2016 Triton Football Preview

LEAVING NO DOUBT

San Clemente football returns with a strong roster and sets its sights on 2016

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

The last time the San Clemente High School football team left the field of play in CIF-SS competition, it was bedlam.

The La Habra football team and its fans were swarming the field at Cerritos College to celebrate the Highlanders’ last-second Hail Mary touchdown pass that clinched the CIF-SS Southwest Division Championship as the Tritons stood and watched in disbelief. It was the second consecutive season in which San Clemente lost in the divisional title game.

But the silver lining of last year’s toughluck loss quickly revealed itself. One only had to look at the Tritons’ roster to see that the team would be in position to contend again in 2016.

“There are a lot of guys that were on (last year’s) team that got a lot of playing experience and now it’s their chance to show what they can do,” head coach Jaime Ortiz said. “I’m a big believer in ‘If what you did yesterday was big, you’ve done nothing today.’ And that’s the way these kids are kind of approaching it. It’s a new season; a new team.”

Ortiz preached the concept of “leaving no doubt” on the field to his players, and it has become their rallying cry this offseason.

The team believes if they play their brand of football, which has led to so much success in recent years, their effort will allow them to remain a force in the Southland.

San Clemente returns a strong group of experienced players at crucial positions this season, and is ready to navigate its way through a difficult schedule and a return to the South Coast League.

explosive OFFENSE returns

The San Clemente offense was downright dominant last season. The team put up 20 or more points in every game, and eclipsed the 40-point margin 11 times. In the playoffs, the Tritons put up 52, 52 and 63 points in first, second and third-round victories, respectively. They even set a school record for points in a game in a 70-28 blowout against Aliso Niguel last November.

With so many dynamic players returning, Ortiz believes this year’s offense has the chance to be even better than it was last season.

Senior quarterback Jack Sears had a huge 2015, passing for 2,697 yards and 37 touchdowns. Other than his ability to make plays with his legs, Sears’ x-factor is his accuracy and decision making. Sears completed just over 71 percent of his passes last season and threw only two interceptions.

He had a busy offseason and was selected to compete in the Elite 11 Finals as part of Nike’s The Opening in July, and committed

to Duke last week.

Surrounding Sears will be a large cast of playmakers.

Senior Brandon Reaves is a three-year starter that does it all for the Tritons. As a running back, he ran for 644 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015. He also caught 43 passes for 639 yards and 11 touchdowns as a slot receiver. He even returned kickoffs and punts.

Reaves’ role will be expanded this year, and he will play both ways as a cornerback on defense.

“Reaves is one of the more explosive players in the county. Every time he touches the ball, he can score,” Ortiz said.

Junior Austin Whitsett will be the team’s primary running back, replacing Vlad Dzhabiyev. Senior tight end Isaac Rex, a BYU commit, and returning receivers Keith Jones and Chase Berman round out the Tritons’ skill positions.

“We have a lot of weapons this year, and it makes my job a lot easier,” Sears said. “I can put it out there and trust that they’re going to go get it or that they’re going to make plays for me. So just having that trust and faith in them is going to allow us to do some big things.”

The offensive line will be anchored by returning senior center Turner Tonkovich and left tackle Zachary Cochrun. Cochrun made the move to the left side this offseason and continues the tradition of skilled big-men who have played the position in year’s past, a list that includes the Green Bay Packers’ Kyle Murphy and Utah’s Tucker Scott.

Swarming to the Ball

The Tritons return speed and experience on defense, especially in the secondary and at the linebacker positions.

Juniors Bryce and Branden Wilson return to play free safety and cornerback, respectively. Bryce led the team with four interceptions as a sophomore and racked up 85

tackles, while Branden tallied 65 tackles and three interceptions.

Senior linebacker Ryan Russell, who led the team with 116 total tackles last season, will lead a linebackers group that wants to play at a blistering pace. Russel, Rex, a returning All-CIF linebacker, and the Triton linebackers hang their hats on their and ability to read offenses and close in quickly.

