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OCVarsity will be previewing every Orange County high school football league and every team before the season begins.
IRONWOOD LEAGUE
CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN
Top players: Luke Vincent, RB/DB, Sr.; Rocco Windham, WR/DB, Sr.; Benji Makelela, OL/DL, Sr.; Sam Brown, WR/DB, Sr.; Michael Vukich, RB/LB, Sr.
What to expect: The Eagles graduated the prolific duo of quarterback Nate Richie and wide receiver Max Krosky, and 1,000-yard rusher Joshua Monroe, but still have several experienced seniors. They return seven starters on offense and eight on defense from a squad that finished 5-6 last season under first-year coach Brandon Camarillo. The team tied for fourth in the Ironwood League and reached the CIF-SS Division 11 playoffs. Two of the Eagles’ top returners are proven defenders. Vukich finished second on the team in tackles last fall with 88 while Vincent shared the team lead in interceptions with four. At quarterback, CVC turns to senior Drake Bothwell, whose progress has impressed Camarillo. Windham returns as a top target after posting 36 catches for 329 yards last season. The offensive line could be anchored by Makelela, who at 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds is the team’s best college prospect. The senior also is a standout in basketball. “Our team has been working hard since January,” Camarillo said. “We are looking forward to once again competing in the incredibly competitive Ironwood League.”
— Dan Albano
MESQUITE LEAGUE
WHITTIER CHRISTIAN
Top players: JP Gutierrez, Sr, WR/DB; Jacob Halbert, OL/DL, Sr.; Ezekiel Iturburo, RB/LB, So.; Isai Iturburo, RB/LB, Sr.; Luke Van Der Ham, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: The Heralds have a new coach, Jim Harrison, who has 20 years of coaching experience, most of it as a high school football coach in Florida. He is determined to return Whittier Christian to the high level it was at when it won a CIF Southern Section championship three years ago. That effort will rely upon many two-way players, including brothers Ezekiel Iturburo and Isai Iturburo. They both play running back and linebacker. Isai was the Heralds’ leading rusher last season with 531 yards and seven touchdowns. Ezekiel was All-Mesquite League second team as a freshman last year when he had a team-high 65 tackles. The Heralds finished 5-4 overall and 2-3 (fourth place) in the Mesquite League last season.
— Steve Fryer