OCVarsity will be previewing every Orange County high school football league and every team before the season begins.
SIGMA LEAGUE PREVIEW
CALVARY CHAPEL
Top players: Waldo Castrejon, RB/LB, Sr.; Jackson Stice, RB/LB, Sr.; Daniel Nieves, WR/DB, Sr.; Jett Rauch, DB/WR, Jr.; Josh Bright, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Calvary Chapel reached the playoffs last season for the first time since 2019. The Eagles have a promising receiving corps led by Jorge Brito who led the team with 525 yards and five touchdowns last season. Noah Barthel round out the receiving corps and Waldo Castrejon and Jackson Stice will be the primary ball carriers in the run game. Calvary Chapel was much improved on defense last year and forced 22 turnovers. 11 of the team’s 15 interceptions last year were from players who are back this season and Castrejon led the team in tackles last season. Calvary Chapel lost two league games by one point and could compete for a league title if it plays better in close games.
ESTANCIA
Top players: Bennett Molica, WR/DB, Sr.; Brandon Bettinghausen, WR/DB, Sr.; Jeff Brown, RB/LB, Sr.; Roy Brown, TE/DL, Sr.; Ethan Mataia, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Estancia was the second place team in the league standings last year and reached the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The running game was a strength last season and running back Jeff Brown is back after tallying 1,516 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2024. Leading receiver Brandon Bettinghausen is back and Bennett Molica is back after missing much of last season due to injury. Kai Bargas, son of head coach Mike Bargas, will be throwing them the ball. Roy Brown had 117 tackles last season and lineman Ethan Mataia is 6-foot-4 and 336 points. The Eagles are a contender to win the league championship but will need some development from its inexperienced offensive line.
LOS AMIGOS
Top players: Bryant Merida, OL/DL, Sr.; Amari’e Maddox, WR/DB, Sr.; Abraham Solorio, LB/TE, Sr.; Alexis Marcelo, RB/DB, Jr.; Mytrell Smith, QB, So.
What to expect: Los Amigos was one of four county teams to finish the regular season undefeated last season. The Lobos averaged 232 rushing yards per game and ran for 44 touchdowns. Alexis Marcelo and Kevin Centeno will lead the running game along with dual-threat quarterback Mytrell Smith, who may also improve the passing game. Abraham Solorio and Bryant Merida were both first team all-league last season and are back to lead the defense. Another undefeated season will be challenging to replicate, but Los Amigos is a contender to repeat as league champions.
OCEAN VIEW
Top players: Chris Vincent, DB/WR, Sr.; Elijah Armenta, OL/DL, Sr.; Darrin Hernandez, WR/DB, Sr.; Noris Taulaulelei-Malele, ATH, Sr.; Kelvin Leal, OL/DL, Jr.
What to expect: Ocean View finished the season strong in 2024 with a big win against Rancho Alamitos which coach Daniel Hernandez feels could be a turning point for the program. The Seahawks averaged 169 rushing yards per game last season and a trio of backs led by Trevor Luapo will carry the ball this year. Ocean View has two sophomore quarterbacks competing for the starting spot: Dean Northam and Narbonne transfer Kingston Stokley. Darrin Hernandez and Torrance transfer Noris Taulaulelei-Malele will be the top targets and three-year starter Chris Vincent leads the defense.
RANCHO ALAMITOS
Team information is still being collected.
SANTA ANA VALLEY
Top players: Eduardo Vivas, TE, Sr.; Anthony Flores, OL/DL, Sr.; Diego Vargas, RB/LB, So.; Valentine Bucio, RB/LB, Sr.; Jonathan Arroyo, DL, Sr.
What to expect: Santa Ana Valley was winless in 2024 and scored only 32 points. The Falcons have a new offensive coordinator and return three starters on the offensive line. Angel Garcia will be the team’s quarterback and Jason Valencia has been the leading receiver this offseason. All four defensive linemen are returning starters and the secondary is very experienced. Linebackers Vale Bucio and Diego Vargas will lead the defense.