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Orange’s football team embraced a new slogan as it aimed to rebound from a rare season without a playoff appearance under coach Robert Pedroza.
Last December during the early stage of their offseason, the Panthers decided to follow the acronym CLIMB, the slogan Florida State’s football program adopted a few years ago.
CLIMB stands for “Commitment, Little things, Intensity, Mental toughness, Brotherhood.”
For Orange, it also represents the road back to the postseason.
The Panthers (6-4) take on Troy (9-1) at Fullerton High in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs on Friday in one of Orange County’s top games.
“We just focused on our acronym CLIMB and making this more of a brotherhood and really bringing the team together,” Pedroza said of the season. “We knew we were going to be really young in a lot of areas and losing the year before was tough on the kids returning.”
Last season, Orange finished 2-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Pedroza’s second season leading the Panthers.
When Pedroza arrived at Orange from Troy in 2015, the program was a major rebuild. But in 2017, the Panthers captured Division 13 for their section championship since 1929.
Orange’s recovery this time came with a young squad in the challenging Foxtrot League.
The Panthers feature only three senior starters on offense and three senior starters on defense.
Several younger players have emerged, including dual threat quarterback Star Thomas, but the journey off the field has been important.
“We had a couple kids take a great leadership role,” said Pedroza, whose team earned an at-large bid to the playoffs. “This is one of the closest teams we’ve had as far as brotherhood and getting along and being great teammates. That was one of the processes we wanted to see in the offseason.”
Pedroza praised the leadership of team captains Thomas, wide receiver Wesley Lundell, linebacker Nathan Marquez and right tackle Armando Lopez.
On the field, Thomas’ development has flourished under first-year offensive coordinator Jude Oliva.
Thomas passed for 391 yards and three TDs in a 24-9 upset of previously undefeated Laguna Beach last week.
The left-handed Thomas ranks second in Orange County for passing yards to Luke Fahey of Mission Viejo with 2,977. He also has rushed for 748 yards.
“To do that kind of production as a sophomore is pretty unreal,” Pedroza said of Thomas, whose top targets have been juniors Malahki Allen and Adam Maldonado and sophomore Dylan Stone.
Last season, Orange lost to Laguna Beach 42-18.
The Panthers’ turnaround against the Breakers this season included four sacks by Sebastian Castro and three by Anthony Randle. Both are sophomore defensive ends under defensive coordinator Justin Vasquez.
After the victory, Orange made its traditional bus trip around the Orange Plaza, which was packed on Halloween with trick-or-treaters.
The celebration, Pedroza said, required all the attributes of CLIMB.
“It was the best (Orange) Circle ride,” Pedroza said. “People were throwing candy into the bus for the boys. It was a fun night, and it was definitely rewarding for the boys.”
“But now it’s time to turn the page,” the coach added. “The real season starts now.”
SEGERSTROM STAYS CONFIDENT
Segerstrom (8-2) might have surprised some by capturing the Kappa League title after graduating 37 seniors. But the Jaguars were internally confident with 23 seniors on the squad this fall, coach Joseph Tagaloa said.
“Everybody outside the program probably thought we were rebuilding,” the coach said, “but our kids fight.”
Segerstrom switched back to the wing-T offense and developed a strong defense.
Senior Ayden Morales has rushed for 1,316 yards and 20 TDs and junior linebacker Jullian Hernandez has racked up a team-high 76 tackles. Senior defensive lineman Joshua Preciado has emerged with eight sacks.
Segerstrom plays at Victor Valley (5-5) in a tough opener in the Division 7 playoffs on Friday. Victor Valley features a combination of size and speed, Tagaloa said.
“We’re definitely excited the challenge,” the coach said.
CAPISTRANO VALLEY’S SPECIAL PLAY
Capistrano Valley senior Jaydon Rodin was mobbed by teammates after running the ball into the end zone on an untimed down before a clash against Tustin last week for the Delta League title.
Several Tustin players also congratulated Rodin, a third-year player with special needs. Rodin took a handoff from Cougars QB Talon Spencer.
“You got to remember what (high school sports) is all about,” Capistrano Valley coach Sean Curtis said. “The kids loved (Rodin) on the team. It changed our players.”
SHORT ROUTES
Woodbridge (2-8) plays host Desert Hot Springs (5-5) at University High on Friday in the Division 13 playoffs after an 0-7 start. The Warriors tied for third in the Omicron League and won a coin flip for the automatic playoff spot. “It feels rewarding,” first-year Woodbridge coach Connor McBride said. “I have a group of guys who have trusted in us and the process. They’ve never given up.” …
Edison (5-5), which plays host to Huntington Beach (8-2) in Division 3 on Friday at Huntington Beach High, has not lost to the Oilers since 2013. …
All-County wide receiver Vance Spafford of Mission Viejo, a senior who is committed to Miami, will miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury, Diablos coach Chad Johnson said.