Season kicking off this week
Columnist Eric Sondheimer lists his most intriguing matchups, duos to watch and stories to follow.
The high school football season begins this week, its earliest start ever. It also has its earliest ending date since the inception of the state championship bowl games in 2008. The final game will be played on Dec. 8 at Cerritos College in the CIF state championship Open Division bowl game.
Here are some of the intriguing story lines to follow and issues to debate over the next four months..
What’s the best quarterback-receiver passing duo in Southern California?
This will be a fascinating weekly competition filled with drama, considering all the potential duos in the mix.
Let’s start the list: Ryan Hilinski and Kyle Ford of Orange Lutheran; Bryce Young and Bru McCoy of Santa Ana Mater Dei; D.J. Uiagalelei and Colby Bowman of Bellflower St. John Bosco; Luca Diamont and Chad Johnson Jr. of Venice; Ethan Garbers and John Humphreys of Corona del Mar; Jayden Daniels and Darren Jones of Cajon; Jaden Casey and Mycah Pittman of Calabasas.
Will the Mater Dei vs. Florida IMG Academy game on Sept. 21 be the most hyped game since the days Concord De La Salle used to pummel opponents during the Bob Ladouceur era?
Fox Sports West has the TV rights and will try to sell it as the game of the year. But these two teams aren’t close to their counterparts from 2017. Further, neither is exactly representing the best in high school sports by trying to build teams with players who don’t live near their respective schools.
So let the people who like watching all-star games enjoy themselves. It will have little effect on Southern California football.
Can any team break up the recent domination of St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Corona Centennial in Division 1?
Orange Lutheran is the most likely candidate. The Lancers have exceptional skill position players and a good offensive line. It’s still going to come down to the defense having to stop a very good offense in the Division 1 semifinals.
Which team will join Narbonne in the City Section Open Division final?
The Gauchos are like the Golden State Warriors — they’re a lock for a championship. They’re focusing more on being the best in California than the best in the City Section.
The top candidates to at least advance to the final will be defending Division I champion San Fernando, perennial challenger Crenshaw and Carson from the tough Marine League.
Who will be a first-year varsity standout?
Watch out for freshman receiver Arlis Boardingham of Birmingham, sophomore quarterback Jaylen Henderson of Narbonne, sophomore quarterback Peter Costelli of Santa Margarita and sophomore running back James Bohls of San Clemente.
Who will be the comeback player of the year?
It’s never easy coming back from a season-ending injury, but tight end Ethan Rae of Orange Lutheran, defensive lineman Keyon Ware-Hudson of Mater Dei and quarterback Diamont of Venice all missed the 2017 season with injuries and are eager to prove they’re healthy and better than ever.
“That was probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life,” the USC-bound Rae said of his knee injury. “Honestly it made my appreciation and love for the game grow because I realized what it is like to not have the game and it makes you just so much more appreciative of every moment you have on the field.”
Are the specialists ready to make an impact?
Thousands of dollars have been spent by parents on private coaches teaching their kids to kick, punt and snap the football. The skills keep improving.
Simon Samarzich of Upland is a highly regarded long snapper headed to Washington State. Sophomore Brenden Segovia of El Camino Real is a club soccer standout with 55-yard fieldgoal range. Nicholas BarrMira of Loyola is a soccer goalie with a golden foot who makes his All-Pro linebacker, big brother Anthony Barr, a little jealous. And beware of punter returner Max Williams of Gardena Serra.
What’s the best brother combination?
Watch out for the Camacho twins from Valencia West Ranch, Ryan and Jovan, receiver and defensive backs. Santa Barbara Bishop Diego has three Luckhurst brothers — Jack, Mark and Adam — serving as kickers for the varsity, JV and freshman teams. Josh Calvert (quarterback) and Ethan Calvert (safety) will make an impact at Westlake Village Oaks Christian. Mater Dei kicker Nick Lopez will receive competition from brother R.J., who kicks for Mission Viejo.
What quirky moments will there be?
On Aug. 25, Gardena Serra plays San Mateo Serra. Maybe the winner will play JSerra.
Chatsworth Sierra Canyon and Lancaster Paraclete could go 0-9 and still be guaranteed playoff spots because the other three teams in the Gold Coast League decided not to play them (they’re supposedly too good). They meet on Oct. 26 at Pierce College.