Centurions will be ready for the challenge by focusing on what they can control, bringing their style of football to the field on Aug. 23 and for the entire 2019 season. “The challenge for us with Granada, a new coach, the first game of the year, we don’t know what we’re going to see. We have to be prepared to be able to defend multiple offenses as well as attack multiple defenses because we just don’t know what they’re going to be doing,” Bornn said. “Whether it’s Granada or anybody else, it’s always a competition against the best version of ourselves.”

SAUGUS

Notable Records Rushing yards in a game: 387 - Ryan Zirbel (2007) Rushing yards in a season: 2,281 - Ryan Zirbel (2007) Rushing yards in a career: 5,234 - Ryan Zirbel (200609) Touchdowns in a season: 36 - Desi Rodriguez (2008) Receiving yards in a game: 256 - Nathan Steele (1999) Passing yards in a game: 380 - David Parker (1999) Passing yards in a season: 3,234 - David Parker (1999) Passing yards in a career: 5,451 - David Parker (1998-99) Passing TDs in a season: 42 - David Parker (1999)

AUGUST 17, 2019

HART

Continued from 10 catches for 523 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, followed by Thomas with 490 yards and four touchdowns on 39 receptions then Tomaszewski with 27 catches for 485 yards and three touchdowns. “I heard one time, somebody said who is your favorite receiver to throw to, and it’s the open one. It’s definitely like that,” Johnson said. “It makes it easy on me because they’re going to be open and because everyone can run routes and get there quick, so it’s definitely nice to have those guys out there.” Taden Littleford, who was named the starting running back at the end of last season, is back in the starting role once again this season. After 245 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games last year, Littleford will be the centerpiece of a run game that will complement the Indians’ passheavy offense well. Littleford worked on his speed and strength in the offseason and there is a noticeable difference. He also got reps in 7-on-7 competitions at running back and receiver, which he said helped his route-running and pass-catching abilities. “I would describe me as kind of an all-purpose back,” Littleford said, although Herrington was quick to praise his speed. “I’m not the strongest running back, not the fastest, but I can catch and I can run decently. So it’s kind of like a dual threat.” The most crucial cog in Hart’s offensive plans is the line. The Indians’ offensive line has struggled in years past, but with multiple linemen coming back, this time AUGUST 17, 2019

Hart’s Drew Munoz (22) is lifted in the air by teammate Hadi Maaz (54) after Munoz scored against West Ranch. Dan Watson/The Signal

could be different. Tommy Adame, who started as a sophomore but missed his junior year with an ACL injury, will be back for his senior year. Junior Justin Curtis is one of the younger starters on the line, but is also one of the biggest at 6-foot-4. Tyler Thompson, who was named All-Foothill League honorable mention last season, returns at center and will likely be the engine of the line this season. “Everybody is stronger,” Thomas said. “Everybody is more explosive, quicker. Our center, Tyler, he’s way more explosive and quicker this year and he’s really stepped up as a leader of the offensive line, making sure everybody is doing their job, everybody knows what they’re doing. He’s really a general out there.” On the other side of the ball, Leighton McCarthy has returned as a leader on defense. The middle linebacker finished last season with 79 total tackles, a sack, an interception and a caused fumble. He sees the linebacker corps as a strong but undersized one. He and his

teammates have dedicated the time to become smarter players in the event that size can’t get them by. “Definitely studying film, just trying to do as much as we can on our own and on our own free time just trying to perfect our craft,” McCarthy said. “Doing everything we can just to be the best we can be and beat other teams with our smartness other than our physical ability.” The defensive line is quick this year, according to McCarthy. Freddy Alvarenga and Braden York return at defensive tackle; the two combined for 49 tackles last season. Dylan Vradenburg will be back at defensive end after finishing the 2018 season as one of the top players on defense. He totaled 52 tackles with five sacks, one interception and a safety. Herrington said Vradenburg might also see some time a tight end this season. Rounding out the secondary is Thomas and Riley Bodemer, who played on the JV squad last season. “(Thomas is) one of our

hardest workers for sure and I feel like he’s very slept on as well as Riley Bodemer, our other corner,” McCarthy said. “He’s really good and works his butt off to do everything he can for the team. I feel like they both will have a great year this year.” With a new, higher standard in mind, Hart is starting the season strong. It’s determined to finish the season in the same way. “Can we finish the game? Can we finish practice at a high level? Not at an ‘OK, we just finished,’ but a ‘We got something done, or we got something accomplished today,’” Thomas said. “We need to finish the game. Until the clock hits zero and we get it done.”

