By Kevin Askeland
MaxPreps.com
Following is the seventh in a series of stories previewing the upcoming football season in California. Today's previews include the leagues that play in the San Diego Section. Next - Los Angeles City Section.
SAN DIEGO SECTION
Avocado League
The Carlsbad Lancers (10-0-2, 3-0-2) were in the running for a berth in the CIF Division 1 Bowl Game last year after winning the San Diego Section with a 43-6 win over Poway. The Lancers have a bunch of talent returning, including quarterback Justin Morales (1,596 yards) and running back Nick Pascarella (1,160 yards) as well as defensive standouts Vince Ewing and Chris D'Amaro at defensive back. El Camino (8-4, 4-1) also has some big-time talent in wide receiver Nelson Rosario (1,015 yards receiving) and defensive back Justin Williams. Oceanside (9-3-1, 3-1-1), the defending Division 2 champion, is the third team in the mix with the return of offensive lineman Sam Brenner, and receiver Lamont Enyard (44 catches).
Team to Beat: Carlsbad Lancers
Top MVP Candidate: Nelson Rosario, El Camino
Players to Watch: Sam Brenner, Oceanside, OL, All-League, All-San Diego Section 1st team; Nelson Rosario, El Camino, WR, All-League, Times Tribune All-San Diego 2nd team, All-San Diego Section 1st team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass 3rd team, 53 catches, 1,015 yards, 10 TDs; Vince Ewing, Carlsbad, DB, All-League, 76 tackles, 3 Int; Justin Williams, El Camino, DB, All-League, Times Tribune All-San Diego 2nd team; Rocky Porotesaro, El Camino, OL, 2nd team all-league; Ian Moore, El Camino, LB, 2nd team all-league; Kyler Haupu, Rancho Buena Vista, TE, 2nd team all-league, 17 catches, 329 yards; Lamont Enyard, Oceanside, WR, 2nd team all-league, 44 catches, 702 yards, 10 TDs; Justin Morales, Carlsbad, QB, 2nd team all-league, 102-172, 1,560 yards, 11 TDs; Nick Pascarella, Carlsbad, RB, 2nd team all-league, 158 carries, 1,160 yards, 4 TDs; Nick Hayes, Fallbrook, RB, 2nd team all-league; Andre Gonsalves, Fallbrook, OL, 2nd team all-league; Calvin Kolone, Fallbrook, OL, 2nd team all-league; Trent Smith, Rancho Buena Vista, DL, 2nd team all-league; Brad Woodward, Vista, DL, 2nd team all-league; Matthew Segi, Oceanside, LB, 2nd team all-league; Nick Calderon, Rancho Buena Vista, LB, 2nd team all-league; Frankie Zimmerman, Oceanside, DB, 2nd team all-league; Noah Jackson, Rancho Buena Vista, DB, 2nd team all-league; Josh Herrera, Vista, DB, 2nd team all-league; Chris D'Amaro, Carlsbad, DB, 2nd team all-league; Daniek Kresser, Fallbrook, DB, 2nd team all-league; Richard Crawford, El Camino, DB, all-league honorable mention; Travis Venzant, El Camino, DB, all-league honorable mention; Stephen Simpson, Carlsbad, OL, all-league honorable mention; Wally So'oto, Carlsbad, RB, all-league honorable mention; Joey Searson, Carlsbad, OL, all-league honorable mention, 65 tackles; JoJo Burke, Fallbrook, LB, all-league honorable mention; Errol Farley, Fallbrook, DL, all-league honorable mention; Dex Lee, Fallbrook, DL, all-league honorable mention; Roy Tialavea, Oceanside, LB, all-league honorable mention; Cameron Chadwick, Rancho Buena Vista, QB, all-league honorable mention; 67-121, 975 yards, 2 TDs; Ian Sluss, Rancho Beuna Vista, RB, 85 carries, 436 yards, 24 catches, 327 yards; E.J. Pao Pao, Rancho Buena Vista, RB, Jr., all-league honorable mention; Brian McMullen, Vista, WR, all-league honorable mention; Zach Weber, Vista, TE, all-league honorable mention
Central League
Coronado (9-3, 5-0) fell short of a section championship, losing to Santa Fe Christian in the second round 56-21. However the Islanders return plenty of talent, including two quarterback candidates in Steve Conrad and junior Mason Mills. The two shared the position last year and combined for 1,000 yards. All-purpose standout Ricardo Oberwager also returns along with all-league defensive back Ray San Giovanni and all-league linebacker Curtis Perkins. University City (6-5, 4-1) should also contend with Alex Scarlett returning in the backfield.