“Our approach is really fast. We never want to be on our heels. We want to keep offenses on their toes and make plays,” Russell said.

The defensive line will be slightly bigger in size than last year, and will feature seniors Austin Moore (6-4, 220 pounds), Dayton Romo (6-1, 225) and sophomore Jack Bystry (6-1, 275), the lone sophomore who has cracked into the starting lineup.

Facing New Challenges

The Tritons face a tough nonleague schedule, and it begins with a season-opening matchup against reigning CIF San Diego Section Division 1 champion Oceanside at home on Aug. 26. Oceanside is one of two CIF championship teams the Tritons will face in the first four weeks of the season, the other team being La Mirada (Sept. 16). The team’s Week 4 matchup will be against Palos Verdes, last year’s CIF-SS Western Division runner-up.

San Clemente makes its return to the South Coast League this season, where they will square off against rival Tesoro (Oct. 14) and powerhouse Mission Viejo (Nov. 4), last year’s CIF-SS West Valley Division and Division II state champion.

As part of the CIF-SS’ new competitive equity playoff restructuring, the Tritons were promoted to Division II this offseason. They are one of three Orange County teams in the new postseason division, and could potentially face unfamiliar opponents in the playoffs.

QB (No. 16) Sr.

Sears, a Duke commit, can do it all on the field. He possesses a strong arm and has aboveaverage speed for his position. Plus, he is a sharp decisionmaker, as his 37:2 touchdown to interception ratio in 2015 can attest to. He will be in charge of igniting the highpowered Triton offense.

Five to Watch

RB/WR (No. 2) Sr.

Versatile is a good word to describe Reaves, a three-year starter. He is able to run the ball out of the backfield as well as catch in the open field. He caught 11 touchdown passes last year as a slot receiver and punched home 10 scores on the ground. Expect to see Reaves run, catch and also return kicks.

TE (No. 83) Sr.

Rex will continue the trend of standout tight end play at San Clemente. The 6-foot-5-inch, 235 pounder caught eight passes for 96 yards as a junior, and will be the Tritons go-to tight end in 2016. The BYU commit also doubles as a linebacker, but will be a key piece of the Tritons versatile offense.

C (No. 55) Sr.

Tonkovich returns to lead the San Clemente offensive line at center. Coach Jaime Ortiz said that Tonkovich may not be the biggest player on the offensive line, but he plays with a physicality that sets him apart. Tonkovich’s connection with Sears, as well as with the rest of the line, will be key.

T (No. 72) Sr.

Cochrun will be making a move to the all-important left tackle position this season, and will be charged with protecting Sears’ blind side. Cochrun, a returning starter who stands at 6-feet-5-inches tall and checks in at 280 pounds, has become one of the offensive lines’ vocal leaders, according to Ortiz.

LB (No. 15) Sr.

Russell racked up a teamleading 116 tackles in 2015, and returns to lead an experienced linebackers unit. Russell epitomizes the Tritons defensive approach, which is to capitalize on the team’s speed and swarm the ball.

FS (No. 26) Jr.

Wilson was one of six sophomores who saw heavy playing time in 2015 and he took advantage of it. As a sophomore safety, Wilson recorded 85 total tackles and a pulled in a team-high four interceptions. The Tritons return a handful of defensive backs this year, and Wilson will be charged with captaining the secondary.

DL (No. 58) Sr.

“Warrior” is a word that Ortiz used to describe Romo, a senior member of the defensive line. Romo (6-1, 225 pounds) also has the ability to play on the offensive line. “He has a physical presence and is one of the toughest players on our team,” Ortiz said of Romo.

DL (No. 90) Sr.

Silverman played in seven games last season, but will be a key member of the Tritons defensive line as a senior. Silverman, a two-sport athlete who also plays lacrosse, can play at multiple positions on the interior and exterior of the defensive line.

DL (No. 54) Sr.

The Tritons defensive line will be slightly bigger this season, and Moore figures to give the team a physical presence at the defensive end position. He does not have much varsity playing experience, but Ortiz pegged Moore (6-4, 213 pounds) as a potential breakout player who has set the tone on the defensive line in the offseason.