HART

Notable Records Rushing yards in a game: 293 - Connor Wingenroth (2013) Rushing yards in a season: 2,249 - Delano Howell (2007) Rushing yards in a career: 4,537 - Delano Howell (2004-07) Touchdowns in a season: 41 - Ted Iacenda (1994) Touchdowns in a career: 99 - Ted Iacenda (1993-95) Receiving yards in a game: 270 - Trent Irwin (2014) Receiving yards in a season: 5,106 - Trent Irwin (2011-14) Passing yards in a game: 540 - Brady White (2014) Passing yards in a season: 4,841 - Kyle Boller (1998) Passing yards in a career: 10,504 - Brady White (2012-14) Passing TDs in a season: 59 - Kyle Boller (1998) 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 37

VIKINGS

Continued from 9

a big way in their sophomore seasons. “Mitchell and I, we’re doing a good job of trying to get all the younger guys to get committed and some of the guys who are returners this year to get to know the offense and get excited,” Koch said. Valencia will see some of its most talented players on offense take on roles on defense as well. Pham and Spansel are capable at the linebacker position, while Santos and Alcantar could see roles in the secondary. Last season, Santos had five tackles and two interceptions while Pham has yet to be tested in games on defense. Torres and Koch could

make a difference in the secondary, too. Koch had two pass deflections last season and Torres had six tackles, two sacks, an interception and a pass deflection. Owen Hand, a linebacker, will be a leader on defense. “I feel like as a defense we’re really close,” Hand said. “I feel like the brotherhood will probably be the strongest part, just knowing that we’re all out there playing for each other and we’re all going to have our backs.” Hand ranked fourth on the team last season in terms of tackles with 17. He also logged two sacks, an interception, a caused fumble and a pass deflection. Hand cited 6-foot3 Dean Miller as another possible standout, although Miller has yet to be tested in a varsity game.

Josh Suh is back at nose guard and has become one of the strongest players in the weight room, according to Santos. Braden Ward, a 6-foot-3 defensive end, will also be key on the defensive line. “Our D-line, like, when you first look at them, people like, think they’re not very good but they’re one of the best D-lines I’ve played with in a while,” Santos said. “They’re strong, they’re powerful and they’re really strongwilled. That’s what I think is going to surprise everybody.” There could be surprises from the defensive line and maybe even more from the new faces on the varsity team. But the players insist that one thing will remain the same: “It’s Viking football,” Santos said. “We’re going to do what we usually do every year.”

thank thankyou you

VALENCIA Notable Records

Rushing yards in a game: 420 - Steven Manfro (2010) Rushing yards in a season: 2,553 - Steven Manfro (2010) Rushing yards in a career: 6,704 - Manuel White (1999) Touchdowns in a game: 7 Manuel White (1999) Touchdowns in a season: 41 - Steven Manfro Touchdowns in a career: 75 - Steven Manfro (2010) Receptions in a game: 11 Nick Hale (2007) Receiving yards in a game: 234 - Nick Jones (2013) Passing yards in a game: 477 - Sean Murphy (2012) Passing yards in a season: 4,069 - Michael Herrick (2004) Passing yards in a career: 11,022 - Michael Herrick (2004) Passing TDs in a season: 38 - Sean Murphy (2012)

VALENCIA VALENCIA 23872 23872 Copperhill Copperhill Dr. Dr. 661-775-6288 661-775-6288 CANYON CANYON COUNTRY COUNTRY 1913819138 Soledad Soledad Canyon Canyon RoadRoad 661-252-5010 661-252-5010

FOFO R VOTI R VOTI N GNU GSUBSEBSETSSA T SA N DW N DW ICH I CEHSE S 1 1 1Y1EYAERASRISN IA N ROW A ROW ! ! 12

SAUGUS SAUGUS 26510 26510 Bouquet Bouquet Canyon Canyon Rd. Rd. 661-296-1910 661-296-1910 GOLDEN VALLEY GOLDEN VALLEY Golden Valley 1915919159 Golden Valley Rd. Rd. 661-250-0400 661-250-0400 STEVENSON STEVENSON RANCH RANCH 25660 25660 The Old TheRoad Old Road 661-253-1600 661-253-1600

19 20

VALENCIA VALENCIA RiverRiver OaksOaks PlazaPlaza 24453 Magic Mountain 24453 Magic Mountain Pkwy.Pkwy. 661-222-9310 661-222-9310

