Omicron League Preview, Top Players, Schedules – Orange County Register

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OCVarsity will preview every high school football league and team in Orange County before the season begins.

OMICRON LEAGUE PREVIEW

The Omicron League is a new league with six teams including Buena Park, Katella, Pacifica, Portola, University and Woodbridge.

BUENA PARK

Top players: Kevin Garcia, QB, So.; Lynnden Hodge, RB, Sr.; Nicholas Zamora, WR, Sr.; Alfredo Padilla, OL/DL, Jr.; Anthony Gonzalez, OL/DL, Jr.

What to expect: It's hard to think of another public school team that has been hit harder by transfer losses than Buena Park. Three players who were key contributors to the team as freshmen in 2023 have transferred to other schools. Kevin Garcia is a 6-foot-4 sophomore quarterback who will be the team's starter. Lynnden Hodge was the second-leading runner at Warren last season and transferred to Buena Park. Coach David Prieto said the team's strength is with the linemen, but the team is inexperienced at the skill positions. Buena Park made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016 and could be the team to beat in the Omicron League.

CATELLA

Top players: Isaac Sanchez, QB/DB, Sr.; Isaiah Flores, RB/LB, Sr.; Jayden Hernandez, WR/DB, Jr.; Adam Haqi, RB/LB, Jr.; Aaron Arnwine, OL/DL, Jr.

What to expect: Dustin Hurley is the new head coach at Katella, the team's third head coach in three seasons. The Knights return seven starters on offense and five on defense. Four of the five offensive linemen are back, as is quarterback Isaac Sanchez. Isaiah Flores and Adam Haqi will split duties at running back. Haqi was an All-Big 4 League linebacker last season and will lead the defense along with juniors Jayden Hernandez and Brandon Baltazar. Hurley is excited to play in a more balanced league. The Knights lost their league games last season by a combined score of 179-7.

PACIFIC

Top players: Jacob Davis, WR/DB, Sr.; Hayden Hodges, DL/OL, Sr.; Armando Torres II, WR/DB, Sr.; James Anema, QB, Jr.; David Carlsson, WR/DB, Jr.

What to expect: Pacifica had a rocky start to 2023 but finished the season strong with Empire League victories over Kennedy and Valencia. “The most important aspect of the wins wasn't the wins themselves,” coach Kyle Murphy said. “It was the team's willingness and perseverance to fight for the wins even when the season wasn't as successful as they would have liked.” Pacifica has 25 returning players with college experience, including two-way players Armando Torres II and David Carlsson. Murphy was an All-American offensive lineman at Arizona State, so expect quality offensive line play from the Mariners.

PORTOLA

OCVarsity hopes to add team information soon.

UNIVERSITY

Top players: Damari Carter, LB/RB, Sr.; Carl Oldham, WR/DB, Sr.; Michael Gasper OL/DL, Sr.; Lucca Clouthier, TE/DL, Jr.; Geoff Soriano, FB/LB, Sr.

What to expect: The university lost a lot of talent to graduation last year, including its top passer, rusher, seven top receivers and five top tacklers. One area where the Trojans have experience is the offensive line, led by Michael Gasper. Coach Vince Meza said the offensive line is the most experienced group and should be the most consistent. Damari Carter led the team in interceptions last season and Lucca Clouthier is the only returning player who had a sack. Meza said the Trojans had some talented players from the minor leagues last season and the team's success could depend on how they adapt to the varsity level.

WOODEN BRIDGE

Top players: Alijah Bray, DL/OL, Sr.; Jovohn Cruz, LB/RB, Sr.; Jeremy Harris, DL/TE, Jr.; Karim Almulhim, DL/OL, Jr.; Adrien Garnica, WR/DB, Sr.

What to expect: Woodbridge lost its final eight games of the season in 2023 but can return many of its starters. Alijah Bray is a 6-foot-4 defensive end with an offer from Eastern Washington. Jovohn Cruz had 80 tackles with a forced fumble last season and will play running back a few times this season. Caden Jones started the final four games at quarterback last season and has some veteran receivers in his sights. Woodbridge had 18 turnovers last season and dropped the ball 24 times. Coach Aaron Craver said the focus this summer was taking care of the football.

OMICRON LEAGUE SCHEDULE 2024

BUENA PARK

*League match

CATELLA

*League match

PACIFIC

*League match

PORTOLA

*League match

UNIVERSITY

*League match

WOODEN BRIDGE

*League match