OCVarsity is previewing every 11-man team in Orange County before the 2023 high school football season begins.
CRESTVIEW LEAGUE PREVIEW
BREA OLINDA
Top players: Jake Brooks, LB, Jr.; Tim Carmona, OL/DL, Sr.; Cullen Doyle, QB, Jr.; Rene Gonzalez, WR/LB, Sr.; Micah Pedraza, DB, Sr.
What to expect: Quarterback Cullen Doyle was All-Crestview League second team as a sophomore last year when the Wildcats finished 3-7 overall and 0-3 in league, so a year of significant growth and production could be in the works for him. Doyle will work behind an offensive line that has only one returning starter. But second-year head coach Jae Kim likes the potential of Brea’s other skill position players. The defense is populated by newcomers. Kim said the Wildcats have a good junior class, so 2023 might be a learning season that will lead to a fine 2024.
FOOTHILL
Top players: Nicholas Miali, QB, Sr.; Nico Mancini, WR, Jr.; Aaron Mitchell, RB, Sr.; Connor Pietras, WR, Sr.; Jack Zerkel, WR, Sr.
What to expect: Look for the Knights to be much improved from last year’s team that finished 4-6 overall, 1-2 in the Crestview League and missed the playoffs. “We’ll be able to score some points,” said Doug Case, in his 24th season as Foothill head coach. That starts with returning starting quarterback Nicholas Miali who last season threw for 1,561 yards and 11 touchdowns, but also was intercepted 15 times. “He got 10 games under his belt last year,” Case said. “He looks the part, and now he’s got the experience so he should be effective.” All-league first-team running back Aaron Mitchell will handle the ball frequently on carries and receptions. He rushed for a team-high 835 yards last season. Receiver Jack Zerkel was all-league second team in 2022. Senior center Ryan Worden anchors the offensive line. Three of last season’s four starters in the defensive backfield return, as do two linebackers. Juan Juarez started on the defensive line last season as a sophomore.
here