2016 VARSITY ROSTER

training camp TALK

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

The dog days of summer are coming to a close, and the San Clemente football team is preparing for its seasonopening game against Oceanside on August 26. When taking in Triton offseason practices, the daily discussions can cover a wide range of topics. The San Clemente Times spoke with some Triton players and head coach Jaime Ortiz to get their thoughts on the upcoming season.

“ I think this is the league we belong in, quite honestly, and it’s going to be fun to play some great teams down here in the South Coast League. I’m definitely looking forward to playing Tesoro and having Mission Viejo here on senior night. There will be some high-powered offenses and defenses (in league) so there will be some games to watch.”

“ I’m really looking forward to this season, and I think, as a senior class, we have really strong leadership out here. It’s not just one guy or two guys. It’s a really tight-knit group of seniors, and we believe we can make it in this league and win a lot of games ”

“ I told our kids, in order to be CIF champs or league champs, you have to play great defense. The kids have taken on that role. We have a little chip on our shoulder, which I think we’ve been missing a bit. There have been a couple skirmishes in practice, which is alright. The swarming defense has returned to San Clemente and I think it’s been a big part of our offseason program.”

SEASON SCHEDULE AND TEAM PREVIEWS

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

Oceanside

Location: San Clemente

Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: David Rodriguez

League: Avocado-West

2015-2016 Record: 9-5 (2-2 league)

2015-2016 vs. SC: DNP

Season Outlook: Oceanside enters the 2016 season as the reigning CIF San Diego Section Division 1 champions, and will run through its schedule with the proverbial target on its back. Oceanside also appeared in the CIF State Division III-AA Regional game.

The Pirates return 15 starters from last year’s campaign, including quarterback and defensive lineman Max Shuffer. Surrounding Shuffer on offense will be senior receiver Azizi Hearn and running back Tevin Meadows.

Linebackers Tanner Schaul and Mikah Linnan will anchor a veteran front seven for the Pirates.

Rancho Buena Vista

Location: Rancho Buena Vista

Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Joe Meyer

League: Valley

2014-2015 Record: 1-9 (1-3 league)

2014-2015 vs. SCHS: DNP

Season Outlook: In the middle of last year’s schedule, Rancho Buena Vista’s head coach Paul Gomes announced that the 2015 season would be his last. The Longhorns limped across the finish line, mustering up one win in the process.

The team will now be under the guidance of first-year head coach Joe Meyer, who enters his 20th year of coaching.

The Longhorns will rely on quarterback Ace Roach to ignite its run-oriented attack, which features running back Anthony Bowman. Noah Watson will lead a group of receivers, which includes Trent Broger and Tony Morales.

Huntington Beach

Location: Huntington Beach Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Brett Brown League: Sunset 2015-2016 Record: 3-7 (1-4 league)

2015-2016 vs. SC: Loss, 51-21

Season Outlook: Longtime Huntington Beach offensive coordinator and Orange County native Brett Barrett took over as the Oilers head coach this offseason. Barrett replaces former coach Eric Lo, who stepped down after nine seasons at the helm.

The Oilers were a very run-oriented team in 2015, and relied on the talent of running back Hunter Simmons. With Simmons gone, a small group of returners will be called upon to take over.

The Oilers have managed just three wins in the competitive Sunset League since capturing the 2013 CIF-SS Southwest Division title in 2013.

Tesoro

Location: Tesoro

Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Matt Poston League: South Coast 2014-2015 Record: 10-3 (4-1 league)

2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Win, 31-22

Season Outlook: Despite losing standout quarterback Devon Modster to graduation, Tesoro will likely be in the hunt to contend for a playoff berth in 2016.

With Modster gone, junior Chase Petersen will lead the Titans under center in 2016.

Receiver Shane Coleman was a force to be reckoned with last season, as he reeled in 52 catches for 953 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.

The Tesoro defensive line was a juggernaut last year, and will be anchored by senior Andrew Cohen, who had 12.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss as a junior.

