JSerra 2023 schedule breakdown

<p>Earlier this summer, we broke down the schedules for Trinity League teams St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran.</p>   <p>JSerra released its schedule in late March and the Lions are playing some top programs in Southern California. </p>   <p>The Lions had a very good season in 2022 which included winning a thrilling Division 1 playoff game against league rival Santa Margarita.</p>   <p>JSerra is led by new coach <strong>Victor Santa Cruz</strong> who most recently was a defensive coordinator at the University of Hawaii. Prior to his stint at Hawaii, he was the head coach at Azusa Pacific for 15 years. </p>   <p>The Lions also have some new faces on the field in junior Arizona State commit [player_tooltip player_id='282761' first='Michael' last='Tollefson'] at quarterback and one of the top defensive players in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='282705' first='Madden' last='Faraimo']. Tollefson adds to an already good quarterback room featuring returning starter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='943035' first='Zander' last='Singh']</strong>.</p>   <p>Offensively, JSerra has a quality offensive line led by [player_tooltip player_id='282706' first='Jake' last='Flores'] and [player_tooltip player_id='689909' first='Jeighlyn' last='Filo']. Sophomore <strong>Josh Haney</strong> is lengthy and has the frame to add size and <strong>Sonny Pa'u</strong> is a returning starter who I'm high on. </p>   <p>The Lions have three strong running backs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406721' first='George' last='Perez']</strong>, <strong>Kamar Garbourel</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='780472' first='Sean' last='Morris']. [player_tooltip player_id='406653' first='Logan' last='Christensen'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='282699' first='Brett' last='Debergh']</strong> are two returning junior receivers. <strong>Axel Olander</strong> is a junior I am high on as well.</p>   <p>Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='723691' first='Luke' last='Webb'] is back as one of the top pass rushers in the Trinity League. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942928' first='Clarence' last='Chaney']</strong> is a tackling machine at linebacker and <strong>Jared Referente</strong> is a very good safety. <strong>Jack Munro</strong> made the game-winning deflection in JSerra's playoff win against Santa Margarita and is back at outside linebacker. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='398448' first='Kainoa' last='Davis']</strong> is another defender who can get into the backfield.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mikehuntley63/status/1588757372402823169?s=20 </div></figure>   <p>Let's take a look at JSerra's 2023 opponents:</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>8/18 @ SIERRA CANYON</strong></h2>   <p>Sierra Canyon had a bit of a makeover with several new transfers. [player_tooltip player_id='282687' first='Wyatt' last='Becker'] transferred in from Notre Dame and is the starting quarterback. [player_tooltip player_id='282703' first='Dane' last='Dunn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='147709' first='Terrell' last='Cooks'] are two quality returning running backs for the Trailblazers. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='398422' first='Xavier' last='Jordan'] and uncommitted senior [player_tooltip player_id='683607' first='Kwazi' last='Gilmer'] are one of the top receiver duos in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='115476' first='Jaylen'Dai' last='Sumlin']</strong> is a Stanford commit at receiver and [player_tooltip player_id='273551' first='Cameron' last='Mitchell'] is another highly-ranked receiver. [player_tooltip player_id='398383' first='Eugene' last='Brooks'] is one of the top offensive linemen in Southern California and junior [player_tooltip player_id='282772' first='Ashdon' last='Wnetrzak'] is massive. Chaminade transfer [player_tooltip player_id='115429' first='Marquis' last='Gallegos'] is a USC commit and [player_tooltip player_id='147748' first='Ruben' last='Gamboa'] is another quality defensive back. [player_tooltip player_id='282739' first='Nevada' last='Miller'] is a linebacker with a high ceiling. JSerra beat Sierra Canyon 31-17 in the season opener last season and [player_tooltip player_id='406721' first='George' last='Perez'] ran for 143 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown in that game. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ocvarsityguy/status/1561010340648845313?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>8/25 AQUINAS</strong></h2>   <p>The big name star for Aquinas is returning junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='282756' first='Jusyis' last='Solis']</strong> who is committed to Cal. <strong>Yaqiym Halliburton</strong> is a solid returning receiver and <strong>Bradley Vander</strong> is a good athlete. <strong>Taufaao Talanoa</strong> is a strong defensive lineman as is <strong>Sione Fakava</strong>. <strong>Junior Dennis</strong> had two interceptions as a freshman on varsity last season and <strong>Charlie Reyes</strong> was a freshman who was a key contributor last year. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AquinasAthSB/status/1679690800194818049?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>9/1 CHAMINADE</strong></h2>   <p>Chaminade lost some key players to graduation and transfer but still has some quality talent. Offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='273618' first='David' last='Abajian'] is committed to Oregon State and <strong>Ryon Sayeri</strong> is one of the best kicking prospects in the nation. [player_tooltip player_id='282754' first='Seth' last='Shigg'] is a really good lefty athlete who is expected to be the starting quarterback for Chaminade. <strong>Jadon Lemmons</strong> is a two-way athlete who is a beast in the weight room. Chaminade narrowly beat JSerra last season and Shigg had over 200 all-purpose yards with a touchdown pass.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NadeFootball/status/1634290939161354240?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>9/8 NOTRE DAME OF SHERMAN OAKS</strong></h2>   <p>Notre Dame lost a quarterback but replaced him with Simi Valley transfer [player_tooltip player_id='282750' first='Steele' last='Pizzella'] who was one of the top freshman quarterbacks in the state in 2021. <strong>Elliot Cooper</strong> is a returning skill player who Pizzella may rely on. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='398475' first='Brandon' last='Bryant']</strong> is a returning First Team All-League linebacker who recently got an offer from Bryant University. <strong>Erikas Puodziunas </strong>had eight touchdown receptions as a junior for Notre Dame last season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401217' first='Anthony' last='Jones']</strong> is a sophomore edge rusher with an offer from Cal. Notre Dame lost to Sierra Canyon and Orange Lutheran last season, both teams that JSerra defeated in 2022.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NDKnightsLA/status/1681037203198337024?s=20 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GregBiggins/status/1640080549732597762?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>9/15 @ CLOVIS NORTH</strong></h2>   <p>Clovis North was in Southern California recently and competed in the South County Classic passing tournament in Mission Viejo, CA. <strong>Mario Cosma </strong>is back at quarterback for Clovis North. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942970' first='Vincent' last='Cordoba']</strong> is the top receiver returning and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1645738' first='Jackson' last='Cinfel']</strong> is the top rusher returning.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>9/29 ORANGE LUTHERAN</strong></h2>   <p>JSerra beat a banged up Orange Lutheran team in the regular season finale last season. The Lancers have three quarterbacks who could start at most schools. [player_tooltip player_id='282728' first='TJ' last='Lateef'] is the expected starter and [player_tooltip player_id='401215' first='Alex' last='Medyn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='406660' first='John' last='Gazzaniga'] are quality options as well. [player_tooltip player_id='723685' first='AJ' last='Ia'] is a good receiver and <strong>Joseph De La Torre</strong> has been getting rave reviews this summer at receiver. The offensive line is young but loaded with [player_tooltip player_id='780266' first='Samuelu' last='Utu'], [player_tooltip player_id='283610' first='Dustin' last='Foisia'], [player_tooltip player_id='841046' first='Arion' last='Williams'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976935' first='Cole' last='Principe']</strong> and others. [player_tooltip player_id='780311' first='Auma' last='Jennings'] and [player_tooltip player_id='723736' first='Jireh' last='Moe'] are good young defensive linemen. [player_tooltip player_id='283686' first='Talanoa' last='Ili'] was the leading tackler last season and is back. They added Connor Panapa from Servite and <strong>Sam Fonua</strong> is a guy the coaches are high on. Some analysts expect Orange Lutheran to be the third place team in the Trinity League this season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OLuFootball/status/1653547602661752832?