Trinity League Preview

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JSERRA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>JSerra has a new coach in NFL legend <strong>Hardy Nickerson</strong> who coached Bishop O'Dowd to a state championship last season. He has a new quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1284700' first='Hayes' last='Cloutier'] who is a former Orange County guy who began his career at Santa Margarita and played at North Crowley in Texas last year. The Lions also have Etiwanda transfer <strong>Jonathan Urquhart</strong>, who is observing the sit out period. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611401' first='Will' last='Fredericksen'] </strong>is back at running back with an offensive line led by top prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2171342' first='Lincoln' last='Fa'alafi'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2106869' first='Jack' last='Schein']. [player_tooltip player_id='1611307' first='Clark' last='Cokley'] is committed to Georgetown and is a candidate to lead the league in receiving. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='959196' first='Luca' last='Deleon']</strong> is another receiver I'm high on who had a great showing at the Battle at the Beach tournament along with <strong>Sam Fredericksen</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is potentially a strong suit for JSerra. UCLA commit [player_tooltip player_id='2106839' first='Godschoice' last='Eboigbodin'] is a blue chip prospect on the defensive line and the Lions added [player_tooltip player_id='2102564' first='Blake' last='Dunn'] from Tesoro who could be a contributor this year. [player_tooltip player_id='1623100' first='Grayson' last='Matvay'] will be high on the league tackling leaderboard this year and [player_tooltip player_id='1619039' first='Dylan' last='Fenn'] is a playmaker on defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1607174' first='Dylan' last='Brown'] is a quality safety and [player_tooltip player_id='2340808' first='Garrison' last='Bolen'] is a corner I'm high on after winning MVP at the Prep Redzone Exposure Series. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JSerra_Football/status/2089735021745893610?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JSerra_Football/status/2089735021745893610?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MATER DEI</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mater Dei isn't being as highly respected in preseason rankings as they typically are, largely because of the experience at the offensive skill positions. The Monarchs have two transfer quarterbacks in [player_tooltip player_id='1611412' first='Cameron' last='Pooley'] (Chaminade) and [player_tooltip player_id='432272' first='Russell' last='Sekona'] (Leuzinger) and both will likely play a bit this year. Mater Dei's receiving corps had no returning starters until <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1288075' first='Gavin' last='Honore']</strong> transferred back from Bishop Gorman. I'm high on Mater Dei's running backs [player_tooltip player_id='1408794' first='Asir' last='Nembhard'], who is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2066025' first='Mark' last='Allen'] who was MVP at the Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase. The offensive line is led by Oregon commit [player_tooltip player_id='403058' first='Lex' last='Mailangi'] and returning tackles [player_tooltip player_id='1197533' first='Adam' last='Foglesong'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2066009' first='Damian' last='Armenta']. [player_tooltip player_id='1698885' first='Joe' last='Hamby'] is back after suffering a season-ending injury last September. This team may run the ball much more this year with the inexperience at receiver and good running backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is among the best in the state with eight returning starters. [player_tooltip player_id='1197614' first='Montana' last='Toilolo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1197383' first='Mata' last='Uiagalelei'] lead the defense line and the linebacking corps is the best in the league. [player_tooltip player_id='2104546' first='Sosene' last='Schuster'] is one of the best underclassman linebackers in the state. Dartmouth commit [player_tooltip player_id='1197606' first='Ezekiel' last='Su'a'] is back along with New Mexico commit [player_tooltip player_id='1197325' first='Dailon' last='Clanton Jr.'] and UCLA commit [player_tooltip player_id='1197270' first='Mike' last='Davis']. [player_tooltip player_id='490799' first='Danny' last='Lang'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1717686' first='Troy' last='Bishop'] are the best cornerback duo in the league and [player_tooltip player_id='438050' first='Ace' last='Leutele'] is an excellent safety who will play two ways this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AsirNembhard/status/2083639739446665224?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AsirNembhard/status/2083639739446665224?