Roosevelt

Location: San Clemente

Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Ricardo Zepeda League: Eastern 2015-2016 Record: 4-6 (2-4 league)

2015-2016 vs. SC: DNP

Season Outlook: Roosevelt head coach Ricardo Zepeda will take over the program following the departure of former coach Javier Cid.

Zepeda will inherit a team that lost its starting quarterback and main playmaker, Andrew Gallegos, to graduation.

The Rough Riders compete in the historic seven-member Eastern League, against the likes of Garfield and South Gate. Roosevelt finished fourth in the league in 2014, and placed fifth in 2015 following a 2-4 run through league.

La Mirada

Location: La Mirada Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Mike Moschetti League: Suburban 2015-2016 Record: 13-3 (6-0 league)

2015-2016 vs. SC: Loss, 42-26 Season Outlook: Another deep postseason run could be in the mix for La Mirada, the reigning CIF-SS Southeast Division and CIF State Division III-AA champions. The Matadores return their quarterback, Tristan Meyer, and a veteran defense, led by a highly-ranked defensive back.

The Matadores will be without running back Sei-j Luago and Nick Hernandez, who rushed for 627 yards and six touchdowns in 2015, figures to be the new starter.

Highly sought-after cornerback Elijah Hicks, who holds offers from Notre Dame, Arizona, Cal and Oregon, returns to lead the defense.

San Juan Hills

Location: San Clemente

Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Aaron Flowers League: South Coast League 2014-2015 Record: 8-3 (2-2 league)

2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Win, 34-20

Season Outlook: San Juan Hills returns plenty of playmakers on offense and a veteran defense that will lead it through South Coast League play. But one question mark still lingers.

The Stallions are searching for a quarterback to replace Patrick O’Brien, who is now at Nebraska.

Juniors Matt Rodriguez and Doug Jackson are vying for the starting job.

Standout receiver Jacob Huff and running backs Brock Cazel and Cole Suchesk return to lead the offense.

On defense, the Stallions will be anchored by nose tackle JJ Glass.

Palos Verdes

Location: San Clemente Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Guy Gardner League: Bay 2014-2015 Record: 10-4 (5-0 league)

2014-2015 vs. SCHS: DNP

Season Outlook: Palos Verdes reached the CIF-SS Western Division Championship game in 2015 behind a strong group of sophomore and junior players, who return with experience.

Junior quarterback Jake Nolls provides the Sea Kings offense with a dual threat under center. As a sophomore he threw for 880 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 232 yards and three scores. The team’s leading rusher, Adison Umrarong, returns.

Senior defensive end Shane Irwin (73 tackles and 14 sacks in 2015) and senior linebacker Tre Gonzales (101 tackles) return.

Trabuco Hills

Location: Trabuco Hills

Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: John Abdelnour League: South Coast 2014-2015 Record: 3-8 (2-2 league)

2014-2015 vs. SCHS: Loss, 48-7

Season Outlook: First-year head coach John Abdelnour will look to bring stability to the Trabuco Hills football program, which will enter the 2016 season with a new head coach for a second consecutive year. Abdelnour is not a stranger to the Mustangs’ program, having served as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2015.

Running back Chad Crosbie was the Mustangs’ workhorse last season, and he accounted for 17 of the team’s 34 total touchdowns. With Crosbie gone, it will be interesting to see which direction the Trabuco Hills offense goes in to start the season.

Mission Viejo

Location: San Clemente

Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Bob Johnson

League: South Coast 2014-2015 Record: 16-0 (4-0 league)

2014-2015 vs. SCHS: DNP

Season Outlook: Even when considering its program’s pedigree, 2015 was a special year for Mission Viejo. The Diablos went undefeated en route to capturing the CIF-SS West Valley Division and CIF State Division I-AA titles. The Diablos have enough players to make another postseason run.

The offense will be led by standout receivers Austin Osbourne and Olaijah Griffin, and the team’s defense will be anchored by returning linebacker Colin Schooler. Matt McDonald, a transfer from Mater Dei, will be the team’s quarterback.