Team to Beat: Coronado Islanders
Top MVP Candidate: Ricardo Oberwager, Coronado
Players to Watch: Alex Scarlett, University City, RB, All-League, 98 carries, 405 yards; Kyle Berner, University City, K, All-League; Chris Shaver, Clairmont, LB, All-League, 107 tackles; Rory Sutherland, Clairemont, K-P, All-League, 4 FGs; Ray San Giovanni, Coronado, DB, All-League, 84 tackles; Kyle Brown, Coronado, RB, All-League, 102 carries, 683 yards, 7 TDs; Greg Reed, Coronado, OL, 2nd team all-league; Keith Englehart, Coronado, RB, Jr, 2nd team all-league; Steve Conrad, Coronado, QB, 2nd team all-league, 31-68, 475 yards, 7 TDs; Curtis Perkins, Coronado, LB, 2nd team all-league, 60 tackles; Eduqardo Garcia, Kearny, LB, Jr, 2nd team all-league; Jonathon Simpson, Crawford, 2nd team all-league; Connor Lane, University City, LB, Jr., 62 tackles; Mason Mills, Coronado, QB, Jr., 34-60, 605 yards, 9 TDs; Ricardo Oberwager, Coronado, RB, 154 carries, 1,027 yards, 18 TDs, 18 catches, 241 yards, 3 TDs; 5 Int; Marvin Jones, Kearney, WR, 31 catches, 305 yards, 2 TDs.
Coastal League
The Coastal League boasted a pair of section champions last year with Santa Fe Christian (11-2, 5-0) claiming the Division 4 title and Christian (9-3-1, 2-2-1) winning the Division 5 crown. The Eagles, coached by former Cleveland Brown quarterback Brian Sipe, Look solid again, especially on defense where all-league standouts Jake Kenyon (LB), Danny Breihan (DB), Keaton Marks (DB), Mario Kurn (DL) and Zach Krammes (LB) all return. Bishop's (7-5, 2-3) might have the top offense with quarterback Tommy Wornham (1,843 yards) and receiver Tim Costello. League defensive MVP candidate Pat Kelly (132 tackles) leads the Christian defense.
Team to Beat: Santa Fe Christian Eagles
Top MVP Candidate: Tommy Wornham, Bishop's
Players to Watch: Tommy Wornham, Bishops, QB, All-League, 87-179, 1,843 yards, 20 TDs; Tim Costello, Bishops, WR, All-League, 23 catches, 650 yards, 9 TDs, 48 carries, 450 yards, 5 TDs; Pat Kelly, Christian, LB, All-League, 132 tackles, 4 sacks; Jake Kenyon, Santa Fe Christian, LB, All-League, 133 tackles; Danny Breihan, Santa Fe Christian, DB, All-League, All-San Diego Section 2nd team, 9 catches, 389 yards, 6 TDs; 6 Int; Deon Randall, Parker, DB, Soph, All-League, 86 tackles; Keaton Marks, Santa Fe Christian, DB, All-League, 60 carries, 429 yards, 5 TDs; Mike Strauss, Bishops, RB, 2nd team all-league, 72 carries, 391 yards, 4 TDs, 125 tackles; Lawrence Walker, Christian, RB, 2nd team all-league, 151 carries, 1,126 yards, 12 TDs; Russell Reed, Army-Navy, T, 2nd team all-league; Mario Kurn, Santa Fe Christian, DL, 2nd team all-league, 86 tackles, 9.5 sacks; Zach Krammes, Santa Fe Christian, LB, 2nd team all-league, 102 tackles; Jake Dawson, Horizon, LB, 2nd team all-league, 86 tackles; Peter Rozok, Horizon, DB, 2nd team all-league, 71 tackles; Will Peck, Bishop's, S, 2nd team all-league, 83 tackles; Brice Heers, Santa Fe Christian, RB, 84 carries, 457 yards, 4 TDs; Mike Jensen, Bishop's, LB, Jr., 84 tackles; Ty Culver, Parker, QB, Jr., 43-90, 570 yards, 5 TDs; Matt Zubyk, Parker, QB, 29-54, 530 yards, 5 TDs; Tem Turner, Parker, DL, Jr., 79 tackles, 6 sacks; Brendan Ahern, Parker, LB, 70 tackles.
