Trinity League Football Podcast
Orange County Register high school sports reporter Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) talks Trinity League football with Scott Barajas, former publish of Gridiron magazine. Listen for the inside scoop!
Trinity League Football Podcast
Ultimate Trinity League preview sets stage for Bosco-Gorman showdown
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Host Dan Albano of The Orange County Register and insider Scott Barajas preview the Trinity League football teams in 2026 and the Week 0 schedule led by St. John Bosco at Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas.
Hello, everybody, and welcome back to the Trinity League Football Podcast. I'm your host, Dan Albano, with the Orange County Register, and I'm joined by my partner, Scott Barajas. We are recording our show on Monday, August 17th, 2026, and it is Trinity League Football Preview Night on the Trinity League Football Podcast. Scotty, how are you doing tonight? As we're we are upon the start of the season for 2026. We got a bunch of breakdowns uh tonight to do on all the teams and talk a little bit about the week zero coming up. How are you doing tonight?
SPEAKER_01I'm doing quite well, Dan. We are finally here. We are finally our our got to uh uh the week of football opening weekend and uh another great slate of games to uh talk about.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, we got a ton of great games to talk about, and um, you know, we'll we will touch on those, of course, um, led by St. John Bosco traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada to take on Bishop Gorman in a national showdown to highlight the week. But there's a lot of other good games this week, but our main focus tonight on the Trinity League Football Podcast is preparing you fans and breaking down each team in the Trinity League going into the season where we'll talk about their strengths, we'll talk about areas of concerns, and we'll also give you a newcomer to watch. So we're gonna go in-depth, we'll talk about return number of returning starters as well. So this is a big preview for us, and that will be the emphasis. But we will also talk a little bit about the week uh coming up with some exciting games. But uh, this is your in-depth Trinity uh league uh football podcast, and we want to thank everybody again for jumping on and going on this journey with us for the 2026 high school season. Scotty, we're we were together uh a couple weeks ago. We did our off-season shake-ups and and storylines, but tonight we dive deeper and we start to break it down and get ready for uh the high school football season here in the Trinity League. So, Scotty, let's start out with the Survite Friars. I want to start with the Friars because they play first this week. They open on Thursday, um, August 20th, again Centennial. Uh that game's gonna be at Orange Coast College. But the Friars have a new coach and Rick Garrison, and they have some familiar names, of course, in the returners, some uh marquee players as well. But why don't you start to break down, you know, what to watch for with Survite Friars?
SPEAKER_01So Survite comes back with ten returning starters, so he got six on offense, four on defense, and they did weather, you know, a tough offseason with some kids transferring out, but they you know, and then they brought in the head new head coach, you know, the old school former servite coach Rick Garrison. Um, you know, and it could have been worse if Alan Kennett doesn't come back to the Friars. Um, and he came back um and solidifies you know their defense. And um they also picked up uh gunslinging QB, Genoa Wing from Survite, that's also gonna you know bolster their offense. And um, you know, we saw you know Wang last year, you know, he would run, throw, he wouldn't be afraid to zip the ball in the tight spots, but um, you know, we saw on the flip side, you know, he was a gunslinger and uh you know he kind of turned the ball over at times, but I would rather have a guy who's a gamer than who's afraid to throw the ball. So, you know, that should still be an upgrade, you know, at their QB because last year I think they kind of you know struggled a little bit with consistency in their passing game, not taking advantage of you know the fryer speed at receiver. And you know, they're gonna have you know Benjamin Harris, Cam Privramelo, you know, and Tua Nuamata, um, who's one of the newcomers this year um uh for receiver, you know, with with Wayne, I think that's gonna be uh interesting to follow this year, you know. And then despite they lost Elijah Mueller, the Friars big man up front, but they still got an experienced uh line led by Drew Filter, who's probably one of the fasting rising prospects that we had in the offseason. Um, you know, the USC commit, and then Keaton Lil Kenny, who's gonna be, I think, move to center. And then we have Troy Ayosa, who's also gonna pave the way for Jordan Wells at running back. Um, and then defensively, you know, it looks to be a rebuilt defense. They only bring four guys back to that defense who that gave up 26 points per game last year. Um, they will be formed around their two backers, Kennet and Isaiah Lelua. Um, and then they also have safety Kestin Giles, uh, defensive tackle, Edema Kalaya. And pretty much after that, it looks like Survite's gonna have some spots that they're gonna have to fill after losing starters, defensive back Isaiah Dance, their edge rusher, Seven Lino Tallino, and defensive lineman Leland Anderson, who all transferred out. But uh Survite added a DB transfers, uh sophomore Trevon Nunnley from Western, and then the return of Evan Brown, who went to Villa Park last year and then came back to Survite. So they should be solid in that area. And then, you know, look for Survite to play possibly up to four sophomores on defense, along with Perivello, Camp Camille, who's uh looking to see he's looking like he's gonna play some defense uh secondary to get some more size at corner. So, you know, I think Survite's gonna have you know some filling out in the in the in this in spots this year, but it on on paper it looks like it could be promising if they can get it together.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, and certainly a tough start uh opener. And I do I think uh I do think as far as the f the feeling out process, um and I think that uh that that survivor, I can see survite going through that, and I think that you know vet that's where a veteran coach like uh Rick Garrettson could be very valuable to the Friars coming off a six and five season. Um you talked a lot about the defense, and um Chris Redfern is gonna remain the defensive coordinator. Um Garrettson's son Darrell is gonna be the offensive coordinator. Scotty, uh areas of concern um for uh Friar Nation.
SPEAKER_01So it's defensive depth um and probably running back depth, you know, having to fill a lot of spots. Like I said, it looks like they're gonna have a lot of young guys to see um be on the field for defense. Uh so that could be concerning, you know, just something to watch for. Um and then Servite usually goes, you know, three deep with their backs, but still Holcomb, their kind of power back, all purpose back, transferred to Tustin. So that left Friars just with Wells as their loan back with experience. So you may see Alan Kennett be utilized at the power back in situations because remember, he was a quarterback his freshman year, and he was a pretty good running quarterback. So look for that possibility. I think they have another sophomore that could possibly, you know, play. But um, you know, after that, you know, like I said, it's just it's just those probably are the concerned areas with uh being overall you know depth in those positions.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. I'm I'm with you. I'm really high on Alan Kennet. I rated him number 30 overall in my uh OC varsity hot 50 150. Uh so number 30 for Kenneth uh 31 was uh Isaiah uh Lelua. I like those guys as a tandem. I think Alan Kennet is one of the best juniors uh defensively in Orange County. I think he's got a pretty high ceiling. So I'm excited to see him play this year um and see what he develops into. Scotty, how about a um newcomer to watch with the Friars?