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10/6 @ MATER DEI</strong></h2>   <p>Mater Dei has a new coach but the Monarchs are still loaded with returning talent. JSerra did play Mater Dei very close in the first matchup but got blownout in the playoffs by the Monarchs. Mater Dei's running backs are all home run threats in [player_tooltip player_id='273546' first='Nate' last='Frazier'], [player_tooltip player_id='282698' first='Jordon' last='Davison'] and [player_tooltip player_id='115462' first='Ajon' last='Bryant']. [player_tooltip player_id='282711' first='Marcus' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='683685' first='Marcus' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='115472' first='Jack' last='Ressler'] are all good receivers for Stanford commit [player_tooltip player_id='683642' first='Elijah' last='Brown']. The offensive line is loaded with [player_tooltip player_id='147719' first='DeAndre' last='Carter'], [player_tooltip player_id='147730' first='Brandon' last='Baker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='282776' first='Sione' last='Tohi']. Defensive line has [player_tooltip player_id='115434' first='Aydin' last='Breland'] and Arizona commit [player_tooltip player_id='115435' first='Kaho' last='Tuihalamaka'] in the middle. The edge rushers are two of the best in the nation in [player_tooltip player_id='195568' first='Tanner' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='282774' first='Nasir' last='Wyatt']. The secondary is young and loaded with talent like [player_tooltip player_id='282700' first='Daryus' last='Dixson'], [player_tooltip player_id='282734' first='Chuck' last='McDonald III'] and Alabama commit [player_tooltip player_id='147715' first='Zabien' last='Brown'].</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MDFootball/status/1677865468424753152?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10/13 SANTA MARGARITA</strong></h2>   <p>Santa Margarita lost a lot of talent but gained some big time players as well. <strong>James Johnson</strong> transferred in from Servite and will be the starting quarterback. Skyler Lendsey is a good young running back. The receiving corps is one of the best with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283690' first='Trent' last='Mosley']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976922' first='Sean' last='Embree']</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='115473' first='Jason' last='Robinson JR'], [player_tooltip player_id='282751' first='Jadyn' last='Robinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='195536' first='Kyle' last='Brody']. The defense is led by outside linebackers and edge rushers [player_tooltip player_id='115437' first='Gage' last='Burnett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='147756' first='Levar' last='Talley']. <strong>Noah Sulick</strong> is a candidate to lead the team in tackles next season and the coaching staff is high on <strong>Luke Anderson</strong> and <strong> Izley Manutai</strong>.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jadynThaTruth/status/1680281844292665344?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10/20 ST. JOHN BOSCO</strong></h2>   <p>Bosco is once again loaded after winning the national championship last season. The quarterback will likely be [player_tooltip player_id='115455' first='Caleb' last='Sanchez'] but [player_tooltip player_id='212212' first='Ashton' last='Pannell'] is a quality sophomore. The backfield is loaded with UCLA commit [player_tooltip player_id='398389' first='Cameron' last='Jones'] and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='115464' first='Chauncey' last='Sylvester'] and [player_tooltip player_id='147723' first='Khalil' last='Warren']. Receiving corps consists of [player_tooltip player_id='115470' first='Tommy' last='Maher'], [player_tooltip player_id='398478' first='Stacy' last='Dobbins'], [player_tooltip player_id='283605' first='Daniel' last='Odom'] and [player_tooltip player_id='209113' first='Madden' last='Williams']. The offensive line is led by SMU commit [player_tooltip player_id='273573' first='King' last='Large']. The defense is led by the best linebacking corps I've seen in awhile in [player_tooltip player_id='115443' first='Kyngstonn' last='Viliamu-Asa'], [player_tooltip player_id='115469' first='Jordan' last='Lockhart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='273572' first='Khmori' last='House']. The secondary has a lot of talent too in USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='209113' first='Madden' last='Williams'], Idaho commit Frankie Edwards and [player_tooltip player_id='283632' first='Josh' last='Holland']. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/boscofootball/status/1596408214152613888?s=20 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10/27 @ SERVITE</strong></h2>   <p>Servite had a nice showing at the South County Passing Tournament but the Friars may be a year away from being a contender again. [player_tooltip player_id='406664' first='Leo' last='Hannan'] will be the starting quarterback and he is a good college prospect. [player_tooltip player_id='723744' first='Quaid' last='Carr'] will get 20 touches per game at running back and <strong>Quinn Rosenkranz</strong> will be a good target. [player_tooltip player_id='270921' first='Ethan' last='Naudin'] is another receiver I enjoy watching and tight end <strong>Aidan O'Callaghan</strong> made some noise at the Mission Viejo passing tournament. The defensive side of the ball is a bit of a mystery for Servite but they had a great freshman and sophomore class last season.</p>

Earlier this summer, we broke down the schedules for Trinity League teams St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran.