Prep Football ’91 : Before the Start, Here Are the 10 to Watch : The players: Esperanza junior Travis Kirschke, and nine seniors may turn out to be the best of the county’s best.

Every year there has to be a starting point--preseason predictions for Orange County’s top football players, the guys to keep an eye on, especially for opposing coaches.

Sometimes they pan out.

Sometimes they don’t.

Here’s a look at the 10 kids to watch, the best that Orange County has to offer this season. At least by preseason standards.

Angel Barrios, running back/linebacker, Buena Park (6-2, 185, senior)--A reason the Coyotes are favored to win the Freeway League. Last season, Barrios gained 1,065 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He averaged 8.5 yards per carry. Barrios has speed, 4.7 in the 40-yard dash, and strength, lifting better than 300 pounds in the bench-press. Beyond the numbers, Barrios is an exceptionally talented athlete. He is also a standout on the basketball, baseball and track teams.

Billy Blanton, quarterback, Mater Dei (6-2, 195, senior)--The guy who makes the Monarchs tough to stop. He has a strong arm--the strongest among Orange County quarterbacks--and a quick release. Last season, he threw for 2,262 yards and 23 touchdowns, including 920 yards and 11 touchdowns in the final four games. Blanton has picked up where he left off. He completed 14 of 19 for 297 yards and five touchdowns in the Monarchs’ 34-20 victory over Hawaii Iolani Friday.

Jason Braun, linebacker, Villa Park (6-3, 235, senior)--Coach Pat Mahoney said Braun is a nice, sometimes naive kid off the field. On it, he’s vicious. He led the Spartans in tackles last season with 121, 80 of which were unassisted. Braun has the brawn, lifting 320 pounds in the bench-press, 450 in squats and 250 in power clean. He also has speed and a knack for finding the ball. Then there’s his intensity. “On game night, he cranks it up and becomes dangerous,” Mahoney said.

Donnell Dowdy, defensive back/tight end, University (6-3, 215, senior)--An injury kept Dowdy from performing at his peak last season. He missed three games after a kneecap injury and was never 100%. Now, he is healthy, which is bad news for receivers. As a sophomore, Dowdy intercepted six passes and was responsible for many teeth-rattling hits. He also scored three touchdowns, on a interception return, a fumble return and a blocked punt (which he blocked).

Todd Kehrli, quarterback, Corona del Mar (6-4, 220, senior)--Led the Sea Kings to the Southern Section Division VI title as a sophomore, but a freak injury cut short his junior season. Kehrli missed the final four games after he cut his hand at a barbecue. The Sea Kings were 4-2-1 at the time, then finished 5-5-1 and were eliminated in the first round of the Division VI playoffs. Kehrli passed for 827 yards and six touchdowns last season. As a sophomore, he threw for 1,686 yards.

Travis Kirschke, defensive tackle/offensive tackle, Esperanza (6-4, 235, junior)--Another in a long line of standout linemen at Esperanza. He led the team in tackles with 112 last season. In fact, Coach Gary Meek said Kirschke might even be the best. “Violent is the term we use for the way he plays,” Meek said. “In one game, he took the guy trying to block him and actually lifted him off the ground, then threw him aside.” Kirschke was named All-Southern Section Division II in 1990.

Rod Lippincott, tight end/linebacker Edison (6-2, 210, senior)--A multitalented tight end, with soft hands and hard blocks. “You usually don’t see tight ends on this level who can block well and catch passes,” Coach Dave White said. “Rod can do both extremely well.” Lippincott had 22 receptions for 300 yards and two touchdowns last season. He saw limited time at linebacker, but made 15 tackles. He will start both ways this season. Lippincott is a strong runner with the ball.

Chris Miller, offensive guard/nose tackle, El Toro (6-2, 255, senior)--Considered by some prep publications as the best lineman in Orange County. They may be right. The anchor of the Chargers’ defensive line last season, Miller was a big reason El Toro was difficult to run against. Only Mission Viejo and Paramount had success on the ground against the Chargers. Miller bench-presses 350 pounds. His only drawback is speed, but he makes up for it with determination.

Jason Minici, quarterback, Irvine (5-11, 180, senior)--Overlooked last season because of the number of talented quarterbacks in the South Coast League. However, Minici’s stats were as good as anyone’s. “Jason had a fine season, but it was hard to stand in that league,” Coach Terry Henigan said. Minici completed 137 of 268 passes for 1,629 yards and seven touchdowns. He threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns against Dana Hills. Minici has a strong arm and a quick release.

Lia Togia, offensive guard/linebacker, Rancho Alamitos (6-1, 230, senior)--Moves from outside linebacker to middle linebacker this season, replacing All-Southern Section selection Chris Singletary. Togia may be even better then his predecessor. He’s bigger, stronger and fast enough to pursue ballcarriers. When he catches them, ouch! A three-year starter, Togia was an All-Garden Grove League selection last season at guard. Togia has 4.7 speed in the 40 and has been played fullback at times.