SPEAKER_01You know, there isn't particular one guy. Um I know I would probably I didn't pick one, but I just said there's a bunch of sophomores on defense that, you know, um, you know, Caleb Fada is a is a name that's out there that could be mentioned. You know, he's an edge guy, he's got good size um that could possibly, you know, you could see. Um I know Wells' brother is a corner on defense. I think his name, he um uh Jace Wells, you know, he could, you know, he didn't play a lot last year, um, but he's he's you know has potential as well. So but like I said, just watch a bunch of the you know for their sophomores that that fill in and and um see if those guys you know um make a difference for them this year.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, sophomores, um I think along the defensive line, um, like you kind of touched on there, Caleb Fata, Hansen uh uh McAfee um could be another guy. Um and I don't know if you mentioned junior um Vincent uh uh Cernius.
SPEAKER_01Cerseius, Sernius, yes. No, I didn't yeah, he there's uh maybe uh his brother his yeah, his brother was um was their sack leader a couple years ago.
SPEAKER_00Yes. Um turned out to be a good baseball player. As well, a good good uh multi-sport athlete. All right, Scotty, good job on servite. Well, let's keep it with uh the Orange Coast College theme as far as sites of opening week here in week zero. Orange Lutheran's gonna be on Orange Coast College uh on Friday, playing host to Central of Miami. So uh Orange Lutheran also has a new head coach in Ray Fenton and a lot of his uh um established coaches that have been with him at Los Alamitos and in various stops where he was coaching the you know, he's come up through the ranks in Orange County at Cyprus and of course Fountain Valley, um, but really broke through uh in a big way um on a larger scale with Los Alamitos last year, leading the Griffins to the CIF uh Division II title. Uh Scotty, what's your uh thoughts on what to watch on Orange Lutheran?
SPEAKER_01So they got 11 returning starters, six on offense, five on defense. And you know, Lancers are probably coming into this season as the most intrigued team with its new coaching staff and a new look offense that we all got to kind of see a glimpse of at the battle at the beach, for those of you who who who got to watch them. Um that kind of surprises everyone's you know, seeing an up tempo, fast paced, you know, formation set. And I think that's gonna carry over into the, you know, you know, into the into the season. Because last year they struggled a bit with their passing game from the mid-season on, uh, despite having their skilled receivers in you know QBs. Um, but now TJ Fenton takes over at O as offensive coordinator, and you know, he's gonna have Nico Bland and Clis Chris Flores returning with Regantoki and Ezra. And um, I think both of those QBs are at least gonna play, at least start of the season, and then you know, maybe if if one you know separates or they they play you know together the rest of the way, but that's something seems to be a theme with a lot of Orange County or a lot of you know um teams this year playing two two QBs. But um you know the offensive line got a big boost when uh top junior offensive tackle Austin Atala transferred in from Cajon, and it gives Olu the top booking tackles with uh Lucas Roa. And then you know they also get back Troy Oliva, who if you remember, started the first two games last season, and then he had to sit the rest of the year. He was deemed ineligible with that transfer. Um, so he comes back. So that's gonna you know solidify you know their those three spots on the O-line. And then defensively, the biggest news was the addition of probably defense according to Eric Johnson, because everybody knows EJ, what's the you know the style that he brings, but it will be interesting to see how that works with Orange Lutheran because I'll get to that in a in a moment. Um, but uh the Lancers they lost a few important guys on defense with defensive back uh King Baraka Kizzy going over to Michigal and then defensive you know lineman Marcus Fakatua going to um Sierra Canyon, and then other defensive linemen, uh Judas Silva went over to Modern A, and then two-way linemen uh Teani uh Venuha went to Sierra Canyon. So those were kind of big hits, you know, with their depth. And then um, you know, in the secondary, Chauncey Washington is is probably the key guy there. He played safety last season and he moves the corner and he looked more than solid at the Edison Battle of the Beach tourney. So um I see no drop off there, and then linebacker slash strong safety, Anthony Bubba McClure, who Olu calls their defensive Swiss Army knife. He can play wherever on the field, he's he's a big asset to their defense. Um, and then you know the the two um Johnson twins, Anhorn and King Johnson, that are that are gonna you know patrol the secondary. So you know that's pretty much you know you know the old new defense right there.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I really I also like Matthew Zapien um at um in the secondary as well. I think he's got some really good film. Got a lot of Ivy League interest. Uh I like the I like the Orange Lutheran secondary overall. Um and of course I think that combination of Nico Bland and um Chris Flores is outstanding.
SPEAKER_01Yes, I forgot about him. Yeah, he's a returner.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. Um, so you know, I think uh, you know, I had Bland and Flores combined for 101 receptions for almost 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. They're they're quite a duo. And uh they could be uh it's like you said, Scotty, with that up tempo, passing attack, and offense. Those guys could be really busy and putting up some bigger numbers uh this year. How about areas of you know uh concern? You you've kind of spotlighted a few of them, but what's your major concern uh for uh for Orange Lutheran? Um, which they did lose uh transfer linebacker that I thought was gonna uh help them. Uh he went back to Damien. That's uh that was a transfer um linebacker Iona. Um Iona Yeah, but what what's your thoughts on concerns on Orange Lutheran?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it's pretty much overall depth, but specifically depth at defense align. Um at one time Olu was blessed with a deep deep you know defense alignment, but the graduation and transfers kind of depleted that. Um, and this is where I where I mention you know the concern I also have when speaking about EJ's defense, because it's vital that the D-line play is stellar with the attack style, blitzing style that he plays. So, you know, right now Olu has three starters slated, but after that, there's no one on the radar with experience. Um, so that's that's something to watch for. And then also uh a position on offense is running back. So I know Ryan Christensen is their only running back with varsity experience. Uh I think Christensen was a spot duty guy last year, and he was serviceable, but you know, he didn't wow. But I, you know, I know Fenton's expecting him to have a good year. Um, but then you know all these you know concerns are are valid, especially when you look at Olu's schedule that was named the tough number one toughest schedule in the nation, um, which is no secret, you know, because it is a gauntlet, because they're gonna face five top 20 teams in um national teams, you know, number one Bosco, number seven Santa Margarita, number nine modern day, 15 Basha Arizona, and then 17 Sierra Canyon plus Miami Central's at 35, and then they're also playing Cathedral Catholic, who's you know, San Diego's top team, but they're way down on a on a on a national uh ranking.