Visit:Visit: jerseymikes.com jerseymikes.com

38 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

AUGUST 17, 2019

THE ALL-SCV

FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Since 1977, The Signal has awarded the All-Santa Clarita Valley Football Player of the Year award to the area’s best player that season. 1977 – Chris Adams, Canyon 1978 – Scott Hansen, Saugus 1979 – Joey Charles, Hart, and Steve Shane, Canyon 1980 – Mike Lucas, Canyon 1981 – Dean Herrington, Hart 1982 – Tim Morrison, Canyon 1983 – Rick Burton, Canyon 1984 – David Sipes, Canyon 1985 – Randy Austin, Canyon 1986 – Jim Bonds, Hart 1987 – Darren Renfro, Hart 1988 – Brian Allen, Hart 1989 – Howard Blackwell, Hart 1990 – Tim DeGroote, Hart

AUGUST 17, 2019

1991 – Ryan Connors, Hart 1992 – Deriek Charles, Hart 1993 – Sorren Halladay, Hart 1994 – Ted Iacenda, Hart 1995 – Ted Iacenda, Hart 1996 – Cody Joyce, Hart 1997 – Manuel White, Valencia 1998 – Kyle Boller, Hart 1999 – Manuel White, Valencia, and Pat Norton, Hart 2000 – Colin McNeil, Canyon, and Kyle Matter, Hart 2001 – Matt Moore, Hart 2002 – Cody Kase, Hart 2003 – Kevin Ciccone, Hart 2004 – Michael Herrick, Valencia

2005 – J.J. DiLuigi, Canyon

2013 – Connor Wingenroth, Hart

2006 – J.J. DiLuigi, Canyon

2014 – Trent Irwin, Hart

2007 – Delano Howell, Hart 2008 – Desi Rodriguez, Saugus 2009 – Steven Manfro, Valencia

2015 – Cole Parkinson, Valencia 2016 – Aaron Thomas, Valencia

2010 – Steven Manfro, Valencia

2017 – Mykael Wright, Valencia

2011 – Ryan Gorman, Valencia

2018 – Ryan Camacho, West

2012 – Sean Murphy, Valencia

Ranch, and Ben Seymour, Valencia

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 39

Continued from 15 throughout the years and during his first year playing at the varsity level. After leading the JV team to a 9-1 overall record in his freshman season, quarterback Jaxson Miner has shown flashes of brilliance due to his arm and decision making and has built a compatibility with his receivers so far in summer. “They both have really strong arms, they both are students of the game, they both learned a lot this last spring and this summer so it’s hard to call right now,” Kelley said. “I think we need to get them a little battle tested a little bit when it comes to practice time and also our scrimmage with Crescenta Valley. If we feel as a coaching staff that it’s too close to call then we will go into Game 1 with two quarterbacks, I’ve done that before. I’ve went with three quarterbacks until we figure it out because sometimes it needs to be ironed out in the fire of the game.” A primary option for the two incoming quarterbacks at wide receiver is All-Foothill League FirstTeam Offensive selection and All-SCV All-Purpose First-Team selection, senior Johnathan Kaelin. Kaelin returns for his senior season after scoring 15 of the team’s total 25 touchdowns just a year ago, and will be used in multiple capacities including running back and will play safety on the defensive side of the ball. Opposite Kaelin is newcomer Noah Thompson, who has impressed Kelley and the rest of the Grizzlies coaching staff with his route running

40 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

and the knowledge he gained during the offseason. “He’s a kid coming up from JV and has done a great job for us in the spring and summer catching the ball,” Kelley said. “He is a great route runner, real disciplined, understands the offense, never asks questions and is always on point when it comes to that.” Junior Carlos Meza and Cameron Wedge along with newcomers Maki Bey and Jordan Kennon also figure to see some time at wide receiver. “I’m just pumping everyone up,” Meza said. “Telling everybody how it feels to be on the varsity team, how it feels on Friday nights, just getting them pumped up and seeing them fired up is amazing for me. It just shows me how good of a team that we are going to have with all the talent.” The top three Golden Valley rushers, Christopher Alcantar (543 yards in 2018), Tyler Walker (349 yards) and Kaelin (302) all return after combining to score 15 rushing touchdowns. Walker is expected to have a bigger role on the defensive side of the ball, but thanks to the load of talent, junior Luke McCoy steps in to fill his role. A big and very experienced group of senior linemen like Lendale Cervantes, Darnell Musgrove, Joseph Lahn, Daniel Morales and Pablo Duran combine to weigh about 1,500 pounds, making things a lot easier on the offense, according to Alcantar. “I feel super comfortable behind them,” he said. “In total I think we have about 1,500 pounds on the line, so it feels re-

