Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Five storylines to watch Friday and Saturday in Orange County high school football:

1. Will Mission Viejo remain in the conversation for top public school program?

Mission Viejo finished last season at the highest-ranked public school program in the CIF Southern Section by Calpreps. The Diablos’ Division 1 playoff win at Centennial Corona certainly helped but they fell to Long Beach Poly 35-30 in a nonleague thriller earlier in the campaign. On Friday, Mission Viejo (2-0) faces the Jackrabbits (1-1) again.

If Mission Viejo wins — with a roster coach Chad Johnson considers to be mostly in a rebuilding phase — its public-school bragging rights will soar and set the stage for a Sept. 15 showdown with Los Alamitos.

2. Can Orange Lutheran’s avoid a ‘trap game’ against Eastside Catholic of Washington?

The Lancers (2-0) have impressed against Serra of Gardena and De La Salle of Concord but on Friday they face the No. 3-ranked team in the state of Washington playing its season opener on the road at Orange Coast College. Orange County’s No. 2-ranked team needs to stay focused and not look ahead toward next week’s trip next week to Arizona power Chandler (2-0).

For more Trinity League coverage, listen to the latest episode of the Trinity League Football Podcast.

3. Will Newport Harbor’s offense build off its fourth-quarter spark last week?

The Sailors’ offense could be explosive with Oregon committed wide receiver Jordan Anderson, senior wide out Josiah Lamarque and sophomore quarterback Jaden O’Neal. But the newly-formed unit had been a bit quiet until a fourth-quarter rally last week against Tesoro. On Friday, Newport Harbor has the chance to continue that progress with a strong performance against La Habra.

If the Sailors’ offense produces, get excited about Newport Harbor-San Juan Hills next Friday.

4. Can Laguna Hills remain the hottest team in Orange County?

The reigning Division 3A state champion Hawks carry a 10-game winning streak — the longest active streak in the county — into a test Friday at Lakewood, the Division 8 runner-up last season to Northwood. Laguna Hills, the Division 7 champion last fall, beat the Lancers 23-7 in 2022 on the strength of two touchdowns in the opening quarter.

Speedy running back Ryan McKevitt, a transfer from Mission Viejo, is a player to watch for Laguna Hills. The junior has rushed for 431 yards and five TDs in two games.

5. Will the Empire League continue its stellar start?

The Empire League improved its composite record to 12-3 with victories by Cypress, Tustin and Valencia on Thursday. Crean Lutheran and Kennedy play Friday and Saturday, respectively, with a chance to notch two more wins.

It would be especially telling if Crean Lutheran (2-0) upsets visiting Trabuco Hills (1-0) on Friday, or at least plays the Mustangs tough. A strong performance would say a lot about the Saints’ chances to challenge in the league.

Kennedy plays Sonora on Saturday in a clash of improved, 2-0 teams. Keep an eye on that score as you follow Mater Dei’s game Saturday night against visiting Creekside of Georgia (2-0).

Please send football news to Dan Albano at [email protected] or @ocvarsityguy

Related Articles