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With Orange County football’s regular season at the midpoint, here are Dan Albano’s Top 21 under-the-radar players.
To qualify, players could not have been selected to the preseason Orange County Hot 150.
Carter Anderson, Dana Hills, QB
The sophomore has capitalized on his opportunities after being named the starter in mid-August. Anderson has passed for 1,045 yards and 13 touchdowns while leading the Dolphins to a 5-0 start. He has been intercepted only twice.
David Carlsson, Pacifica, WR/DB
The senior has 23 receptions for 459 yards (20 yards per catch) and five TDs. Carlsson also is a key defensive player for the Mariners (2-3).
Coy Collins, Villa Park, RB
The son of former Loara standout tailback Coy Collins, the sophomore has been a revelation for the Spartans. He has rushed for 473 yards on 58 carries (8.2 yards average). Collins’ father ran for 804 yards as a sophomore in 1987 under legendary coach Herb Hill, so watch out for the son.
Dylan D’Epifanio, Northwood, QB
The 6-foot-3 sophomore is progressing with 1,167 yards and 11 TDs for the Timberwolves (3-2). The Foxtrot League looks daunting but D’Epifanio brings a lot of skill.
Gavin Garza, Costa Mesa, RB
The junior has carried the momentum from his strong sophomore season into the fall. Garza ranks third in Orange County with 819 yards (9.5 yards per carry) and 12 TDs. He rushed for 1,450 yards and 20 TDs last season.
Brady Hassett and Jake Beisel, Capistrano Valley, LBs
Hassett has teamed with Beisel to create “havoc” for opposing offenses, Cougars coach Sean Curtis said. Hassett, a junior middle linebacker, leads the team in total tackles with 43 but suffered a hand injury last week against Foothill. Beisel, a senior, weak-side linebacker, ranks second in tackles with 35.
Carson Hunnicutt, Marina, WR
The junior has surfaced as one of the county’s most consistent wide receivers with 32 receptions for 528 yards (16.5 yards per catch). Marina is a 4-1.
Garrett James, Corona del Mar, WR
The senior impressed at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament in July, and hasn’t slowed down. James has 20 receptions for 400 yards (20 yards per catch) and seven TDs for the Sea Kings (4-0).
Mikeal Khan, Sunny Hills, QB
The transfer from San Clemente has flourished in his first season as a starting quarterback. The senior has completed 64 percent of his passes for 920 yards and 11 TDs while leading the Lancers to a surprising 4-1 start. Sunny Hills finished 2-8 last season.
Eiler King, San Clemente, QB
The junior emerged from a long quarterback competition to deliver a sizzling start to his varsity career. He has completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,065 yards and nine TDs while going 3-2 as the starter.
Hayden Koo, Tustin, WR
Don’t believe 7-on-7 competition can be insightful? Recall the rise of Koo (6-2, 180) the next time the doubts comes up. The sophomore flashed his potential among several Mission Viejo wide receivers over the summer, and transferred late in the offseason to Tustin. Koo leads the Tillers with 32 receptions for 363 yards and four TDs.
David Maciel, OL, and Jayden Nunez, TE, Garden Grove
Maciel, a junior left guard, and Nunez, a junior tight end, have been physical blockers for running back Quentin Pacelli, who leads the county with 1,162 rushing yards. Maciel and Nunez are strong drive blockers who hustle.
Kale Murphy, Servite, QB
In his first four games as a varsity starter, Murphy has passed for 602 yards and nine TDs. The Mission Viejo transfer showed promise in the Friars’ up-tempo attack in 56-35 win against Murrieta Valley.
Gavyn Nicholson, Brea Olinda, QB
The first-year starter has been a productive dual threat with 634 yards passing and a team-high 432 yards rushing. The junior will be tough matchup for the Kappa League.
Chris Romero, Saddleback, LB
The senior linebacker leads the Zeta League favorite with 69 total tackles — almost 14 per game — and also returns kicks. “He’s a beast,” Saddleback coach Ron Thompson said.
Noah Thayer, JSerra, K
It’s tough for kickers to break into the Hot 150 but Thayer has proven to be a game-changer. The senior booted a 55-yard field goal in a 39-35 win against Leuzinger and made a 54-yarder against Damien. Thayer’s leg also has contributed numerous touchbacks.
Reagan Toki, Orange Lutheran, QB
The junior has delivered three victories and plenty of production since emerging from a fierce competition. Toki has completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,008 yards and nine TDs. He led Orange Lutheran to wins against nationally-ranked Northwestern of Florida, Rancho Cucamonga and Serra.
Toki was banged up against Sierra Canyon last week, and the Lancers heavily played freshman Ezrah Brown.
Up next for Orange Lutheran: Mater Dei.
Carter Vestermark, Aliso Niguel, QB
The senior entered the season as a breakout candidate, and has continued to improve. While he’s slowed the past two games, Vestermark has passed for 932 yards and nine TDs for the Wolverines (3-1).
Gino Wang, JSerra, QB
The sophomore has led the Lions (3-2) to three consecutive wins since taking over as the starer. Last week in a 39-35 win against Leuzinger, Wang set several career highs in completing 19 of 36 passes for 319 yards and four TDs. He’s also a tough runner.