OCVarsity is previewing every 11-man team in Orange County before the 2023 high school football season begins.
EMPIRE LEAGUE PREVIEW
CREAN LUTHERAN
Top players: Ben Buttell, WR/LB, Sr.; Kellen Cosenza, OL, Justin Dominguez RB/LB, Sr.; Carter Jones, TE/LB, Jr.; Tyler Parker, OL/DL, Jr.
What to expect: Crean Lutheran has a football program on the rise, having gone from 1-9 overall and 0-5 in the Empire League in 2021 to 10-2 and 4-1 last season. The trajectory could continue this season, as the Saints could challenge for the league championship. “Our defense is going to be much better than it was last year,” said Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis, entering his fourth season at the school. Senior Ben Buttell, junior Carter Jones and Mason McCullough were all-league last season. Buttell was the Saints’ third-leading receiver last year. Curtis expects a big season from junior all-league defensive back Ben Byszewski who also likely will see action at receiver. Anthony Jones, a 6-4, 215-pound defensive end and tight end recently transferred to Crean Lutheran from Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, where he had 33 tackles last season as a freshman.
CYPRESS
Top players: Rocco Burdett, RB/LB, Sr; Bruno Caldarella, TE/LB, Sr.; Hayden Frazier, OL/DL, Sr.; Aidan Houston, QB, Sr,; Jesse Mauldin, RB/WR/DB, Sr.
What to expect: QB Aidan Houston was an Empire League most valuable player last season when he threw for 3,069 yards, fifth-most in Orange County last season, as the Centurions went 5-0 in league and won their fourth straight Empire championship. Seniors Rocco Burdett, Hayden Frazier and two-way lineman Matthew Fonseca were All-CIF Southern Section last season. Burdett, who had 69 solo tackles at linebacker in 2022, and senior Destin Sanchez will share running back duties. Cypress’ Rick Feldman, entering his 10th year as head coach, said the team returns most of its linebackers and defensive backs. “It boils down to how well the offensive line does and Aidan making…
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