SPEAKER_00So you have another year of uh playing of tough schedule. That's what Orange Lutheran has been about. Um can still hear you know Coach uh former coach um Coach Sherman would always talk uh about the schedule and you know that you know that you know um how that's gonna make them tougher. And hey, it proved uh you know, certainly it's it finally did pay off last year in the playoffs when they knocked off St. John Bosco in the first round. Um so it uh they got that breakthrough that they were looking for. Speaking of breakthrough, Scotty, how about a uh a uh under the radar type uh breakout player to watch with Orange Lutheran? Um who do you got?
SPEAKER_01Uh, you know, Austin Atala, you know, which is interesting because he's a national guy, but nobody really knew about him because he's deep in Cajon, you know, San Bernardino Cajon, unless you were, you know, uh uh you know, was somebody who in you know watched the recruiting scene. Um but he's gonna be a huge um you know pickup, you know, offer. He's gonna offer that protection um from the speed pass rushers off the edge. Um he's very athletic. Um, you know, he goes, he's six, six, seven, six, six, but he's listed at like 275, but he's that he's as an athletic frame, you know, so he's very mobile. And I think that's why he's rated at that high because that's what they like in those, you know, in those offensive tackles, you know, that have that range. Um, and then you know, you know, offense, you know, Ryan Christensen, he, like I said, for the most part, is unwho's unknown to most, you know, being a freshman last year in spot duty. Um, but we'll see if he brings the spark to help the run game because that's going to be very key. Because if Olu can't run the ball, you know, it's going to be tough with that, you know, you know, that that passive game. But um, you know, we'll see.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, we'll have to watch for the evolution of Orange Lutheran's offense because one of the things that Los Alamitos did last year with some of their ground attack, they, you know, they end up using Lenny Abarra as a receiver and they kind of motioned him, uh, shifted him out to running back. I mean, are the is maybe Orange Lutheran's going to do something like that with Bland or Flores as well, um, and maybe uh lean on a little bit of their depth. You know, um one guy, he's a sit-out uh player to watch uh to maybe emerge is the transfer of uh tight end Hudson Plug from Troy. This kid is 6'5, 235, uh senior uh tight end. Yeah, he's committed to UNLV. That could be a uh a player to watch um you know emerge in the training league season for Orange Orange Lutheran. Uh a couple linemen maybe to watch. You mentioned Troy Oliva, because he is a senior at center and he didn't miss a lot of his uh his season last year. He could be headed for um breakout year. Um I think uh Orange Lutheran's also high on a couple deal uh defensive ends, Raymond uh Lange and uh Lometti. Um Ezra uh Ezra um Lometti, uh a couple other uh names to watch on the defensive line. Um Scotty, let's look at Moder Day, uh, who is gonna be opening on Friday against American Fork. That game's gonna be at Santa Ana Stadium. So um Monarchs, you know, no new coach. They of course Raulora is back. Um there's some breaking news today on Modern Day that uh looks like the uh a major piece uh to their offense is returning. And and and Gavin Honre, who was a a standing out standout wide receiver who transferred to Bishop Gorman in Nevada uh in January, but he is uh reappeared. Looks like he isn't going through the process of enrolling. He said he is enrolling, so we are recording our show on Monday, so it sounds like it's an ongoing um process that you know does need to get a few more steps. But what are the things to watch out for, look out for uh for modern day this year?
SPEAKER_01So they're returning starters, they have 11, three on offense, eight on defense, and um it's a much different looking monarch squad, at least on the offense, um, offensive side, um, which they did not have a returning skill player until today, as you mentioned with Gavin Henry, um, returning to modern day. And um that gives them at least one experience receiver. Yeah, and then with Gavin, they also have the home run uh threat at running back, a sear nemhard, and it gives the monarchs two big threats because Gavin, when he does get the ball in space, he's he's very shifty and quick. Um and then, you know, as we saw last year with the sear, you know, he gave us a glimpse of what he's capable. He averaged almost eight yards per carry, and he he possesses great balance, vision, and cutback ability while maintaining this, you know, his his burst and speed at a top level. And I haven't seen a back like that in a long time. So, you know, and he's going to have a solid line to run behind, you know, anchored by Big Lex. And then, you know, the two returners with Adam Fogelstong and sophomore Damien Armenta at the other tackle. But it's probably going to be the defense that's going to lead the way for the most part, at least in the beginning, with the eight returning starters, with arguably the top linebacking core in the Trinity with DJ Clinton, Mike Davis, Ezekiel Sua, and then perhaps the best of the group sophomore, eventually best of the group, Soshi Schuster, who came into the second half of that centennial opener, and he never left the starting lineup. So and then in the secondary, you know, the monarchs probably have the best set of corners in the Trinity with Danny Lang and Troy Bishop. And then you got Ace Lutelli playing both ways this year. And then, you know, the modern day, the monarchs have the best, you know, has pretty good depth in the secondary. And that's going to allow them to play a lot of guys at multiple spots scheme. So you're going to see a lot of different looks with them. And then up front, they're spearheaded by Montana, Tulua, and Mata Unalalehi. And they probably have a four to five man rotation on defense. So I I'm pretty you know sure you know the defense is gonna is gonna rock early on. I'll get more about you know the offense in a little bit. Um but um you know one other weapon they also do have this year is Jerry Schiffman, um, you know, kicker. Um he's been able to he had a little hiccup last year. He he he um you know he he was eight of I think eight of eleven last year. I think he had like a long of 44, but he wasn't at full strength doing that. Um he was able to still do field goals, but he didn't have a lot of power in his leg, and he had an injury, and uh he's looked solid in the offseason. Um, so that's another big weapon that they are gonna have on on as a strength.
SPEAKER_00Yes, had him as the number two ranked kicker um in Orange County, uh Jerry. Uh he's a junior, number one rated junior, I would say. And I definitely considered him as number one. You know, and I and I think about Scotty with what to watch for this year on the monarchs. I I'm interested to see really, you know, with guys like Ace and DJ Clanton going both ways, um, Ace Latuey. Um and I talked to Coach Laura about that, and he was like, you know, that's kind of a little bit of an old school uh poly thing that he did when he, you know, with his best teams at poly's poly, if he needed to, he would play his best guys both ways. So that's a little bit of a um uh a trait to watch with uh Coach Laura and Modern Day this year, you know, with those you know standout defensive guys going uh both ways at ro playing wide receiver. Scotty, how about a concern on the monarchs?
SPEAKER_01So so can they generate enough points on offense? Um, you know, modern day defense is good enough to hold up you know most teams, you know, to probably no more than two two touchdowns, but you know, can they get offense get enough production and keep the defense off the field? And you know, I know probably everybody's like, I wonder, what are you talking about? Well, you know, I'll just give a little bit, but there's there's an under the radar, you know, quarterback controversy. You know, it was no secret that Russell Sacona and Pooley kind of struggled in the offseason. Um, those of you who followed like the passing tournaments, Modern Day didn't do very, you know, that great. And they didn't play in big tournaments either, except for the Mission VO tournament, which they did win the silver division and they did rally back. Um, so you know that was good on their point. Um, but there's could possibly be a little you know under the radar, you know, mini controversy, and it's not between Russell Sacona and Cameron Poole, who Laura has mentioned that both are going to play as a dual role. But since fall campus started, freshman quarterback Peyton Guest has opened eyes and wowed during scrimmages enough to be amongst the top to be the monarch starter. You know, in the scrimmage against Cathedral Catholic, he accounted for 21 of the 31 points in limited action, you know, making the most of his opportunities. You know, he tossed a TD that looked effortless. He had a 50-yard plus you know, run pulled, you know, read option, pulled it, would have gone for a score, but you know, they blew the whistle. Um, and then in practice, he's commanded the scout team moving the ball against the first team defense. So, you know, if if if anyone's just like, well, who's this guess? So if you if anybody remembers um um Xavier Guess's brother, Xavier Guess at El Medina, who's a dual threat quarterback. He is senior, he threw for 3,000 yards and rushed for 1500. Guess has that his he has the same qualities as his brother, but uh he's a little bit more dynamic. And and I would say Guess, a lot of people have kind of mentioned that he has Bryce Young like qualities. And by that, I know it's saying a lot, he's he's athletic, cerebral, a high IQ kid, he's got a quick release, and he's accurate. Um, and he just looks at ease out there, you know, it looks smooth, um, where the other two QBs don't look comfortable running the offense. Um you know, and that's what I'll say about that. And they've struggled, and um, you know, you know, unless Guest gets the look, you know, whether it's sooner or later, the defense is I'm gonna say he's gonna have to carry them, you know. At least, I don't know, we'll see what you know what these two, you know, we'll get more about that the teams that they're gonna play. Um, but they're gonna play, you know, after these first three games, it's gonna be a gauntlet schedule, you know, and it's it's you know, it's gonna be tough because like Modern Day has the number two toughest schedule. Um, you know, they're the only team to play four teams in the top ten nationally, which is you know, if you look at Bosco, Centennial, Gorman, and Santa Margarita. So um, you know, we'll just have to wait and see. Um but uh you know, you know, I know Sacona and Poole have you know have had you know times where they have shined, but it it just it just hasn't gone as smooth as as you would think for it for a uh modern-day team of its caliber. Um Pooley did toss a TD past to Dalen uh Clanton, as you'd mentioned, who is yes, gonna go both ways, but you know, you just if you give them the ball in an area, they will make plays because they are athletes, and that's what he did. So but um, you know, you know, the season young, so we'll see how it all breaks out.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, gotta be interesting at the quarterback position because as as we talk about it, you know, you mentioned Peyton Guess doing so well, his bloodlines, you know, obviously he played high level, um, you know, Buckeye's kid, right? Um he's got high-level um you know athletic ability as well, but he's a freshman and the two other guys, you know, are transfers. So none of those guys were there last year. Um you know, how none of them, you know, Peyton Guess wasn't there as a freshman, he wasn't there in the spring, obviously. Um, you know, he just coming in in the summer. So I think it's gonna be in work in progress for sure at the quarterback, and there's some depth uh there as well. So we'll see what happens. Uh, but good points. And Scotty, uh last one on Modern Day, you got a breakout player.
SPEAKER_01So yeah, I just mentioned and got done talking about him, you know, the quarterback, Peyton Guest, who is also among, you know, the receiver rotation because of receiver depth issues. So he's out there playing, you know, um, just have to keep an eye on him should he uh offense look to him for a spark down the line. And then uh sophomore DB Isaiah Dance, who became a starter three games into the season at Survite. You know, he came over from Survite this spring and he gives him three, gives him Arday three highly skilled corners uh that will allow to, like I just told you earlier, allow them to move and scheme all over the field. And then maybe one last guy, because he's I think he could be an important part of their offense down the line, is running back Mark Allen. Um, with the offense looking to run more, you know, they're gonna need another running back, and Allen will provide what is the thunder. He's about six foot, two ten. He's a north-south runner. Um, and he actually ran pretty strong in the scrimmage last week versus uh um Cathedral Catholic.
SPEAKER_00So yeah, both those modern-day running backs, uh and they have a lot of offers and a lot of potential in those guys. So both those guys are guys to watch. Um and uh yeah, good job on some secondary guys to watch as well. Um all right, Scotty, let's go to the reigning defending CIF Division I champions, also the state champions in the open division. That'll be Santa Margarita. They open on Friday playing host to Jones of Florida. That game's gonna be at Saddleback College, where the Eagles are playing their games this year. Um, year two for Carson Palmer. Um talked to me over the summer a little bit about how they're no longer the uh the underdog. They feel like they got a target on their back, they're looking to rise to those challenges. What should we expect from the Eagles, Scotty?
SPEAKER_01Well, they returned 10 starters, eight on offense and only two on defense. Um, yeah, you know, the 25 Eagles were carried by their defense. It was no secret. They they led them to the D1 championship, but I think it's going to be the offense that could lead the way for them for 2026, you know, with eight guys coming back, despite having a heart finding a tough replacement for Trent Mosley, who is responsible for like 70 per 70% of their offense over his career. Um, you know, look for Villa Park, transfer, you know, QB Matt Smith to help fill some of that void. Smith is a very mobile QB with a strong arm. And given that most of the offensive line returns, and along with its skill positions, and Jayon Smith and Adrian Peter, Petero at running back, tight end Luke Gonzanaga, and then receivers Grant Mosley and Ryan Clark, they're gonna have no shortage of players to get the ball to. So, you know, last year Gonzanaga was a big part of the offense early on, big force. Then he went down an injury, along with Trent going down, and then the offense just wasn't the same. They struggled a bit, you know, but that defense held them in there. Um so you know, this this time, you know, Gonzanaga returned for the last couple of games, but he didn't look at full strength. But now look, you know, he looks like he's full form and he looks solid during the summer. Um, and I think the I also believe the Eagles run game is gonna flourish with Adrian Patero looking to take a bigger role, um, look for him to I think get more carries, and possibly you may see freshman Jaden Jack, um, who's gonna add depth and skill. We have talked about a lot of their their freshmen um when we pulled touch base a little bit more, yeah. You know, especially with Jalen Smith playing both ways as he slated the start at outside linebacker. So um, and then defensively, yeah, they lost the Corvitz defense, you know, only corner Karan Williams and defensive tackle, Isaiah Vandermee come back to a defense that held teams to under 10 points a game. Uh, they're gonna need to fill some big spots. Um, and they look like they've done so with some young talent, sophomore defensive lineman, Kingston, Jimerson, freshman, defensive edge, KJ Herndon, freshman linebacker Aiden Steen, and then freshman strong safety Jaden Jack. And then Jake Martin, who played receiver last year, is coming over to the defensive side at free safety. And then you added, they added Jay Sarah linebacker, um, Cruz Nunez to fill out you know um that middle pack. So, you know, the Eagles had some impact transfers. We mentioned touch base, Alan Kinette, and then Pole Moala, who ended up going back to their original schools, you know, Kenneth going to survite. Then Pole recently uh went over to Sarah, you know, by way of losing her. So I still look for the you know Santa Marcos defense to be formidable, you know, with only three seniors, but it may not be that same dominating force that we saw last year. I mean, that was just a special group, but um, you know, they'll still be right there in the mix.
SPEAKER_00All right. Good breakdown on the Eagles. Um concerns, you know, probably, you know, you have to think about you know the revamp defense with only two starters back. That's just such a uh big loss, even those you know, two stars are outstanding. And you know, like you mentioned Vandermaid, who's coming off a great playoff run, um, eight sacks in in three uh Southern section playoff games. And then, you know, of course, uh Karan is one of the best uh junior corners around. But uh I know they're gonna have to, you know, I think they have to, you know, what I saw during the summer, they were trying to work on who's gonna be that other opposite corner. Um, because you know people are gonna be trying to stay away from Karan. Maybe that's one of your concerns on the Eagles, Scotty.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I have offensive line because after there are five guys, there's nobody in the mix. I mean, they're gonna have to find some, you know, I didn't have any um key guys, you know, in their lower levels. So it's gonna be interesting where they where they find that um from. And then you know, linebacker depth. And then and then as far as secondary, they do have uh some guys that that from their sophomore team, um, they're just inexperienced. So they do have some guys to work out through the secondary. They're long and lean in the backup corners, but they're just experienced and you know, not you know, to the level of of a Karan um you know, talent so you know, was at the C. You know, like like I said, after those five guys, um, it's probably why you're seeing Jay on Smith playing linebacker, um, and then a few guys vying for the other middle backer spot next to Cruz. Um, that's why, you know, you know, when they came out with Santa Margarita ranked number seven, I thought it was, you know, that's based off of being Trinity League, Carson Palmer, you know, CF Champs, you know, you know, we're gonna give you the benefit of the doubt respect. But really, I think Santa Margarita probably could have been um, you know, them and modern day probably could have been rated outside the top 10 and then had to work their way in. But I think they're getting that Trinity League um respect. Um but um you know, having a having you know only two defensive starters when that when they were, you know, that was the key to their team, you know, and that and not having Trent Mosley. But you know, they're still a good, you know, they're still gonna be a good group and they're still gonna be right there, but they're just gonna have to maybe earn it a little bit uh down the stretch.
SPEAKER_00Yeah. All right, Scotty, and then how about a uh breakout player to watch for Santa Margarita this year? I know they got maybe you're gonna pick somebody out of their their heralded defense. Yeah, I'm sorry, their heralded freshman class, excuse me.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it it could be all four of them. Um if you know, Aiden Steen, freshman Aiden Steen, KJ Herndon, Jaden Jack. And then the one we didn't didn't touch on is the wide receiver Kion Callis, who could be, you know, fill the void for Mosley at receiver. Um, I know that's that's just you know, that's that's saying a lot, but um, you know, Callis played on the seven on seven national OT7 team um and was the team's third best receiver on that squad, only to Centennial's Quentin Hale and Chaparral's Eli Woodward. So and he he did not look like a freshman. And we saw a little bit of him um in the in the battle of the the uh beach at Edison. When they did have to go deep, they went to him. Uh so you know that's something, you know, like I said, so I would say you know, him, all the other guys are gonna be there right there on defense. Steen is is a physical beast. Um, you know, Herndon, you know, he's got tools, but you know, being in the trenches, we'll set to see if he's strong enough, you know. But um, you know, he has an upside, and then uh Jaden Jack's gonna be the Swiss Army knife because he can play, he's you know, he can play on running back, but I think he's gonna be you're gonna see him start starting uh uh on defense first.
SPEAKER_00So okay, awesome. Well, good breakdown on Santa Margarita, Scotty. Um, all right, let's look at uh Jay Sarah. They're opening on Friday, and they're gonna be at home playing against Sierra Cane, and that's gonna be a very tough over uh opener, but this is going to be the uh the debut uh for new Jay Sarah coach. Coach Nickerson, uh former NFL All-Pro, um one of the top uh you know defensive players of his era for sure. Uh Coach Um Hardy Nickerson takes over a team that was three and seven last year, oh five um in Trinity, but he's assembled a really good staff. They've worked hard and put together a uh a very good freshman class as well. Um and uh got some good news, I think, uh for the Lions on the uh on the approved transfer of transfer quarterback Hayes uh Clotier, um, who is from Texas, got uh ties to the Trinity League once upon a time a couple years ago was at Santa Margarita. So having Hayes available on their quarterback mix, uh they are looking for a new starter at Jay Sarah because obviously obviously we mentioned Gino Wang now at uh servite. What should we watch on the Lions, uh Scotty?
SPEAKER_01So Jay Sarah, they returned the most starters out of all Trinity League teams with 12. So but only four on offense, eight on defense. So um, you know, and you touch faces, you know, we talked about it last week. Um, you know, ex-NFL backer, you know, Hardy Nickerson taking over, building the high profile staff, you know, at least nine of the coaches have played NFL or college level. Um, but for a school that has endured mass departures in those three seasons, this was the least number of kids leaving this year, which tells you that they're buying into what Nickerson is bringing. Um, you know, but the key off-season pickup was the quarterback Hayes Clouthier from North Crowley, Texas. He led uh Crowley um most of the way. He positioned them, you know, to get and win the 6A highest division um title, but Hayes had a late season injury, so he only played, you know, you know, like you know, three-fourths of the season. And he did throw for over 2,000 yards and then 21 TDs. Um, and then as you had said, yes, he if the name sounds familiar, yeah, it's you know, he played his sophomore year at Santa Margarita backing up John Gazanaga and you know, played a little bit uh through the year, and then went spent the spring and the summer at Englewood before going over to North Crowley. So he is a dual threat guy, and we'll see what he brings this year. Um, and he's gonna have one of the more productive Trinity League receivers and uh Cloak Clark Coakley, who returns um as the league's most experienced receiver with you know 76 receptions over a thousand uh thousand yards and 11 TDs in his career. Um and um, you know, that's you know, because the offense is only going to return four, but they're still gonna have a solid offensive line with Jack Sheen, Dominic Touela, and two additions, two new additions. Um Lincoln Vaivalli from Bishop Montgomery and uh John Sornesen from uh Redondo Beach. Um and he started his career at St. John Bosco before going over to Redondo Beach. And then Fiale transferred midseason to Jay Sarah, but he never played, and he was a key guy on the basketball team. So um, but uh and then this offseason, that's when he took off. He displayed his agility, footwork for a big 6'8, 370 found pound guy, picking up the big power four offers. Um so Jay Sarah's always had a pretty solid line, whether you know, you know, whether it's been two guys, three guys, you know, um, they've always seemed to have those guys, and you know, they also have Pat Harlow coming back to to coach that group up. So, and then defensively, the Lions, you know, are one of the you know, one of two teams with you know the high of eight starters returning to his defense, you know. And they, however, but accept that they gave up a league high 30 points a game. So uh they're gonna have to get uh you know, the new D D C is gonna have to tighten up some rings there. But uh defensive end, God's choice, Ed Bogwin is probably the most intriguing and promising defender because he's still got to learn the game, but he has raw speed and power, uh, hoping to generate more pressure, you know, than what the Lions did last year. Um they also picked up the Sorrow defensive end junior uh Blake Dunn, who has flashed at times. Um he kind of brings a non-stop motor um, you know, you know, to the to the defense. And then on the backside, the Lions were very young as a unit, was mostly sophomores and juniors, um, but they're led by two-way Dylan Brown, who I think's gonna play some like linebacker, some hybrid position, and then corner uh Garrison Bowlin.
SPEAKER_00Yes. Yeah, uh Coakley, the receiver, has committed to recently committed to Georgetown. Um I don't know if you were did you mention did you mean uh Dylan Fenn, the linebacker, uh Scotty? Um He was second team all Trinity li l last year as a um and he's gonna be a senior this year.
SPEAKER_01But they also have a Brown. Maybe I got the I Okay, yeah, you're right. Um he Brown uh you know, remember went over to Santa Margarita for a short bit and then came back and he's like he was like the receiver. I don't think he's doing receiver this year. I'm not sure, but I know um they had him playing at like you know some hybrid like linebacker up closer.
SPEAKER_00So I don't you know, so they have two uh two Dylans uh to watch. So um as far as uh concerns, Scotty. I mean you mentioned the defense. Um you actually had him, you know, allowing a little bit more than you know 40 points for the entire season uh allowed last year that I had, but I know they gave up some points in league two. But um I think uh that might be the biggest concern. Uh and obviously, you know, making some progress with uh their you know at the quarterback position and and running back. What do you what do you see as the biggest uh concern for Lion Nation?
SPEAKER_01I I I go with defensive depth just for that same reason because they did give up all those points. Um and you know, you're probably gonna see a lot of sophomores and a few, probably maybe even freshmen, see the field sprinkled throughout. Um and J Sarah did bring in a solid freshman class. Um they got a good, you know, a good court, you know, nothing that's that's that level of Santa Margaritas guys or modern ace guys, but it's it's probably you know, you know, one of their better uh groups in a while.
SPEAKER_00So yeah, and I took that as a a very good positive sign for Coach Nickerson. Um when you see a new coach come in and have a good freshman class, that's uh that's always a positive that uh you know good exit, you know, good embracing the new coach and uh good vibes uh going forward and something to build off of. All right, Scotty, and we're gonna our last uh team to preview, last but certainly not least.
SPEAKER_01My newcomer. You forgot the newcomer.
SPEAKER_00Oh, excuse me. Yes, thank you, Scotty. I was going right over to getting excited about Bosco. Give me a new uh give us a newcomer to watch.
SPEAKER_01So besides besides our two offensive linemen that we that I mentioned earlier, you know, watch for sophomore running back RJ Corley, who who's sprinkled a little bit uh as a freshman last year, and um receiver Dylan Ashbury is a big 6'1, like almost 205 receiver, and then um freshman wide receiver Rhett Gabriel, who is the grandson of former NFL Roman Gabriel from the from the Rams in you know like 70s or 80s, but but Rhett Gabriel is a is is is he'll be pretty good. So, you know, I I I expect to see him get sprinkled in in their offense um if as as the season goes along.
SPEAKER_00So yeah, he might be their most uh yeah, he might be their best freshman you mentioned. Um and of course you mentioned Lincoln. He didn't play last year, and he's massive, has so many offers at uh offensive line. You can definitely say he's a uh you know potential uh breakout player. Um another guy I would throw out as well, I I know you like him too. We've talked about him before on the on the Tree League football uh podcast, Sam Fredericson, maybe a wide receiver.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, him and his brother Ben. Yeah.
SPEAKER_00Both those guys.
SPEAKER_01They have yeah, they just haven't been able to like, you know, they they flashed at times and then, you know, I you know um Ben got hurt, I think it was last year in the Olu game, and he never came back. Um but um yeah, he he he looks to be, you know, uh back, but they should be pretty good at running back.
SPEAKER_00So they got a few guys like that. It'll be interesting. Um you know, it's you know, maybe even Lucan uh Lucas uh Luca, Dale Onea wide receiver, god choice, uh you say they commit at uh defensive end. All right, Scott, now let's get to uh St. John Bosco. Um the uh number one ranked Braves in multiple preseason rankings. Of course, they have a huge showdown, national showdown at Bishop Gorman of Nevada this week in Las Vegas on Friday. That's gonna be a huge game with you know ramifications uh going forward. Bishop Gorman, of course, is gonna be out here later uh in Orange County to take on modern day. So the national showdowns, you know, for both teams continue after uh the Friday, but this is gonna be a big one setting the tone uh for the winner to be uh in the driver's seat, but they certainly can't relax. There's gonna be a lot of their big games, especially for St. John Bosco playing in the Trinity League. But what do you think we should watch for on the Braves this year, Scotty? Where of course we know that they're loaded at wide receivers with guys like and young too, with junior DJ Tubbs and sophomore uh Kuka, you know, major weapons with the return of a junior quarterback in uh Koa. Um, but very talented wide receivers. But what's your uh your top thing to watch on the Braves this year?
SPEAKER_01They start off with coming back, 11 guys coming back, but four on offense and seven on defense. So, you know, Bosco looks poised and hungry coming into the season, wanting to avenge you know, last year's shortcomings, you know, earlier than the usual exit from a D1 championship run. You know, the Braves have the makings of a number one team across the board, and that's highlighted with the talent and speed on both sides of the ball. Um, you know, they're headlighted by Koa. He looks stronger, bigger this year, and he won't be short on talent, except the receiving core is going to be young and inexperienced early on. Um, you know, only DJ Tubbs returns with that experience. And then as we mentioned before, you know, Bosco's gonna go seven deep. Um, and they showed that at the battle at the beach. You know, they they they should miss a beat, um, even though they are replacing playmakers Madden Williams and Daniel Odom's huge production. Um, but look for like sophomore, you know, 6'5, you know, Kuka Mowali, you know, David Plunkett, Jacob Reed, uh, Travon Bates, and Joshua Lard. Um, because those are the guys you're gonna hear about. You know, Malili could be the best of that group, and and his skill set's similar to former servite receiver Tatora McMillan. You know, he's long, he's lean, he's strong, he high points the ball well. Um, so we'll just have to see, you know, and he's and he's young. So um, and then defensively, you know, it's an experienced group led by you know the linebacker Josiah Poyer, you know, but up front Bosco is gonna be where its strength is. Samuel, Famina, Richard, Orozco, uh, Keco, Peko. You know, Farmina is just a sophomore, and he's been mentioned probably, he's probably like the next Tom Tama of the Trinity League. They have very similar playing styles, they're very aggressive. Um, they also picked up Fulsom, highly rated defensive end, junior prospect, Elijah Tua. He's about 6'6, you know, two 215, 220. Um, adds to the Brace front that should go about seven deep as well. And that's huge when you have that many defensive linemen you can rotate. Um, you know, secondary all returns with uh depth and experience, despite losing two key corners, Jalen Hill to out of state, Miami Carol City, and Jacob Whitehead, who went over to Korean, recently committed to Arizona. Yes. Um, you know, looks like Dorian Franklin, who's the nickelback, it's gonna slide in to replace Hill, along with uh Bishop Gorman transfer, uh Justin Collin, who's who's looks pretty solid at one of the corner spots, Isaiah, Isa Wiley, Dylan Davis, and Brandon Nash, you know, round out the safety spots. Um, and then um just a touch space real quick. I didn't mention you know the old offensive line. Um you know, the old line returns, you know, only returns two guys, but they they they have three guys that have experience. Um, and again, their headline, you know, by uh Elijah Mueller, um, who I'll talk a little bit in a minute, but um they should still be solid, they're still gonna be big, you know, and strong on the offensive line. Um, I think as a Gabriel via Lobos is there is also a key spot, their center, um, and he's an experienced guy.
SPEAKER_00So excellent, Scotty. Yeah, a lot to like with the Braves, you know, like we said, number one, uh, they're number one in Max Preps taking on number two, Bishop Gorman, um, this Friday night. You mentioned uh Willie Ava, he's a Washington commit at safety. Also looking at uh linebacker uh uh Josiah um Poyer, a USC commit as well. So they're they are quite loaded. Scotty, how about uh an area of concern that you might have with the Braves um who did have the early uh playoff exit. It was quite surprising last year when they lost in the first round to Orange Lutheran, looking to bounce back. You know, um what do you what's your thoughts on a concern with the Braves?
SPEAKER_01If there was a concern, you know, albeit it's hard to find one at this time, um, but but from a personnel standpoint, it could be backup QB. Um, it wasn't until shortly after the Battle of the Beach that Negro mentioned that Junior, Aiden Marchetta, who goes about 5'9, 5'10, 160, is their backup, but he feels he's confident that if he's pressed into action, he could perform. Um, but no matter what, you know, if if they lost Koa, it would be a big hit no less, and that's just something to keep an eye on.
SPEAKER_00So okay. Yes, depth could be uh is always important, especially at that position, uh, Scotty. All right. Um, and how about a breakout player to watch uh this year? I have a feeling you might be talking about a sophomore wide receiver, but who do you have on this one, Scotty?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it's it's Kuka Muala because you know he transferred midseason from Bishop Montgomery last year, playing in he only played in that like I think the last four games, mainly defense. Um, but he did catch a TD pass. Um he it was kind of like he slid in under the radar, you know, nobody paid attention to him, but it those who knew who he was and knew where he showed up surely knew about it, you know. Um and he's playing exclusive exclusively offense. Um and skill-wise, he's probably the most talented receiver in the area. Um, you know, I know Hale is the guy, you know, he's the USC guy, but uh Kuka just has something different. Um, and he's only a sophomore, so it's just you know, we'll see. Um and then not to be forgotten, you know, there you know, the I mentioned the former Surah Olan, O-lineman Mueller, you know, he's still considered a newcomer, you know, comes to the Braves, he just added strength to their you know, to their line that that they needed that, you know, to formalize, you know, that protection for their run game um in Koa. And he probably would be the number, well, the number two player overall in Orange County. So there might have been another number one that that actually exited Orange County as well, but uh, but he definitely would have been right up there.
SPEAKER_00So yeah, you're talking about Marcus Fakatuba. Yes, yeah, the a former Orange Lutheran uh defensive um and now at Sierra Canyon. And coming back to Orange County um to uh this week. Um all right, so speaking of this week, uh Scotty, hey, first off, great breakdown on all those games, uh on all those teams, from players, from themes to watch, what to look for, concerns on each team, and uh a couple breakout players as what to watch. Hope the fans feel ready for the football season after that in-depth um preview led by Scotty. So great job, Scott.
SPEAKER_01As always, Dan, just glad to bring it to you guys.
SPEAKER_00So all right, let's look at this week's uh schedule. Um, like I said, our the focus of our show has been on previews and giving you guys a lot of names and a lot of uh you know ability to kind of envision what these teams are gonna look for, what players to watch, emerging players, um you know, and uh different battles going on. But let's look at the schedule for week zero, starting off on Thursday, August 20th. So some of these games are pretty interesting because we're gonna start talking about these teams multiple times in the the preseason, in the non-league season. Um so Centennial Corona coming in to take on Survite, debut for Coach Garrison at Survite. This game's gonna be at Orange Coast College at 7 p.m. So Centennial just off the top is you know, it's a team obviously we were pretty familiar with in the Tree League Football Podcast. They're gonna be playing um the following week, they're gonna be playing Santa Margarita. They play modern day. Um we know that you know they they battled uh Santa Margarita twice last season. Um so big Division I um test for Servite, who lost to Centennial um last year in the playoffs pretty uh handedly. And then moving on to Friday, American Fork of Utah coming into Orange County take on modern day. That game's at Santa Ana Bowl at seven o'clock. Um mentioned Sierra Canyon is gonna be at J Sarah. That game is also at seven o'clock. And then uh, of course, moving on as well, Miami Central, Florida versus Orange Lutheran. That game's gonna be at Orange Coast College on Friday, August 21st, 7 o'clock, and then Jones of Orlando, Florida, taking on Santa Margarita. That game's at Saddleback College in Mission Vio, 7 o'clock, and then uh the national showdown, um the Max Preps game of the week, St. John Bosco at Bishop Gorman of uh Las Vegas, and that game is pitting the number one Braves against the number two Gales. So a lot of um great action to watch, uh Scotty. Um some teams that we're gonna start to get familiar with. You know, Sierra Canyon, like you mentioned, plays Orange Lutheran in the non-league as well. Um so what excites you the most? I mean, obviously, it's probably you know Bosco Gorman, right, Scotty?
SPEAKER_01Uh of course, I mean I mean that one sets the tone for a lot of different things for national championship implications.
SPEAKER_02Big time.
SPEAKER_01But you know, we hope that the weather holds off, which I think it should, because I think I saw this supposed to be 107. You know, you know, no rain, no thunder, no thunder storms in sight. So um, you know, we know Obosco has, you know, what does Gorman have? You know, they're big up front on both sides of the ball, and they got small, quick receivers, and but they are breaking in a new QB. Um, and um and Chance Thomas, you know, of Orange County Lure is uh is also over there. He got some action and scored a uh read option TD. He scored the last touchdown on a read option in the second half. Um you know, Gorman also has former servite, I mean former Bosco running back, sophomore running back Corey Hinton, and he also scored a touchdown. He's actually their number one running back, but they also have three guys that rotate. So um, yeah, that one's gonna be real good. I mean, it's gonna be real interesting. I I think any either team can win, but but because Gorman is just like maybe on the court quarterback, you know, they're the you know, they're you know, inexperienced there, you know. I could see you know, maybe Bosco with their experience going in, and if they have their headset right, yeah, I would say Bosco, you know, still you know comes out of that one. But it should be a good group, great game.
SPEAKER_00Should be a great game. Yeah. I'm also picking the Braves. Um, gonna be a great game. Looking forward to watching that one. Gonna be uh all the fans can check that one out, gonna be streamed on Max Preps. So Scotty, hey, great breakdown, man. I know it's a lot of information today. Um, and uh, you know, we got through it. Um, you know, breaking out all the teams, getting ready for 2026 season. Great week zero. We're gonna have a lot to come back and uh break down and talk about these games. Look forward to the next week. So um, Scotty, great job. And uh definitely looking forward to another season talking training league football with you.
SPEAKER_01As always, Dan, you know, I you know, um it's gonna come by fast and furious, but uh we'll take every minute of it and uh try to bring you guys the best action we can and break downs and give you guys something that nobody else does.