Desert League
The Imperial Tigers (9-3, 5-1) have the defense to get the job done this year. Joseph Roman (LB), Sammy Cervantes (DT) and Joel Lopez (DB) all return from a defense that posted three shutouts last year.
Team to Beat: Imperial Tigers
Top MVP Candidate: Bevan Johnson, Holtville
Players to Watch Joseph Roman, Imperial, LB, 53 tackles; Sammy Cervantes, Imperial, DT, 9 sacks,
40 tackles; Joel Lopez, Imperial, DB, 3 Int; Bevan Johnson, Holtville, RB, 110 carries, 685 yards, 7 TDs; Jonathon Cueto, Holtville, LB, 45 tackles; Marcus Stephens, Mountain Empire, QB, 54-106, 595 yards, 3 TDs; Trez Simington, Vincent Memorial, RB, 130 carries, 459 yards.
Eastern League
A Forcier could be the center of attention in the Eastern League again this year, but this time it will be Tate Forcier, who guided Scripps Ranch (6-5, 2-3) last season and threw for 1,482 yards as a sophomore. The third of three Forcier brothers (the other two are QBs at Division 1 schools), Tate will have to work hard to get his team past St. Augustine (10-3, 4-1), the alma mater of older brothers Jason and Chris, who threw for 2,347 yards last year. The Saints were not the league champions, falling to Mira Mesa (6-5, 5-0) in league play, but they did manage to win seven straight games and claim the Division 3 championship over Point Loma, 17-7. The Saints will be nails on defense with Derek Holsapple (LB), Tim Barnes (DB), Chris Pousson (DL) and Nick Sowa (DL).
Team to Beat: St. Augustine Saints
Top MVP Candidate: Tate Forcier, Scripps Ranch
Players to Watch Malcolm Coleman, Henry, All-League; Corey Page-Skolnik, Scripps Ranch, C, All-League; Tyler Gaffney, Cathedral, RB, Jr, All-League, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores; Dylan Porlas, Cathedral, DB, All-League; Matthew Moynihan, Cathedral, RB, Jr, 2nd team all-league; Tate Forcier, Scripps Ranch, QB, Jr, 2nd team all-league, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores, 104-172, 1,482 yards, 16 TDs; Boo Molinary, Scripps Ranch, SS, 2nd team all-league; Leighland, Koonce, St. Augustine, WR, 2nd team all-league, 39 catches, 827 yards, 7 TDs; Elijah Najera, Mira Mesa, LB, 2nd team all-league; Doug Scott, Cathedral, LB, 2nd team all-league; Nick Sowa, St. Augustine, DL, 2nd team all-league, 42 tackles; Derek Holsapple, St. Augustine, LB, 2nd team all-league, 85 tackles; Tim Barnes, St. Augustine, DB, 78 tackles; Chris Pousson, St. Augustine, DL, 7 sacks, 61 tackles.
Grossmont- North League
There's no Ryan Lindley around anymore to lead El Capitan (11-1, 4-0), but the Vaqueros are still the favorite in the Grossmont North, they'll just have a different approach. While Lindley threw for 3,536 yards last year, EC will likely have more of a ground attack this year with Ben Wilkins (1,027 yards) and Anthony Lybarger returning in the backfield. West Hills (7-5, 2-2) won't be far behind with Raleigh Sevier (1,417 yards) in the backfield and all-leaguers Dominic LaRussa and David Hernandez also making their presence felt.
