Football: It’s time to project the top teams for 2013
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It has been only a few hours since the longest high school football season in California history came to an end. So that means it’s already time to look at the top 10 projected teams for 2013.
1. St. John Bosco. With nine starters returning on defense and six on offense from a team that lost one game on the field, the Braves will be tough to stop. Jaleel Wadood, Naijiel Hale and Shay Fields lead the skill-position players. Malik Dorton and Ivan Martinez are back on a dominant defensive line.
2. Mission Viejo. This team was one year away from reaching its potential, and quarterback Ian Fieber, running back Alex Suchesk and receiver Sean Modster are the players to build around.
3. Gardena Serra. The Cavaliers will have so many top college prospects that Coach Scott Altenberg should start charging admission to watch practice. From Adoree’ Jackson to Dwight Williams, this team will be ready to contend for No. 1.
4. Long Beach Poly. Beware of the Jackrabbits. They’re loaded with big, powerful returning linemen and talented skill-position players. Receiver John Smith and defensive back Iman Marshall will be two of the best in Southern California.
5. Corona Centennial. It’s another year for quarterback Robert Webber, running back Tre Watson and receiver Barry Ware. Coach Matt Logan knows how to get the Huskies in high gear.
6. Ventura St. Bonaventure. It’s going to be fun watching the development of quarterback Ricky Town and tight end Bryce Dixon.
7. Mater Dei. Chase Forrest showed he’s a quarterback on the rise, and the Monarchs have had two powerful freshman teams to build upon. Defensive back Jonathan Lockett will be a star.
8. Oaks Christian. The Lions played a lot of juniors in a season they knocked off Division I bowl champion Granite Bay and Chaminade. Quarterback Brandon Dawkins returns for his senior year.
9. Chaminade. All eyes will be on Donovan Lee, a talented running back-defensive back ready to replace Terrell Newby. Also back is quarterback Brad Kaaya and lots of linemen. Get ready for at least two Serra-Chaminade showdown games.
10. Crenshaw. The Cougars and Venice are expected to be the City Section title favorites. Crenshaw has players back who proved themselves against top competition, including quarterback Ajene Harris, running back Jacob Knight and linebacker Corey Walker.
Venice, Santa Margarita, Servite, Alemany, Vista Murrieta, Upland, Norco, JSerra, La Mirada and Edison will be heard from too.
And all these projections are subject to change depending on transfers.
Now, it’s time to rest — at least for a couple of hours.
— Eric Sondheimer