The top players and season outlook for all four teams in the Pac 4 League:
PAC 4 LEAGUE
GODINEZ
Top players: Caleb Orellana, RB/LB, Sr.; Anthony Solorzano, WR/DB, Sr.; Mauricio Martinez, QB/DB, Sr.; Alejandro Ramirez, RB/LB, Sr.; Jayson Lopez, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Godinez is 1-19 over its past two seasons but this year’s team is senior heavy and optimistic. Head coach Aron Kaye put the seniors through a 10-week senior leadership seminar and Kaye says that the difference in the culture is noticeable. Caleb Orellana is a versatile linebacker who can play on the interior or on the edge. Mauricio Martinez is a good athlete at quarterback who can also play defense. Jayson Lopez is a defensive end who will likely play tackle on offense but could also be a tight end. The schedule is once again challenging for Godinez but expect some progress now that Kaye has had a full offseason with the team.
LAGUNA BEACH
Top players: Ryner Swanson, TE, Jr.; Sam Garwal, QB, Sr.; James Golden, DE, Sr.; Aidan Mulkay, DB, Sr.
What to expect: Laguna Beach dominated this league last season with an average margin of victory of 41 points in its three league wins. The Breakers graduated their quarterback who threw for over 3,200 yards and 44 touchdowns and a receiver who had 1,300 yards with 20 touchdowns. Sam Garwal will fill in at quarterback after appearing in four games last season. The Breakers added Santa Margarita transfer Jackson Kollock, a 6-foot-5 sophomore, but he will have to sit out the first six games due to transfer rules. The marquee name for the Breakers is tight end Ryner Swanson who has offers from BYU, Louisville and Oregon among others. He caught 45 passes for 586 yards last season with six touchdowns. James Golden and Aidan Mulkay are two senior returning starters on defense. Despite losing some big playmakers, Laguna Beach is the clear favorite to win another Pac 4 championship.
OCEAN VIEW
Top players: Keiki Leuta, OL/LB, Sr.; Alexis Ayona, OL/DL, Sr.; Frankie Armenta QB/DB, Jr.; Jayden Trujillo, OL/DL, Jr.
What to expect: Ocean View struggled in close games last season and that cost the Seahawks a playoff spot. The Seahawks had a full offseason under coach Jimmy Welker and the team was able to hold spring practices and spend more time in the weight room. They return a good amount of starters on defense like Keiki Leuta who had 64 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery last season. Frankie Armenta is the team’s returning starting quarterback, and he also had 67 tackles with a pair of interceptions on defense. The offense will have to improve for Ocean View to compete after averaging only 12 points per game. Expect the game on Oct. 14 between Ocean View and Westminster to decide who gets second place in this league.
WESTMINSTER
Top players: Rafael Maldonado, TE/LB, Sr.; Ezekiel Cedillo, RB/DB, Jr.; Kiso Logoleo, OL/DE, Jr.; Jason Pham, WR/DB, Sr.; Jason Mejia, RB/DB, Jr.
What to expect: Westminster made a playoff appearance last season after having won two total games in the three seasons prior. The Lions won games with their defense last season and allowed just 14 points per game. Rafael Maldonado is a gifted linebacker who is the first Westminster player to draw interest from colleges in a few years. He had 71 tackles with four sacks last season. Jason Pham and Jason Mejia are two-way players who patrol the secondary for the Lions. Ezekiel Cedillo averaged 6 yards per carry last season and had four touchdowns. Westminster has a good amount of returning starters and is a team that expects to win games and compete for a league championship.