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ORANGE LUTHERAN</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orange Lutheran has a new coach in <strong>Ray Fenton</strong> who led Los Alamitos to a Division 2 championship last season. The Lancers will play two quarterbacks again this year with [player_tooltip player_id='1197615' first='Reagan' last='Toki'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1506318' first='Ezrah' last='Brown']. They have some good weapons to throw to in Arizona State commit [player_tooltip player_id='676963' first='Nico' last='Bland'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1197219' first='Chris' last='Flores'] and they recently added Troy transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1702697' first='Hudson' last='Ploog'], who is committed to UNLV. <strong>Raiden Velasquez</strong> is a playmaking slot receiver who shined at the Battle at the Beach tournament. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588182' first='Ryan' last='Christianson']</strong> is a shifty running back the coaching staff is very high on. Orange Lutheran has the best tackle combo in the league in Texas commit [player_tooltip player_id='1197206' first='Lucas' last='Rhoa'] and top junior [player_tooltip player_id='2124163' first='Austin' last='Attalah'] who transferred from Cajon. [player_tooltip player_id='1203086' first='Mario' last='Luna'] is a sophomore offensive lineman who is very good and [player_tooltip player_id='442706' first='Troy' last='Oliva'] is a multi-year starter in the Trinity League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lancers' secondary is loaded with talent that can play multiple positions in the secondary. [player_tooltip player_id='1621200' first='Anhor' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1146376' first='King' last='Rich Johnson'] are speedy twins with excellent timing on pass break ups. [player_tooltip player_id='1717694' first='Chauncey' last='Washington'] is a top safety to played some corner at the Battle at the Beach tournament. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197624' first='Matthew' last='Zapien']</strong> was an All-League defensive back last season. <strong>Anthony McClure</strong> is back to lead the linebackers and [player_tooltip player_id='1214354' first='Ariez' last='Leomiti'] is back on the defensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/teamfbseven/status/2076466343344497029?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/teamfbseven/status/2076466343344497029?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SANTA MARGARITA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Margarita won the Open Division State championship last season and lost a ton of talent at the skill spots on both sides of the ball. The Eagles did add Vanderbilt committed quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2231347' first='Matthew' last='Smith'] who transferred from Villa Park and we may see a little <strong>Fletch Palmer</strong> at quarterback too. [player_tooltip player_id='668822' first='Jaion' last='Smith'] is back at running back along with [player_tooltip player_id='1475821' first='Adrian' last='Petero'] and Smith may play some slot receiver too. The receiving corps will need guys to step into bigger roles this year but they did contribute last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1864124' first='Ryan' last='Clark'] was a top receiver last season and [player_tooltip player_id='958824' first='Grant' last='Mosley'] will be a guy to watch. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654657' first='Grant' last='Van Raaphorst']</strong> is a top receiver who transferred in from New Jersey. [player_tooltip player_id='2106838' first='Luke' last='Gazzaniga'] is a Kansas commit at tight end and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2252136' first='Kiyan' last='Callis']</strong> may be one of the best freshman receivers in the state. Santa Margarita's offensive line is loaded with returning starters including [player_tooltip player_id='959008' first='Adam' last='Iloilo Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='283612' first='Elyjah' last='Aiava'], <strong>Ray Jacobs</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='1857777' first='Aaron' last='Klatt'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is full of new faces with some young guys stepping into bigger roles. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='283616' first='Isaia' last='Vandermade'] leads the defensive front after a monster playoff run and [player_tooltip player_id='2106811' first='Kingston' last='Jimmerson'] was the MVP at the Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase. The linebackers are JSerra transfer <strong>Cruz Nunez</strong> and freshman sensation <strong>Aydan Steen</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='977697' first='Ca'ron' last='Williams'] is the returning star in the secondary along with [player_tooltip player_id='2125027' first='Jake' last='Martin']. Inexperience on the defense, particularly at linebacker, is the question mark of this team but defensive coordinator <strong>Steve Fifita</strong> is a bit of a mastermind who can get them up to speed quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MattSmithqb/status/2079021044917211296?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MattSmithqb/status/2079021044917211296?