Team to Beat: El Capitan Vaqueros
Top MVP Candidate: Raleigh Sevier, West Hills
Players to Watch Raleigh Sevier, West Hills, RB, All-League, All-San Diego Section 2nd team, 234 carries, 1,417 yards, 13 TDs; Josh Simms, Grossmont, WR, All-League; Dominic LaRussa, West Hills, All-League; David Hernandez, West Hills, All-League; Ben Wilkins, El Capitan, RB, 2nd team all-league, All-San Diego Section 2nd team, 131 carries, 1,027 yards, 12 TDs; Khalid Waters, Grossmont, RB, 2nd team all-league; Anthony Lybarger, El Capitan, RB, 2nd team all-league; Kyle Romero, Santana, WR, 2nd team all-league; Grant Simpson, Grossmont, OL, 2nd team all-league; Deryck Beveridge, El Capitan, OL, 2nd team all-league; Garrett Jarvis, El Capitan, DB, 2nd team all-league, 4 Int; Jake Steuermann, El Capitan, LB, 2nd team all-league; Rudy Ortega, West Hills, LB, 2nd team all-league; Nik Hodge, Santana, DL, 2nd team all-league.
Grossmont - South League
Helix (10-3, 5-0) came within a touchdown of winning the Division 2 championship last year, falling to Oceanside 14-7. The Highlanders should be strong once again, especially on defense where the linebacker tandem of Chris Peterson and Anthony Larceval play along with defensive back Jamar Taylor. Steele Canyon (9-4, 4-1) might have the league's best player in running back Jamie Dale (1,595 yards), but Eliott Taylor (1,358 yards) of Mount Miguel (5-6, 2-3) is not far behind.
Team to Beat: Helix Highlanders
Top MVP Candidate: Jamie Dale, Steele Canyon
Players to Watch Jamie Dale, Steele Canyon, RB, All-League, 229 carries, 1,595 yards, 17 TDs; Eliott Taylor, Mount Miguel, RB, All-League, 215 carries, 1,358 yards, 12 TDs; Chris Peterson, Helix, LB, All-League; Anthony Larceval, Helix, LB, Jr, All-League, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores, Zack Romero, Valhalla, RB, 2nd team all-league, 141 carries, 817 yards; Justin Montgomery, Granite Hills, TE, 2nd team all-league; Jose Cortez, Valhalla, OL, 2nd team all-league; Rory Zavrid, Steele Canyon, OL, 2nd team all-league; Chidozie Ekweezor, Mount Miguel, OL, 2nd team all-league; Samatre Jones, Mount Miguel, DB, 2nd team all-league; Jamar Taylor, Helix, DB, 2nd team all-league; Brandon Kaimuloa, Mount Miguel, LB, 2nd team all-league; Landon Turley, Granite Hills, DL, 2nd team all-league. Levine Toilolo, Helix, DE, Jr, All-League (at H-Town).
Imperial Valley League
Defense will be the key in the IVL where high-scoring Palo Verde Valley (8-4, 2-2) finished third last year despite scoring 539 points. Meanwhile Central (9-2, 4-0) and Brawley (8-3, 3-1) played a little bit better defense and managed to finish in the top two spots in the league standings. David Ortega (3,697 yards passing) is gone, but PV still has receiver Aaron Quintanilla, who had 930 yards receiving last year. Meanwhile Barley looks solid on defense with Kyle Mohamed (LB) and Justin Sandoval (DL) returning. Central will look to Ricky Smith, Jaqueem Coleman and Ram Rolfe to lead the way.
Team to Beat: Central Spartans
Top MVP Candidate: Aaron Quintanilla, Palo Verde Valley
Players to Watch Ricky Smith, Central, Jr, All-League; Kyle Mohamed, Brawley, LB, All-League, 51 tackles; Ruben Dagdagen, Calexico, LB, All-League; Angel Romero, Central, All-League; Aaron Quintanilla, Palo Verde, WR, Jr, All-League, 60 catches, 930 yards, 16 TDs; Josh Steimel, Brawley, OL, 2nd team all-league; Vincent DeShazo, Palo Verde, OL, 2nd team all-league; Justin Sandoval, Brawley, DL, 2nd team all-league, 42 tackles; Edward Alcantar, Eel Centro Southwest, LB, 2nd team all-league; Ram Rolfe, Central, 2nd team all-league; Jaqueem Coleman, Central, 2nd team all-league; Jeremy Nordell, Palo Verde, DL, 2nd team all-league; Oscar Sanchez, Calexico, RB, 139 carries, 815 yards, 7 TDs; Justin White, Palo Verde, DL, 71 tackles.