ally good because last year we were a small team and the line had a hard time.” Sophomore Peter Ramirez will also play a vital role on the offensive line for the Grizzlies this year. Defensively, Golden Valley loses its leading tackler from a year ago, linebacker Derrese Morganfield II, but fills the void collectively as a unit. Newcomers Luke McCoy and Shant Melkonian move up from JV and will serve as the two linebackers in the new 4-2-5 defense with Kyle Mendoza and Hunter McMahon seeing some time at the spot too, freeing up other players to serve at other positions. “Those guys are really leading the way at that position and filling in for Derrese Morganfield II,” Kelley said. “Last year, Derrese held down the middle for us, but we were playing the other positions by committee and that also frees up Carlos Meza to play more at a strong safety position where he can utilize his speed and size.” Moving the 6-foot3 Meza to one of the safety spots, keeping the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Kaelin at the other safety along with Walker being that shut-down corner, the Grizzlies secondary has a strong foundation to be labeled, “a no-fly zone.” Bey and Cipperley provide more depth at the free safety position while AJ Hall and Mekhi Newton do the same at corner. “The DB position has a lot of depth and a lot of these guys play two ways, so that will help us on offense because

that’s when they can take their break because we can bring some other guys in,” Kelley said. “We want to be fresh on both sides of the ball, we are not a one-way team. But there are some guys because of our depth that will be on one side of the ball.” The Grizzlies begin the season with a scrimmage against Crescenta Valley at Crescenta Valley on Thursday, Aug. 22 ,and kick off league play against West Ranch on Friday, Oct. 4, at Canyon.

GOLDEN VALLEY

Notable Records

Rushing yards in a game: 345 - Earl Johnson (2011) Rushing yards in a season: 1,412 - KJ Maduike (2016) Rushing touchdowns in a season: 13 - KJ Kaduike (2016) Receiving yards in a season: 1,122 - Jalin Lewis (2016) Receiving touchdowns in a season: 11 - Jalin Lewis (2016) Passing yards in a game: 362 - Najee Coleman (2007) Passing yards in a season: 2,168 - Josh Valano (2016) Passing TDs in a game: 5 Najee Coleman (2007) Passing TDs in a season: 19 - Najee Coleman (2007) Most points scored in a game: 49 vs. West Ranch (2016) Longest play from scrimmage: 97 yards - Earl Johnson rush (2011)

AUGUST 17, 2019

WEEKENDS The following is a list of current four-year college football players and NFL players who either played high school or college football in the Santa Clarita Valley.

COLLEGE

Amir Bishop, University of La Verne, junior (Saugus) Gary Bojorquez, University of La Verne, junior (Saugus) Andrew Brito, Massachusetts Amherst, junior (COC) Bobby Brown II, San Jose State, junior (COC) Ryan DeMarois, Minot State, sophomore (Trinity) Colton Dolder, Chadron State, freshman (Saugus) Josh Doyle, Westpoint, freshman (Valencia) Wyatt Eget, University of Tennessee at Martin, junior (West Ranch, COC) Miles Fallin, University of Kansas, junior (Canyon) Dorian Gerald, Arkansas, senior (COC) Nick Harman, Campbell University, junior (Saugus) Jacob Holt, Arizona Christian University, freshman (SCCS) Antonio Hunt, University of New Mexico, sophomore (COC) Reid Huseman, Cal Lutheran, freshman (Saugus) Noel Iwuchukwu, Arkansas State, senior (COC) Parker Kernek, Sacramento State, AUGUST 17, 2019

sophomore (Valencia) Jaelin Kinney, Claremont McKenna, junior (Saugus) Shaddrick Lowery, Jr., University of New Mexico, sophomore (COC) Kerner Mark, Coe College, senior (Saugus) RB Marlow III, Bowling Green State University, senior (COC) Tanner Miller, Oregon State, freshman (Valencia) Noah Nnabuo, Delaware State University, sophomore (SCCS) Jared Pane, Linfield College, junior (Saugus) Colby Pursell, University of Colorado, RS sophomore (Hart) Travis Reiner, Indiana State, RS junior (COC) Aaron Rodriguez, Missouri, freshman (Hart) Raeshawn Roland, University of Montana, junior (COC) Ethan Schwesinger, Cal Lutheran, freshman (SCCS) JT Shrout, University of Tennessee, sophomore (Hart) Justice Spates, University of New Mexico, sophomore (COC) Tariq Speights, Eastern Michigan University,

sophomore (Valencia, COC) AJ Stanley, Southern Utah University, junior (Hart) Khalid Taylor, Southern Utah University, junior (COC) Brady White, University of Memphis, RS senior (Hart) Jayvaun Wilson, Oregon, freshman (Valencia Jay Jay Wilson, Auburn, senior (Valencia) Phineas Yi, Wooster College, freshman (Trinity)

NFL

Marquise Brown, Baltimore Ravens (COC) Trent Irwin, Miami Dolphins (Hart) Leon Jacobs, Jacksonville Jaguars (Golden Valley) Cole Murphy, Free Agent (Valencia) Domata Peko, Free Agent (COC) Jason Pierre-Paul, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (COC) Tedric Thompson, Seattle Seahawks (Valencia) Shane Vereen, Free Agent (Valencia) Tim White, New York Jets (Hart, COC)

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 41

CANYON

Continued from 20

back Aydyn Litz. Litz, who is just one of two starting quarterbacks returning in the Foothill League this year, was the catalyst of the Cowboys offense last season. He is accurate with a quick release and doesn’t focus in on one receiver, but goes through his progressions and spreads the ball, often finding the open player. He’s also got a lot of power and is capable of launching the ball downfield. And if he doesn’t find the open receiver, he has the ability to tuck the ball and run. As a matter of fact, the Cowboys might have a few quarterback draws in the playbook this season. “He’s a real athlete, he’ll definitely surprise some people with his athleticism,” Maiale said about his quarterback. “Faster and quicker than you expect.” According to Maiale, even more impressive than Litz’s ability on the field is his leadership off it. The 6-foot senior was the first one in the weight room on the first day of practice. He doesn’t just focus on offense, but also gives his input on defense. In the final game of the 2018 season, he even suited up as a safety because the team was decimated by injuries. “When the other players see that this is what he does, it brings the level up of everyone else,” Maiale said. “That is what you’re looking for in a captain and a quarterback.” “I feel like if I push it, everyone else will and it will

42 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

only make our team better,” Litz said. “We just got to be us and push ourselves.” Alongside Litz in the backfield will be a stable of running backs that includes sophomore Dylan Roof and senior Sam Nguyen. Junior James Mendibles could also see some carries, but will mainly be positioned as a slot receiver. “I just want to go out there and do what the coaches tell me to do,” Mendibles said. “Whatever routes I have to run, I’m going to run them as hard as I can and do whatever I can do to help the offense move the ball and score. Just doing my job and my part in the offense and helping Aydyn.” Mendibles will also be featured out wide along with receivers Reno Sifuentes and Colin Figueroa, who were on the JV team last year. “We have James, Reno Sifuentes is another receiver we have, we got Colin Figueroa,” Maiale said. “A lot of the kids from the JV program who are coming up will surprise some people.” The defensive line will feature speedy athletes like Jacob Arsiniega and Evan Cox who can get to the quarterback quickly. Middle linebacker Travis Dyson is in charge of the defense and will be aided by fellow linebackers Derek Gonzalez and Vasquez. “We just have to do our job, find the right gap, wrap up and tackle and work hard,” Cox said. “Right now for the defense, we are coming together. Our whole D-line, our backers, everyone is working hard.” “It means a lot to me that

Canyon receiver James Mendibles runs the ball downfield against Royal at Canyon High School last season. Cory Rubin/The Signal

coach put me out here and he sees me as the captain of the defense,” Dyson said. “Football is a team sport and I think the way an individual plays means a lot, but the way individuals play together to form the team means much more than the individual himself. If our whole team puts the effort in and just does their best and we improve as a team, that’s what would make me happy.” Maiale and his team are anxious to hit the field for the start of the season and bring the energy they’ve been playing with at practice. They are looking forward to bringing Canyon football back to the top. The passion is there, from the players to the coaches to the Cowboys’ supporters. “I’m really excited about it, the players are excited, the community is excited, I’m just thankful and love being a part of it,” Maiale said. “I can’t

wait, year one is going fast.”

