PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: CITY LEAGUE
CANYON HILLS
Last season: 1-8
Coach: Brandon Harris, 2nd year
Division: III
Key players: Tyler Fogg (WR-DB), Maliki Arcenenaux (OL-DL), Andrew DeCesare (OL-DL), Santino Sgambelluri (WR-DB), Drake Lathan (OL-DL), Lavelle Teague (WR-DB), Alexander Thoronson (WR-DB), Marcus Harman (TE-LB), Daniel Rucker (RB-LB).
Scouting report: Harris didn’t take over the program last season until two weeks before kickoff. There’s stability in the program now and offensive talent at the receiving positions. The QB job is up for grabs. Thoronson and Harman will lead a defense that looks promising. Teague started on the varsity last year as a freshman. He’s also a track sprinter and golfer.
MISSION BAY
Last season: 10-3
Coach: Greg Tate, 3rd year
Division: IV
Key players: Ethan Silver (QB), Jacob Sloan (WR-PK), Jack Ryan (WR-DB), David Maier (WR-DB), Hatan Nguyen (RB-LB), Jacob Morgan (LB), Teddy Buettner (OL-NT), Kai West (OL-DL), Orlando Castillo (RB-LB).
Scouting report: QB Clash Orsborn is gone, and he’ll be missed after accounting for 88 TDs and more than 6,300 yards in total offense in his career. But don’t be surprised if the Bucs return to a title game after losing the Division V championship last year. Sloan and Ryan caught a combined 29 TDs. There’s skill at running back, with big things expected from sophomore Caden Caffe. Silver starts at QB. He’s athletic and the Bucs expect to be more balanced in ’22. Nguyen was Central League Defensive Player of the year in ’21.
MORSE
Last season: 3-6
Coach: Tracy McNair, 14th year
Division: III
Key players: Damarion Wright (RBLB), Omar-Logan Rodriguez (RB-DB), Johnny Mosti (QB), Damarcus Thomas (WR-DB), Jalen Futialo (OL-DL), Ahmed Althalm (OL-DL), Aleonte Logan (WR-DB), Dorian Drake (OLDL).
Scouting report: Son of former NFL running back Dwayne Wright, Damarion is a physical runner who clocked an 11.38 100 meters last spring. Mosti missed more than half of last season with injuries. He’s healthy and Tigers will open up the attack with more spread looks. Logan ran a 10.84 100 and is an excellent pass catcher and CB. The defense looks good but is thin at LB.
POINT LOMA
Last season: 4-6
Coach: Joel Allen, 2nd year
Division: III
Key players: Chase Lowary (RB-LB), Noah Turbeville (RB), Drake Cobb (WR-LB), Aaron Lee (Athlete), Cameron Lucas (WR-DB), Jackson Emerson (QB), Max Umberg (LB), Jack Tuohy (OL-DL), Jack Kelly (OL-LB), Rocket Robinson (DE).
Scouting report: Lowary was a team captain as a junior, and he proved he deserved the honor, leading the Pointers in rushing (830 yards) and tackles. The Pointers were run heavy last year when Emerson was thrust into QB role by an injury. Emerson has more experience now and team will be more balanced out of the
spread. Twelve starters return. Lee is a two-way talent at safety and the slot. Moving down to Division III, the Pointers could make deep playoff run.
UNIVERSITY CITY Last season: 8-5 Coach: Paul Lawrence, 2nd year Division: III Key players:
Samuel Cooper IV (QBLB), Troy Granfors (WR-DB), Cayden Dawson (TE-DE), Samuel Harris (RB), Jack Stahl (OT-LB), LaDainian Lawrence (RB-LB), Terry Donati (OL-DT), Jayden Daly (DB-WR), Roman Rodriguez (RB-DB), Ethan Obrigewitch (OL-DL).
Scouting report: The Centurions advanced to section finals for first time in program’s 40-year history before losing Division IV title to Patrick Henry. The goal this year is to win first championship. UC averaged 40 points last season and could exceed that this year. Cooper compiled 3,609 yards in total offense and accounted for 51 TDs. Sixteen starters return. Dawson committed to Boise State. Keep an eye on Lawrence, a force on both sides of the ball.