16. Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) Last season’s record: 10-2, lost in CIF Southern Section Pac-5 semifinals
Coach: Jim Kunau
Key players: DT Kapono Asuega (6-0, 270, Sr.), QB Bobby Wheatley (6-3, 205, Jr.), QB Ryan Orozco (6-3, 190, Jr.), RB Exavier Edwards (5-9, 195, Jr.), OL/DE Aaron Prindle (6-1, 255, Sr.), LB/FB Jeremiah Pemasa (5-9, 205, Sr.), DB/WR Terrance Brown (5-11, 170, Sr.), DB/WR Gabe Lemon (5-9, 185, Sr.), DB/RB Kyle Dravis (5-9, 175, Sr.), OL Moses Peralta (6-2, 280, Sr.), WR Scotty Williams (5-9, 180, Sr.), DE Mike Arakelian (6-0, 225, Sr.), LB/RB Donya Fields (6-0, 205, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Team speed, team chemistry
Question mark: Inexperience at QB
Outlook: Orange Lutheran is the sixth member of the Southern California’s brutally tough Pac-5 division to appear in the PrepNation 101 preseason rankings. Four starters return on each side of the ball for the Lancers, who held Long Beach Poly’s offense scoreless but lost, 2-0, in a memorable division semifinal game. Entering fall practice, two juniors were vying for the starting quarterback position. As a sophomore, Wheatley gained valuable experience after an injury to starter Blake Hyepock. He was under center when the Lancers fumbled on the goal line while attempting to score the winning points near the end of the game against Poly. Orozco, a transfer from Chino Hills, also saw varsity action at his previous school as a sophomore. Whoever earns the staring nod, his development will be key to OLu’s success this season. The same can be said about Edwards, an quick back with outstanding open-field moves. Williams, who has committed to Army, and fellow Division I prospect Brown are Lutheran’s top receivers. Three-year starters Asuega and Prindle are two strong and athletic linemen. Linebacker Pemasa, who intercepted 11 passes last season, plays the game with great passion. Lemon is a key addition to the secondary after earning all-county accolades playing at Trabuco Hills. Another transfer is Fields, who was a productive player as a sophomore at Verbum Dei.
Toughest games: Sept. 26 vs. WC No. 24 J.W. North, Oct. 31 at Servite, Nov. 6 at Rancho Santa Margarita, Nov. 13 at No. 53 Mater Dei
No comments:
Post a Comment