Mission Viejo Passing Tournament Preview (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a look at some of the teams competing in the Mission Viejo passing tournament on Saturday at Mission Viejo High.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>POOL 1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MISSION VIEJO</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mission Viejo has two quarterbacks that are scholarship worthy and would be every down starters at most schools: [player_tooltip player_id='1000890' first='Luke' last='Fahey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='406731' first='Draiden' last='Trudeau']. They have excellent returning targets in [player_tooltip player_id='283692' first='Vance' last='Spafford'], [player_tooltip player_id='282688' first='Phillip' last='Bell'] and <strong>Cash Semonza</strong>. <strong>Winslow Garnier</strong> is another receiver to keep an eye on and <strong>Davonte Curtis</strong> can make plays out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, the top prospect in California's 2025 class, [player_tooltip player_id='723683' first='Dijon' last='Lee'], plays corner for the Diablos. [player_tooltip player_id='283628' first='Jeron' last='Jones'] was a nickel corner last year who got red hot in the postseason and [player_tooltip player_id='1062632' first='Zachary' last='Foeldi'] had a great sophomore season. Mission Viejo always does well at this event and will do so again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Zach_Berry/status/1803208335631720701","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Zach_Berry/status/1803208335631720701 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SCHURR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schurr was one of the lower-ranked teams last season entering this tournament but was gritty and opposing coaches raved about them. One coach from a high-level school last year at the event said he was impressed with how disciplined Schurr was and their players were respectful and always in the right places. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elias Navarro</strong> is back at running back after an excellent season with 12 touchdowns. <strong>Erik Henderson</strong> is a strong tight end and linebacker for Schurr. <strong>Ceasar Aguila</strong> is a returning junior defensive back who had a pair of interceptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schurr should have a lot of returners on defense but it will be interesting to see if they can move the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/James_Escarcega/status/1767345571990524147","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/James_Escarcega/status/1767345571990524147 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CHAPARRAL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaparral was a victim of the transfer portal this offseason and lost some high-level prospects to other schools like Mater Dei and Murrieta Valley. The Pumas have a promising sophomore quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611225' first='Dane' last='Weber']</strong> and some other fun sophomores like <strong>Kiko Farinas</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611298' first='Chase' last='Bonta']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611263' first='Eli' last='Woodard']</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='205623' first='Jayce' last='Venable'] is back at running back and is committed to Air Force. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The headliner defensively for Chaparral is UCLA commit [player_tooltip player_id='533261' first='Kuron' last='Jabari Jr']. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582158' first='Justin' last='Selway']</strong> is a tackling machine at linebacker and Southern Utah commit [player_tooltip player_id='358419' first='Shane' last='Klingelberg'] is a good edge rusher, which obviously isn't a big deal in 7-on-7. <strong>Corbin Frutos</strong> is a returning All-League player who can make a huge impact. I know the Pumas lost some great talent but they have the mix of returners and young guys to win a lot of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/chaparralpumafb/status/1805286868696940710","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/chaparralpumafb/status/1805286868696940710 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NEWPORT HARBOR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newport Harbor is a bit of a mystery this summer with a new head coach and some big players graduating or transferring. <strong>Bode Stefano</strong> is expected to be the quarterback with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1742014' first='Jake' last='Meer']</strong> pushing him. <strong>Cade Fegel</strong> is back and could be the team's leading receiver this season alongside <strong>Sammy Stremick</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tony Glynn</strong> was the team's second leading tackler last season and is back. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576842' first='Glenn' last='Baranoski']</strong> is a solid linebacker who earned All-Sunset League honors last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/bodestefano12/status/1794225766730973621","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/bodestefano12/status/1794225766730973621 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UPLAND</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upland is always competitive and will be on Saturday despite losing some key contributors. <strong>Lequand Jackson</strong> is a sophomore quarterback who can compete for the starting spot after getting a few reps as a freshman last season. <strong>Justin Benson</strong> is a very good route runner who could have a big day Saturday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='723695' first='Trestin' last='Castro'] will be one of the best players from any school at the event Saturday and we may see him active on both sides of the ball. <strong>Osric Randolph</strong> is an effective two-way player who had a few interceptions last season and <strong>Donovan Brown</strong> led the team in tackles last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/upland_fb/status/1800358015499153501","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/upland_fb/status/1800358015499153501 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>POOL 2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TUSTIN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tustin has had a massive influx of talent over the past two years and they arguably have more talent than ever. Arizona State commit [player_tooltip player_id='282761' first='Michael' last='Tollefson'] has transferred into Tustin from JSerra and will be the team's quarterback. [player_tooltip player_id='976921' first='Eimesse' last='Essis'] was one of the top rushers in Orange County last season and is back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tillers are loaded on defense with young stars like [player_tooltip player_id='1197207' first='Khalil' last='Terry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1197214' first='Taven' last='Epps']. Epps was outstanding at the National Preps Showcase and could arguably have been named MVP. [player_tooltip player_id='283688' first='Timothy' last='Ioane'] is a linebacker who can make plays in coverage as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PGregorian/status/1792638304111780044","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PGregorian/status/1792638304111780044 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MATER DEI</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mater Dei won this event last year. The Monarchs have a new head coach this year in <strong>Raul Lara</strong> but the talent level is the same as always. Mater Dei has quality quarterbacks in Washington commit [player_tooltip player_id='270900' first='Dash' last='Beierly'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1197560' first='Furian' last='Inferrera']. Ohio State class of 2026 star [player_tooltip player_id='284103' first='Chris' last='Henry Jr']. leads the receiving corps with Oklahoma commit [player_tooltip player_id='282711' first='Marcus' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='401273' first='Kayden' last='Dixon-Wyatt']. [player_tooltip player_id='292489' first='JuJu' last='Parm'] is another receiver to watch along with [player_tooltip player_id='401316' first='Mark' last='Bowman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='283639' first='Koen' last='Parnell'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively the secondary is loaded with [player_tooltip player_id='282700' first='Daryus' last='Dixson'], [player_tooltip player_id='282734' first='Chuck' last='McDonald III'], [player_tooltip player_id='401232' first='Cory' last='Lavender']. The linebackers are deep with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='723696' first='Abduall' last='Sanders'], [player_tooltip player_id='283606' first='Dash' last='Fifita'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723734' first='Lucas' last='Campizta']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MDFootball/status/1791989172145967319","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <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/1791989172145967319 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CAPO VALLEY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capo Valley performed well at the Troy Clash of Champions last weekend. The Cougars will play two quarterbacks: [player_tooltip player_id='595827' first='Tommy' last='Acosta'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1197373' first='Talon' last='Spencer'], but expect Spencer to be a receiver this season in the fall. Capo has some talented returning receivers in <strong>Hudson Campbell</strong>, <strong>Kaden Hunter</strong> and <strong>Cire Jefferson.</strong> <strong>Landen Woodson</strong> is a running back who can make plays in the passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capo Valley uses most of those guys on both sides of the ball. A junior defensive back I'm really high on is <strong>Jack Schwenn</strong> who is a ball hawk. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TommyAcosta_/status/1805039483139883239","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TommyAcosta_/status/1805039483139883239 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WARREN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The headliner for Warren is UCLA commit quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='282717' first='Madden' last='Iamaleava']. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283636' first='Kelton' last='Strickland']</strong> is a great returning sophomore running back and they added Santa Margarita transfer [player_tooltip player_id='212234' first='Skylar' last='Lendsey'] at running back as well. Warren has two excellent receivers in [player_tooltip player_id='780272' first='Jalen' last='Ross'] and [player_tooltip player_id='282691' first='Jace' last='Brown']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780746' first='Jaylen' last='Whitaker'] </strong>is an intriguing class of 2026 guy for Warren on both sides of the ball. <strong>Melik King</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499772' first='Matthew' last='Williams']</strong> are returners who had interceptions last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/WHSBearFootball/status/1794549654493003777","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WHSBearFootball/status/1794549654493003777 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->