CANYON

Notable Records

Rushing yards in a game: 333 - Jeff McKinley (1996) Rushing yards in a season: 2,159 - J.J. DiLuigi (2006) Rushing yards in a career: 4,037 - Ed Williams (199193) Touchdowns in a game: 6 J.J. DiLuigi (2005) Touchdowns in a season: 43 - J.J. DiLuigi (2005) Career touchdowns: 83 J.J. DiLuigi (2004-06) Receiving yards in a game: 301 - Chris Rivas (2008) Receiving yards in a season: 1,628 - Drew Wolitarsky (2009-12) Receiving yards in a career: 5,148 - Drew Wolitarsky (2009-12) Passing yards in a game: 425 - Miles Fallin (2014) Passing yards in a season: 3,448 - Nate Longshore (2003) Passing yards in a career: 8,178 - Jonathan Jerozal (2009-11) AUGUST 17, 2019

Continued from 22 “We have a lot of key receivers still. The Camachos were great and Weston was great, but we have a lot of other players that will step up and will be just as good.” Going back to the well, Varner and the Wildcats reload with the third and youngest Eget brother, Walker, who will step into the shoes of his older brothers, Wyatt and Weston, and take over the starting quarterback duties. “Walker is doing a heck of a job,” Varner said. “He’s had a great summer and is one of the best quarterbacks that we have seen all summer. He obviously doesn’t have the Camachos to throw to, but what we are building is a lot more balance with the ball. Last year, pretty much, everybody knew where the ball was going, this year, I think it’s a little more surprising.” The junior quarterback will share the backfield with returning varsity running back Jackson Reyes who scored 10 total touchdowns last year, ranking third on the team. Reyes, a dual-threat athlete, will take on a much bigger role this season in the air and on the ground looking to improve on rushing for almost 400 yards and catching for another 292. Reiger Burgin, who missed some time last year due to injuries, will serve as the backup running back. Senior tight end Zach Van Bennekum and senior wide receivers Brandon Wyre and Matt Striplin return and offer some steady hands, quick feet AUGUST 17, 2019

West Ranch’s Jackson Reyes runs into a defender in the first quarter of a week 1 matchup against Burroughs High School of Burbank at Valencia High School. Cory Rubin/The Signal

and explosiveness in the air attack. Nick Kohl and newcomer Jake Priske will get some opportunities out wide as well. “We have a lot of young guys that are going to step it up,” Van Bennekum said. “We have Walker, Weston’s younger brother, who has put in work and is going to be great this year. We have a strong receiving corps that has built up a few seniors and a few underclassmen who are going to do just as good.” Defensively, Van Bennekum and Buchanan return to lead an impressive linebacking corps that adds 225-pound Hart transfer Nick Aquino. Van Bennekum led the team with 92 total tackles and Buchanan was third with 61 while Buchanan led the team with 5.5 sacks and Van Bennekum followed with four. “He’s one of the smartest guys on the field,” Varner said of Van Bennekum. “Three-year starter and is kind of a natural leader at that spot. He’s like having another coach

out there which is nice. He directs the defense, between him and Bucahanan, they know it well and they did very well for us last year.” Defensive linemen John Collier and JC Cotti add size and length up front utilizing their 6-foot3 frames to get to the quarterback and disrupt the opposing team’s offense. Wyre and Carlos Alcaraz, who was a backup last year, lock down the cornerback spots. Sophomore Derek Miranda and dual-sport lacrosse player Dominik Martinez fill out the secondary. “I honestly, somewhat feel that our team is better than last year,” Reyes said. “All around we are a better team. Last year we were good, but we were weak in some spots. I feel like we are strong all around this year. Our defense definitely improved and our offensive line is doing really good. Our secondary on defense is doing really good too. We have strong corners, safeties and linebackers.”

Building on the last season’s success the West Ranch coaching staff along with the players understand what was accomplished last season, but don’t want the year to be the defining moment in program history, as they still have some work to finish. “We have to focus on a few things,” Varner said. “If we didn’t get a punt blocked against Oxnard I think we would play in a championship for CIF. A lot of people say, ‘Oh you won nine games, the most in West Ranch history,’ but as a coaching staff and as a team we weren’t satisfied. We should have done better so we are doing what we can to fix some of that. The Wildcats open up league play against Golden Valley at Canyon High School on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.

WEST RANCH

Notable Records Rushing yards in a game: 332 - Ryan Camacho (2018) Rushing yards in a season: 1,919 - Ryan Camacho (2018) Rushing yards in a career: 2,475 - Ryan Camacho (2018) Receptions in a game: 12 Zachary Heinz (2014) Receiving yards in a game: 265 - Adam Varga-Thompson (2015 vs. Pasadena) Passing TDs in a season: 25 - Weston Eget (2018) 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 43