Mesa League
Marcus Vasquez returns to lead the Otay Ranch Mustangs (8-4, 4-0) to another Mesa League title. Vasquez ran and passed for over 1,000 yards each last year and was the league MVP. He'll get help on defense from Sean Rush (LB), Scott Catlin (DB) and Mike Azhocar (LB). Eastlake (9-4, 3-1) is close behind with fullback Will Duka pacing the offense and Dyson Waddles (LB) leading the defense.
Team to Beat: Otay Ranch Mustangs
Top MVP Candidate: Marcus Vasquez, Otay Ranch
Players to Watch Marcus Vasquez, Otay Ranch, QB, All-League, league MVP, Times Tribune All-San Diego 2nd team, All-San Diego Section 2nd team, 1,200 yards passing; 1,000 yards rushing; Matt Stacey, Chula Vista, RB, All-League; Will Duka, Eastlake, FB, All-League; Colin Cummins, Bonita Vista, OL, All-League; Dyson Waddles, Eastlake, :LB, All-League, Times Tribune All-San Diego 2nd team; Scott Catlin, Otay Ranch, DB, All-League; San Rush, Otay Ranch, LB, All-League; Berhane, Tsegai, San Ysidro, All-League; Jeremiah Andujo, Eastlake, LB, All-League; Derek Witte, Eastlake, QB, 2nd team all-league, 72-126, 1,119 yards, 9 TDs; Taimi Tutogi, Chula Vista, FB, Jr, 2nd team all-league; Nick Parisi, Chula Vista, OL, 2nd team all-league; Alex Johnson, Eastlake, SS, 2nd team all-league; Mike Azhocar, Otay Ranch, LB, 2nd team all-league; Patrick Juarin, Eastlake, DL, Jr, 2nd team all-league; Taylor Julio, Chula Vista, FS, 2nd team all-league; Miguel Crespo, San Ysidro, 2nd team all-league; Michael Kelley, Eastlake, DB, 2nd team all-league.
Pacific League
Not only does La Jolla Country Day (9-2, 6-0) return three of the league's top players in Travis Golia (K), John Hansrough (TE) and Montell Allen (FB), but the Torrey's nearest rival in league play, H-Town Christian, is no longer playing football. That leaves Calipatria (6-4, 4-2), with returning running back Ruben Suarez, as the team next in line to challenge LJCD.
Team to Beat: LaJolla Country Day Torreys
Top MVP Candidate: Garrett Campbell, Foothill Christian
Players to Watch Ruben Suarez, Calipatria, RB, Jr, All-League; Carlos Hinojosa, Julian, All-League; Aaron Lazaro, Midway Baptist, T, Jr, All-League; Travis Golia, LaJolla Country Day, K, All-League, Cal-Hi Sports Small Schools All-State 2nd Team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass 2nd team, 72 points, 7 FGs; Montell Allen, LaJolla Country Day, FB, So, All-League; Gates Molitor, Julian, All-League; John Hansrough, LaJolla Country Day, TE, All-League; Levi Gardner, Foothills Christian, OL, 2nd team all-league; Garrett Campbell, Foothill Christian, QB, So, 2nd team all-league, 64-121, 843 yards, 4 TDs; Daniel Giese, TCC, LB, 2nd team all-league; Andy Altman, LaJolla Country Day, DL, 2nd team all-league.
