OCVarsity is previewing every 11-man team in Orange County before the 2023 high school football season begins.
NORTH HILLS LEAGUE PREVIEW
CANYON
Top players: Matthew Carillo, OL, Sr.; Noah Eckenrode, LB/RB, Sr.; DJ Knapp, LB/TE, Sr.; Jayden Legaspi, OL/DL, Jr.; Corin Rynders, QB, Sr.
What to expect: The Comanches offense won’t be throwing the football as often as last season, when they were among Orange County’s top passing teams and led by 2022 North Hills League offensive player of the year Christian Lundsberg. Canyon finished 9-3 overall and second in the North Hills League (2-1 record) in 2022. Replacing Lundsberg is senior Corin Rynders (6-3, 175). “Corin’s got some big shoes to fill,” said Canyon second-year head coach Phil Hughes. “But if anyone can do it, it’s him.” Hughes said the offense will rely heavily on its passing attack but with more runs in the mix. Canyon’s offensive line includes left tackle Matthew Carillo, an all-league first team selection last season.
EL DORADO
Top players: Nate Bento, QB., Sr.; Robbie Hagar, WR/DB, Sr.; Mitchell Jones, OL/DL, Sr.; Isaiah Quintero, RB, Jr.; Mac Wolf, LB/RB, Sr.
What to expect: El Dorado has depth. “Our challenge,” said Golden Hawks ninth-year head coach Zack LaMonda, “is that we’re going to be playing a lot of younger kids.” La Monda said the El Dorado defensive front seven is pretty much intact from last season when the Golden Hawks went 7-4 overall and 1-2 in the North Hills League. As for the newcomers, LaMonda said, “In some areas they’re just as good if not better than the seniors that graduated.” Senior two-way lineman Mitchell Jones, all-league second team in 2022, is committed to Air Force. Junior Isaiah Quintero, a two-time CIF-Southern Section wrestling champion who committed to Purdue for that sport, was all-league first team in 2022 when he rushed for 1,252 yards and 14 touchdowns. Senior linebacker Mac Wolf was all-league first team in ‘22 with a…
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