OCVarsity will be previewing every Orange County high school football league and every team before the season begins.
8-MAN FOOTBALL
SAGE HILL (Freelance)
Top players: Griffin Robinson, OL/DL, Sr.; Bear Balossi, OL/DL, Sr.; Gunner Hall, QB, So.; Kian Khazei, RB/LB, Sr; Adam Pirnazar, WR/DB, Jr.
What to expect: The Lightning remain an 8-man team to watch under veteran coach BJ Crabtree. After finishing 5-3 last season and reaching the CIF-SS Division 1 8-man playoffs, Sage Hill returns four starters on offense and five on defense. Hall is among the key returners and will be joined by his twin brother Sevyn, a wide receiver/defensive back who Crabtree considers a “wild card player” with a “high ceiling.” Robinson earned All-CIF honors last season. Sage Hill opens its season Aug. 30 at Fresno Christian in a new showcase event for 8-man football. Last season, Fresno Christian finished as the 8-man runner to Mammoth in the Central Section. “If we stay healthy, like most 8-man football teams, we will be able to play with anyone,” Crabtree said.
— Dan Albano
LEGACY COLLEGE PREP (Express League)
Top players: Miguel Yepez, OL/DL, Sr.; Malachi Rivas, WR/DB, Jr.; Dre Garcia, QB, Sr.; Ricardo Nava, WR/DB, So.; Angel Lopez, K, Sr.
What to expect: This is the first year of high school football at Legacy College Prep, a private school with an enrollment of 431 in Santa Ana. Lions coach Michael Schnyder said the players, many with little or no football experience, have been fast learners as the team prepares to play in the four-team Express League. He said the team is an athletic group with good leadership qualities. Malachi Rivas was the Legacy boys basketball team’s MVP this past season. Dre Garcia has shown a strong arm in summer practice sessions.
— Steve Fryer