Palomar League
The 2006 season was a strange one in the Palomar League. Poway (8-6, 1-4) finished a distant fifth in the league standings with a 1-4 record, yet beat first-place La Costa Canyon (9-3, 5-0) and second-place Torrey Pines (9-2, 4-1) in the playoffs before falling to Carlsbad. The Titans return highly-regarded TE Ryan Deehan along with defensive back Jared Relyea. The Mavericks have the top returning quarterback in Jose Mohler, who thre for 1,331 yards last year. Rancho Bernardo (4-6, 3-2) could be the most improved team thanks to return of backfield mates Gonzalo Sanchez (RB) and Gerald Kemp (QB). Casey Allred moves from running back to quarterback to lead the Falcons.
Team to Beat: LaCosta Canyon Mavericks
Top MVP Candidate: Ryan Deehan, Poway
Players to Watch: Ryan Deehan, Poway, TE, All-League, All-San Diego Section 1st team, Times Tribune All-San Diego 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass 2nd team, 51 catches, 832 yards; Nathan Dunn, Rancho Bernardo, LB, All-League; Nick Milani, Poway, DB, All-League; Tommy Darcey, Westview, DB, All-League; Jacob Loeh, Westview, OL, 2nd team all-league; Gonzalo Sanchez, Rancho Bernardo, RB, 2nd team all-league; Gerald Kemp, Rancho Bernardo, QB, 2nd team all-league; Jose Mohler, LaCosta Canyon, QB, 2nd team all-league, 99-182, 1,331 yards, 11 TDs; Dan Corbin, Torrey Pines, DL, 2nd team all-league; Zach Gholson, LaCosta Canyon, DL, 2nd team all-league; Steadman Slaughter, La Costa Canyon, LB, 2nd team all-league; Carter Norfleet, Torrey Pines, DB, 2nd team all-league; Jonathan Villamoor, Westview, RB, all-league honorable mention; J.T. Duncan, Westview, LB, all-league honorable mention; Cody Starbird, Rancho Bernardo, OL, all-league honorable mention; Tyler Strange, Rancho Bernardo, DB, all-league honorable mention; Peter Rogers, Rancho Bernardo, DL, all-league honorable mention; Niko Shawinski, Poway, LB, all-league honorable mention; Bryce Lewis, Torrey Pines, RB, all-league honorable mention; Derek Hegyi, Torrey Pines, OL, all-league honorable mention; Jacob Driver, LaCosta Canyon, LB, Jr, all-league honorable mention; Joey De Martino, Mt. Carmel, DB, all-league honorable mention; Taylor Chapatte, Mt. Carmel, WR., all-league honorable mention; Jared Relyea, Poway, DB, All-San Diego Section 2nd team, all-league honorable mention.
South Bay League
Castle Park (7-4-1, 4-0-1) was the only team in the league to have a winning record last year, so the Trojans are the pick again this year. All-league players Martin Bayless and Ricky Anzar are the only returning first-team all-leaguers in the SBL and both play for Castle Park.
Team to Beat: Castle Park Trojans
Top MVP Candidate: Maurice Williams, Mar Vista
Players to Watch Martin Bayless, Castle Park, All-League; Ricky Anzar, Castle Park, All-League; Ryan Carrera, Montgomery, OL, 2nd team all-league; Brian Lacey, Marian, 2nd team all-league; Brandon Meredith, Montgomery, RB, 2nd team all-league, 106 carries, 593 yards; Roman Owens, Marian, 2nd team all-league; Maurice Williams, Mar Vista, RB, 2nd team all-league, 62 carries, 664 yards, 8 sacks; Marcel Pitre, Marian, Jr, 2nd team all-league; Tyler Tablit, Hilltop, LB, 2nd team all-league; John Edwards, Southwest, DB, 2nd team all-league, 71 tackles; Chris Prather, Hilltop, WR, Jr., 30 catches, 548 yards.
Valley League
If defense wins championships, then look for the Mission Hills Grizzlies (9-3, 5-1) to win the Valley League this year. The Grizzly defense should be stellar, especially on the defensive line where heavily recruited Jamaar Jarrett resides along with all-league players Edward Nuckols, Vince Misa and Chris Cambell. Escondido (8-3-1, 5-0-1), which won the league title last year, counters with the better offense. Behind QB Alex Hasty (1,437 yards), the Cougars led the league with 403 points scored.
