Vaqs can shake up the league

08/29/2009 11:31

Most high school football teams in the city are still a couple weeks from the start of the season. But already there is some speculation as to who the best squad in the Pacific Coast League will be. Laguna Hills is the defending champion and the Hawks are picked by the league coaches to repeat as league champions.
But Irvine High, with two talented returning players, quarterback Allen Merritt and linebacker Andrew Hills, could be a force to be reckoned with in the league, too.
To find out more about the Pacific Coast League, and the coaches’ predictions, visit ocvarsity.com.

Kickoff Pacific Coast League

08/29/2009 07:40

Kickoff '09: Pacific Coast League
Comments 0 | Recommend 1

August 28, 2009 5:25 PM

By TIM BURT
OCVARSITY.COM
COACHES POLL
1. Laguna Hills, 13-0 in 2008, 30 points
2T. Irvine, 8-4, 26
2T. Corona del Mar, 10-3, 26
4. Beckman, 6-4, 17
5. University, 4-6, 15
6. San Juan Hills, 0-0, 12
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Laguna Hills, ranked No. 15 in the county, is the defending CIF-SS Southern Division champion. The Hawks could be challenged for the league title by Irvine and Corona del Mar. Laguna Hills lost some outstanding players off last year’s team, so the Hawks have a few question marks going into the season. If everything falls into place, Laguna Hills could make another CIF title run. Beckman and University hope to contend for a playoff berth. San Juan Hills, in its first varsity season, could surprise some teams, too.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
San Juan Hills is fielding its first varsity football team and has no seniors, yet the Stallions are optimistic about their chances under former Orange coach Greg Gibson, who led the team to a 10-0 record last year playing a mixed schedule of varsity and junior varsity opponents.
PLAYER TO WATCH
J.D. Abbott: The Corona del Mar running back rushed for 1,100 yards last year and is back to lead the Sea Kings offense. Abbott will also be used as a strong safety.
OTHER TOP PLAYERS
Corona del Mar: RB Alex Swigert; LB Aaron White.
Laguna Hills: WR Ryan Ur; DE Michael McCullough; SS Matt Martindale.
Irvine: WR Jake Day; LB Andrew Hills; QB Allen Merritt.
Beckman: RB Keith Lawson; MLB Shayan Meskin.
University: TE Erik Ogunsanya; T Greg Parret; RB Rudy Svrcek.
San Juan Hills: QB Wil Acromite; MLB Dane Gore.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Laguna Hills vs. Corona del Mar, at Newport Harbor High, Oct. 15. This is the league opener for both teams. On the same night, Irvine will play host to Beckman. Other big games include Irvine at Laguna Hills (Nov. 6) and Irvine vs. University at Irvine High (Nov. 13). San Juan Hills plays its first varsity league game on Oct. 17 when it faces University at Irvine High.
TOUGHEST SCHEDULE
Laguna Hills. The Hawks will face two of the county’s top 25 teams before getting ready for what looks to be a tough Pacific Coast League season. The Hawks play No. 21 Trabuco Hills in the season opener at Trabuco Hills (Sept. 11) and they face No. 19 Canyon on the road (Oct. 9).
OTHER LEAGUE PREVIEWS:
Century League
Empire, Freeway leagues
Garden Grove, Golden West leagues
Orange, Orange Coast leagues
Pacific Coast, Sea View leagues
South Coast and Sunset leagues: Monday, Aug. 31
Trinity league, small schools: Tuesday, Sept. 1

Irivne's Henigan plans to retire

08/29/2009 07:38

"I am retiring at the end of the semester," said Henigan, who was athletic director up until last year. "It's time. My wife and I have decided that it's time."
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Coach Henigan

08/29/2009 07:36

I might move to Irvine so I can run for city council or the school board there. My goal would be to get into office to introduce a resolution, bill, whatever it takes to get the football stadium on the Irvine High campus called "Terry Henigan Stadium. " Henigan announced that he will resign after the 2009 season, his 29th as head coach at Irvine and his 33rd overall in Orange County. This is a great coach ...
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