OCVarsity will be previewing every Orange County high school football league and every team before the season begins.
OMICRON LEAGUE PREVIEW
The Omicron League is a six-team league that includes Buena Park, Katella, Pacifica, Portola, University and Woodbridge.
BUENA PARK
Top players: Kevin Garcia, QB, Jr.; Bryant Hansbrough, WR, Sr.; Alex Blancas, LB, Sr.; Alfredo Padilla, OL, Sr.; Eli Sanchez, DB, Sr.
What to expect: Buena Park lost close games to the top two teams in the league last season and narrowly missed the playoffs. New coach Ramon Carmona is an alumni of the school and coached these players on the lower levels the last three years. The Coyotes lost a 2,000-yard rusher to graduation but quarterback Kevin Garcia is back after averaging 185 yards per game with 16 touchdown passes. Alfredo Padilla leads the offensive line and Bryant Hansbrough figures to be the leading receiver. Alex Blancas was the team’s leading tackler last season and the defense will need to improve for Buena Park to compete for a playoff spot.
KATELLA
Top players: Jayden Hernandez, WR/DB, Sr.; Adam Haqi, RB/LB, Sr.; Jacob Cazeau, TE/LB, Sr.; Brandon Baltazar, WR/DB, Sr.; Francisco Cardenas, OL, Jr.
What to expect: Katella had a very inexperienced team in 2024 and that led to a 1-9 record. The Knights return a lot of starters, particularly at the skill positions, and a lot of their key players play two ways. Jayden Hernandez led the team in tackles and the Knights return their top four tacklers. Adam Haqi will lead the linebacking corps and is expected to be the leading ball carrier on offense. Katella’s offense averaged only 10 points per game, but coach Dustin Hurley said the offense is simplified this season and the team might play with more tempo.
PACIFICA
Top players: James Anema, QB, Sr.; David Carlsson, WR/DB, Sr.; Ma’kai Brown, RB, Sr.; Eli Sandoval, WR/DB, Sr.; Caleb Kelly, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Pacifica won its first league title last season since the pandemic-shortened 2021 spring season. James Anema is back at quarterback after leading the team to a 6-1 record as the starter. David Carlsson was the second-leading receiver last season and forced two fumbles on defense. The defense lost some key players from last season but linebacker Tyler Alvarado is back along with Eli Sandoval in the secondary. All five of Pacifica’s nonleague opponents are from teams in higher-ranked leagues so the Mariners will be battle-tested heading into league play.
PORTOLA
Top players: Maxwell Mapstone, LB/TE, Sr.; Timothy Grettenberg, RB, Sr.; Jamal Abdelkarim, WR/DB, Jr.; Reginald Thorn, DL, Sr.; Malachi Moore, WR/DB, Sr.
What to expect: Portola finished second place in the league standings last year and won its first CIF championship in school-history. The Bulldogs ran for over 2500 yards last season and Timothy Grettenberg (1,197 yards, 17 touchdowns) is back to lead the backfield. Mayan Kim and Luca Smith will also see significant carries at running back. Maxwell Mapstone led all juniors in the Southern Section in tackles with 211 last season. Portola’s secondary is experienced with Malachi Moore, Jamal Abdelkarim and Blaise Williams. Portola has a lot of key players back from its storybook 2024 season and can compete for a league championship.
UNIVERSITY
Top players: Lucca Clouthier, DL/TE, Sr.; Maxson Encheff, OL/DL, Sr.; Cruz McMullens, WR/DB, Sr.; Luke Emrich, OL/DL, Sr.; Adham Osman, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: The Trojans had a strong defense last season and a lot of the key players from that unit are returning. Cruz McMullens led the team in tackles and had two interceptions. Maxson Encheff had four sacks with two forced fumbles. University forced 15 fumbles and blocked four kicks. The offense has more holes to fill but quarterback Dylan Elmer is back after splitting time as the starter last season. Lucca Clouthier (6-3, 200) is a big tight end who may be a leading receiver for the Trojans. University’s defense can compete with anybody in the league, but the offense will need to improve for the Trojans to compete for a playoff spot.
WOODBRIDGE
Top players: David Bosley, LB/RB, Sr.; Kayjahn Pitts, RB/LB, Sr.; Elijah Morris, WR/DB, Sr.; Ben Jenkins-Amara, OL/DL, Sr.; Larry Lloyd, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Woodbridge won its last three league games last season and reached the playoffs despite a 1-6 start to the season. The Warriors have a new coach, former star running back Connor McBride who is the youngest coach in the county. “This is truly my dream job,” McBride said. “Both of my parents went to Woodbridge. I am as Woodbridge as one can be.” Elijah Morris leads the receiving corps and Kayjahn Pitts will be the starting running back. Linebacker David Bosley leads the defense after tallying 100 tackles and eight sacks last season. Weston Cupchella is a 6-foot-7 defensive tackle that may cause matchup nightmares for opposing offensive lines. There seems to be a renewed energy with the program at Woodbridge and the Warriors can compete for another playoff spot this season.