Team to Beat: Mission Hills Grizzlies
Top MVP Candidate: Jamaar Jarrett, Mission Hills
Players to Watch Edward Nuckols, Mission Hills, RB, Jr, All-League, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores; James Johnson, Valley Center, DB, Jr, All-League, All-San Diego Section 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores Honorable Mention; Michael Dobbins, Mission Hills. OL, 2nd team all-league; Alex Hasty, Escondido, QB, 2nd team all-league, 81-152, 1,437 yards, 13 TDs; Daniel Minamide, San Pasqual, RB, 2nd team all-league; Jamaar Jarrett, Mission Hills, DL, 2nd team all-league; Balta Barajas, Orange Glen, DL, 2nd team all-league; Vince Misa, Mission Hills, DL, 2nd team all-league; Jarrett Jernigan, San Pasqual, LB, 2nd team all-league; Burt Lund, Valley Center, DB, 2nd team all-league; James Eszlinger, San Pasqual, DB, 2nd team all-league; Isaiah Taylor, San Marcos, DB, 2nd team all-league; Jarrett Sisler, Escondido, DB, all-league honorable mention; Marcel Taylor; Escondido, DB, all-league honorable mention; Brennan Metzger, Mission Hills, WR, all-league honorable mention; Chris Campbell, Mission Hills, DL, all-league honorable mention; Keith Nicklin, Orange Glenn, TE, all-league honorable mention; Andrew Early, Orange Glenn, QB, Jr, all-league honorable mention; Ian Bablewski, Ramona, TE, all-league honorable mention; Devlin McCord; San Marcos, OL, all-league honorable mention; Brandon Hartley, San Pasqual, WR, all-league honorable mention; Jason Klingerman, Valley Center, OL, all-league honorable mention; Pedro Gonzalez, Valley Center, DL, all-league honorable mention.
Western League
In the Western League, to quote Will Ferrell's character Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights, "If you're not first, you're last." That was certainly the case last year as three teams tied for first place at 4-1 and the rest tied for last at 1-4. Mission Bay (10-2, 4-1) tied Point Loma (10-3, 4-1) and Hoover (9-3, 4-1) for the league championship last year, but the Buccaneers appear to have the edge this year thanks to the return of QB Evan Taylor and sophomore running back Dillon Baxter. The presence of MikeKennedy, Chase Bove and Gavin Boger on the offensive line is also a big plus for MB. Hoover will still be solid thanks to the return of Corey Trisby (2,211 yards), who could be one of the top QBs in the section this year.
Team to Beat: Mission Bay Buccaneers
Top MVP Candidate: Corey Trisby, Hoover
Players to Watch Josh Wade, Point Loma, RB, All-League; Corey Trisby, Hoover, QB, All-League, Times Tribune All-San Diego 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass 3rd team, 146-285, 2,211 yards, 20 TDs; Ja'Rodd Watson, LaJolla, FB, All-League; Evan Taylor, Mission Bay, QB, All-League, Dillon Baxter, Mission Bay, RB, So, All-League, Times Tribune All-San Diego 2nd team, All-San Diego Section 2nd team; Alante Womack, San Diego, CB, All-League; Ben Miranda, Hoover, OL, 2nd team all-league; Fredrico Orsuna, Hoover, OL, 2nd team all-league; Thomas Singleton, San Diego, WR, 2nd team all-league; Mike Kennedy, Mission Bay, OL, 2nd team all-league; Gavin Boger, Mission Bay, OL, 2nd team all-league; Chase Bove, Mission Bay, OL, 2nd team all-league; Matt Arlington, Point Loma, DE, Jr, 2nd team all-league; Josh Canup, Point Loma, DB, 2nd team all-league; Alex Blair, Point Loma, LB, 2nd team all-league; Marquis Blount, Hoover, LB, 2nd team all-league; Trenton Caldwell, Serra, 2nd team all-league; Victor Johnson, Mission Bay, DB, 2nd team all-league.
"Players to Watch" derived from all-league and all-area teams from 2006 season. Some players may have transfered or were misidentified as underclassmen.