TRINITY

Continued from 26

mary receivers from last season, Carson Campuzano departs the team after committing to play for NCAA Division III Champan University in the City of Orange, but return AJ Horning and Kyle Fields. Horning, a sophomore, returns after catching 52 receptions for 687 yards and tying with Campuzano for the team lead in touchdown catches with nine in eight games played and sees a more productive season in store. “We are working on our chemistry with the offense and defense, working on the timing with the quarterbacks and receiver and we are looking for a couple wins this season,” Horning said. “Last season, I came in as a freshman, not knowing what to expect at the varsity level. Now that I have seen what I can expect, I feel like I can do way better than last year.” Fields is back again after splitting time at the running back and wide receiver position in 2018 and figures to have a similar role this season seeing time at both positions. Fields caught 28 passes for 324 yards and six touchdowns, while carrying the ball 26 times for 183 yards and two scores and expects this season to be no different thanks to the chemistry and timing that he has built up over the years with his quarterback. “It’s been great,” Fields said. “We have grown up playing together and he’s like a brother to me. When it comes to football, I know what he’s going to do and he knows

44 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Trinity football’s Kyle Fields jumps up to make a catch. Cory Rubin/ The Signal

what I’m going to do. It’s really great.” “Kyle Fields is an AllLeague receiver and he will have a big year,” Robinson said. “He’s got that height at about 6-foot-2.” Employing a running-back-by-committee backfield, the Knights will move a variety of players around using Horning and Fields along with exciting, incoming freshman Nick Parrinello. “We have a very, very exciting freshman Nick Parrinello who is very fast,” Robinson said. “It remains to be seen what he can do in pads after getting hit. It’s a different game when people are chasing you and you are firing live bullets, but we are very excited about him. If things play out well we should be very explosive.” Aidan Duhm, Edgar Romero and Zack Meadows all return for their junior years and anchor the

offensive line by providing time and holes for the offense to operate. “I think the cohesiveness is better,” Robinson said. “I think they are smarter and they are quicker than last year’s line.” Defensively, the Knights switch to a 4-3 defense thanks to the new scheme that defensive coordinator and assistant coach Cletis Gordon will implement this upcoming season. “We will be running a four-man front this year while our base defense will be a 4-3,” Robinson said. “We will do some things off of that and we will be very active in the blitz game.” Sophomore Lucas Mendoza is young and showed how great he can be last season and will lead the defense unit at linebacker. Juniors Johnny LaFrance and Duhm will be relied on to con-

tinue putting pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback at the defensive ends. “I’ve been trying to take care of the defense because (Andrew) Dever was without a doubt our defensive leader last year and there’s definitely a big gap to fill,” Mendoza said. “I feel like we are all trying to help and fill that gap.” Mendoza was the team’s third leading tackler (70 total tackles) and LaFrance was fourth (54) and was first on the team with nine sacks. Duhm finished with 24 tackles and one sack. “I’m really excited about being a team,” Duhm said. “The last couple of years haven’t been our strong points, so this year I’m really excited that we are really coming together.” The Knights open the season on the road at Desert Christian Academy on Friday, Aug. 23, and Academy League play against Firebaugh on Friday, Oct. 18. Trinity will be playing their home games at College of the Canyons, giving fans and supporters more chances to experience this exciting football campaign. “Our goal is to win the Academy League, since we feel that we should have made the playoffs last year. We kind of have a chip on our shoulder. We have something to prove to ourselves and our fans,” Robinson said. “My assistant coaches have done a great job and we are really excited about our prospects and about starting play, winning the league and seeing how far we can go in the playoffs. That’s what we are aiming at, it should be exciting.” AUGUST 17, 2019

THE COVERS We once again published six covers — one for each Foothill League school — with our annual Santa Clarita Valley High School Football Preview. The covers were distributed around the Santa Clarita Valley based on proximity to the given school. This year’s cover guys are: Canyon’s Aydyn Litz, Golden Valley’s Johnathan Kaelin, Hart’s Zach Johnson, Saugus’ Cade Gallagher, Valencia’s Hunter Koch and West Ranch’s Zach Van Bennekum. All photos were taken by Signal photographer Cory Rubin.

The Signal wishes all SCV schools a GREAT SEASON!

AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 45

PREDICTIONS Diego Marquez

Haley Sawyer

VALENCIA

The Vikings look gritty this season and depth at running back will get them another Foothill League title. With the running backs as a base, new quarterback Ryan Morrison will develop to complement them. The road to an 11-peat won’t be pretty, but it will be exciting.

HART

Although they’re not my pick to win it all, Hart may be one of the most electrifying teams to watch in this highly anticipated season. Players at multiple positions on offense and defense gained valuable experience last season and will perform at a high level.

WEST RANCH

West Ranch isn’t a one-and-done team. They’ve tasted success and are ready for more. Walker Eget will close out the lineage of Eget quarterbacks with a bang and the receivers will step up in a big way to keep the pass game moving.