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SERVITE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Servite has a new coaching staff and a lot of young talent on offense. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1205702' first='Gino' last='Wang'] transferred in from JSerra after starting much of the year for the Lions. [player_tooltip player_id='1742104' first='Jorden' last='Wells'], who is a member of Servite's elite track team, is the starting running back with big play potential. [player_tooltip player_id='1698851' first='Benjamin' last='Harris'] led the team in offensive production last season and is back alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1695404' first='Kamil' last='Pelovello'], who was MVP of the Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase. <strong>Parker Covin</strong> is another junior who will get some time at running back. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='1674665' first='Drew' last='Fielder'] leads the offensive line along with [player_tooltip player_id='1021360' first='Keiden' last='Lokeni'] and <strong>Nija Ulisese</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebackers are the strength of the team with returning stars [player_tooltip player_id='1197211' first='Isaiah' last='Leilua'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2100470' first='Allen' last='Kennett V']. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1621233' first='Kaleb' last='Aiava']</strong> has been an All-Trinity League player at safety and Pelovello will be playing both ways this season. [player_tooltip player_id='1742128' first='Jace' last='Wells'] will be playing in the secondary as well. Servite has the talent to win its nonleague games but needs to unleash its speed to pull off an upset in the Trinity League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ServiteFootball/status/2088062309445050779?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ServiteFootball/status/2088062309445050779?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ST. JOHN BOSCO</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. John Bosco is the top-ranked team in the state by most media members and is the top-ranked team in the nation by some outlets. [player_tooltip player_id='959174' first='Koa' last='Malau'ulu'] is a junior quarterback back for his third year as the starting quarterback with an exciting receiving group. [player_tooltip player_id='408739' first='Darren' last='Tubbs Jr']. is the best junior receiver in the state in my opinion. [player_tooltip player_id='1241266' first='Jacob' last='Reid'] and [player_tooltip player_id='874419' first='David' last='Plunkett III'] are other receivers to watch and sophomore receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2065926' first='Kuika' last='Moaalii'] is massive and will cause a lot of matchup problems for defenses. At the Battle at the Beach tournament, whenever Bosco needed a deep completion, they threw to Moaalii. Servite transfer [player_tooltip player_id='958796' first='Elisha' last='Mueller'] is one of the best junior offensive linemen in the nation and leads the line along with [player_tooltip player_id='465349' first='Kaden' last='Franco'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1197618' first='Gabriel' last='Villalobos'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebackers and secondary are a major strength for Bosco that is loaded with experience. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='1197597' first='Josiah' last='Poyer'] is one of the most complete linebackers in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='1197526' first='Ethan' last='Coach'], <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2263620' first='Gary' last='Foster']</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='2124168' first='Ben' last='Rivas'] are other linebackers who can fly around the field along with [player_tooltip player_id='1197527' first='Justin' last='Coach']. [player_tooltip player_id='1382563' first='Dillon' last='Davis'] is an excellent cover corner along with [player_tooltip player_id='2065930' first='Prentice' last='Jones'] and Harvard commit [player_tooltip player_id='742470' first='Dorian' last='Franklin'], who can play nickel or safety as well. [player_tooltip player_id='800123' first='Isala' last='Wily-Ava'] is a four-year starter who may lead the team in tackles and is a high-IQ player. [player_tooltip player_id='2065938' first='Darnell' last='Lacy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1621220' first='Brandon' last='Nash'] are playmakers at safety and Tustin transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2065928' first='Kingston' last='Fatu'] had a strong day at the Battle at the Beach tournament. The defensive line has some question marks but transfer from Nevada [player_tooltip player_id='1608589' first='Simote' last='Tupou'] is a great pass rusher who can erase some other questionable spots. St. John Bosco is the favorite to win the Open Division championship and is a strong contender for a national title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/boscofootball/status/2079610713006616960?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/boscofootball/status/2079610713006616960?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->