GOLDEN VALLEY

The Grizzlies look good coming into this season, now it’s a matter of if they can execute. They have some quality individual players, but it takes a team to win games. The defense has the chance to make a big difference for Golden Valley.

SAUGUS

Losing a starting quarterback to injury is tough, but it won’t be the end of the world for the Centurions. They might not look like Saugus teams of the past, but this year’s squad will show they can dig deep in tough situations.

CANYON

The Cowboys seem to be heading in a good direction under a new head coach, but it’s hard to turn a program around in just one season. The wins might not be abundant, but a winning culture will begin to build at Canyon.

46 | 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Dan Lovi

Signal Sports Writer

Signal Sports Editor

VALENCIA

The Vikings reload with yet another impressive roster filled with a slew of talented players, among them Mitchell Torres and Hunter Koch, who will lead the team to its 11th straight Foothill League title.

HART

Returning senior quarterback and Cal Berkeley commit Zach Johnson looks better than ever with multiple scoring options in Ashton Thomas, Drew Munoz and Ryan Tomaszewski. Expect the Indians to be ready to play entering head coach Mike Herrington’s 31st season at the school.

GOLDEN VALLEY

Depth will be key to this year’s Grizzlies team as numerous stars and role players return along with the addition of some key JV players. Golden Valley’s line on both sides of the ball will give opposing teams headaches with their strength and size.

WEST RANCH

Adjusting to a new quarterback, Walker Eget, the Wildcats lose pivotal defensive and offensive players from last season’s campaign, but return Jackson Reyes and Zach Van Bennekum who provide highlight-reel plays on both sides of the ball.

SAUGUS

Graduating the majority of last year’s team, the Centurions are faced with a tough task this season after projected starter Brayden Giraldo went down with a torn ACL. In typical, Jason Bornn fashion, the team will play steady, fast and hard-nosed football this season.

CANYON

First-year head coach Joe Maiale will have his work cut out for him, but will turn to second-year varsity quarterback Aydyn Litz to lead the Cowboys into battle on Friday nights.

HART

Zach Johnson at quarterback, a bevy of talent out wide, a strong, staunch offensive and defensive line, a ball-hawking linebacking corps plus a stingy secondary will lead the Indians to the Foothill League title this year.

VALENCIA

WEST RANCH

SAUGUS

GOLDEN VALLEY

CANYON

The Vikings aren’t going to let their historic undefeated league record fall without a fight, and they are loaded with talent this year once again. A date with Hart will likely determine this year’s league champion. Walker Eget steps into the starting quarterback role and is oozing with talent, Zach Van Bennekum is a stud on both sides of the ball and Jackson Reyes can take it to the house on any given play. The Centurions were hit with the injury bug before the start of the season, but their depth will keep them afloat. Their secondary is arguably the best in the Foothill League and their offensive and defensive lines are always a strong suit. The Grizzlies are big, fast and tough, and have talented playmakers on both sides of the ball. A soft preleague schedule could be a detriment before facing off against tough competition in league. Joe Maiale is the new coach in town and is quickly revamping the Canyon program. The Cowboys will be fast and relentless, but it will take time for them to get back to their winning ways. The future is bright for this program, it will just take some time.

AUGUST 17, 2019

DON’T TRASH YOUR COMMUNITY Did you know it is illegal to dump trash and bulky items in front of a home, business, alleyway, around trash bin areas or on the street? Bulky items include furniture, appliances, electronics, tires and trash that doesn’t fit in the bin.

Get rid of your bulky items for FREE by following these easy steps: 1. Notify your property manager or call WM customer service at (661) 259-2398 to schedule a FREE bulky item pick up at least 48 hours before your scheduled collection day. 2. Leave up to three bulky items next to your carts or your building’s trash bin on your scheduled collection day. DO NOT place items out until arrangements have been made. 3. Repeat up to four times a year at no additional cost. OR...

4. Drop off bulky items at the Waste Management facility for free! Please note: Household Hazardous Waste cannot be accepted at this location. 25772 Springbrook Ave. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

KeepingSCVClean.com

GreenSantaClarita.com (661) 259-2398

*Resident must have active trash service and proof of residency in order to participate in the bulky item collection and drop-off services.

AUGUST 17, 2019

2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 47

“I knew the Henry Mayo staff was on my side and that they believed in me.” Jamie A.

Henry Mayo Patient

THIS IS QUALITY HEALTHCARE henrymayo.com/qualitycare