Prep football: Pocket change

Barry Faulkner

COSTA MESA - With two teenage kids in the house, Estancia High

football coach Dave Perkins is probably familiar with the animated

television show “South Park.”

But, while seasoned viewers of the Comedy Central Network hit are

well-versed in the trademark phrase uttered in every episode, when

Perkins hears, “Oh my God! They killed Kenny,” his thoughts likely turn

to the quarterback of his 1998 Eagles.

Kenny Valbuena, then a sophomore signal caller, suffered more than his

share of abuse -- and the majority of the team’s 37 sacks -- dropping

back into a poor imitation of a pocket two seasons ago.

After coming off the bench as a junior, however, he is back in the

starting role and his level of protection should be vastly improved.

“Kenny made some sophomore mistakes (15 interceptions), but some of

those weren’t under the best conditions,” recalled Perkins, who appeared

to lose Valbuena when he transferred to Fountain Valley, only to see him

return to Estancia as fall workouts began last season.

With third-year senior starters Tim Valdez and Cesar Romero, as well

as returning first-team All-Pacific Coast League tackle Robert Aguilera,

another senior, combating opposing pass rushers, Perkins hopes Valbuena

can deliver the promise he showed while earning second-team All-PCL

laurels, despite the aforementioned sophomore struggles.

Here’s a position-by-position look at the rest of the offense, as well

as the defense and special teams.

Quarterback: Valbuena threw for 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns (89

for 215) two years ago, but had just 14 completions in 54 attempts with

five interceptions last season. His 193 yards in ’99 did not include a

touchdown pass.

However, with ’99 starter Jeremy Valdes (17 for 51 for 273 yards, with

two TDs and five interceptions) shifted to running back, Valbuena will be

expected to run the show and produce big plays.

The Eagles need much more aerial production than the 431 yards they

received last fall, which accounted for just more than 16% of their

offense.

“We have to be able to attack an eight-man front by throwing the

ball,” Perkins said.

First-year assistant coach Bill Lux, a former All-CIF quarterback at

Costa Mesa, has been assigned the task of tutoring the 6-foot-5,

220-pound Valbuena and Perkins reports the results are already

impressive.

“(Valbuena) is much stronger and his feet are much better, and I

attribute a lot of that to Coach Lux,” Perkins said. “He could have a

real big year for us.”

Lux has also inspired a short passing attack, requiring a three-step

drop. Perkins believes this will thwart opponents intent on stacking the

line to stop the run, as they did successfully last year.

“It’s kind of a “West Coast” scheme and it should help us,” Perkins

said.

A.J. Perkins, a junior and the coach’s son, is the backup. Last season

was his first year at the position, but he has also made great strides.

He could see spot duty as the trigger man on an option attack.

“I think he’s really blossomed and we may be able to do some things

with him that Kenny can’t do,” Coach Perkins said.

In an emergency, Valdes could also be summoned.

Running backs: A backfield “committee” will be employed to fill the

void left by Marshall Hendricks, who graduated with the school

single-season rushing record (1,477 yards). Hedricks also produced

nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards and scored 18 of the team’s 31 touchdowns

in his only season as an Eagle.

Senior fullback Fahad Jahid, a returning starter and the leading

returning rusher with 203 yards and three TDs on 55 carries last fall,

provides power. The 6-2, 235-pounder has worked to better apply his

leverage with defenders and Perkins said he would also utilize him at

times at tailback in the wing T attack.

Andy Romo, used primarily on defense last year, could split time

between wideout and tailback. He’s the fastest guy on the team (in the

4.5 range for the 40-yard dash) and is also a senior leader. He was

All-PCL at outside linebacker a year ago and he will, once again, play a

leading role defensively.

Senior Shane McGuire, another speedster back after a year away from

the game, could be the starting wingback, where his receiving talents can

also be utilized.

McGuire was a star as a freshman and Perkins believes his speed and

toughness could produce some big plays.

Junior Freddy Rodriguez, who started at free safety as a sophomore,

should also see time at wingback.

Jeremy Valdes, shifted from quarterback, should contribute in the

backfield, as should senior Raymond Romua. Romua broke a wrist during the

Eagles’ offseason full-contact camp at Occidental and Perkins was not

sure when he’d be cleared to play.

David Rodriguez (5-10, 245), who has sparkled in the trenches the last

two seasons, will be uitlized at fullback in short-yardage situations.

Junior Richie Berame, sophomore Javier Ramirez and junior Joey Mueller

figure to add depth.

Receivers: Romo is the leading receiver among returners (four catches

for 39 yards) and he could be a primary target, once again.

“(Romo) was as good as any receiver I saw this summer,” Perkins said.

Freddy Rodriguez and senior Danny Valbuena, Kenny’s twin brother, are

also in the mix.

Tight end: Danny Valbuena (6-5, 220) could be an imposing blocker

here, but he is still receiving strong competition from senior David

Stoddard and junior Newport Harbor transfer Miguel Espinosa.

Stoddard caught one pass for 8 yards as a junior.

Sophomore Kyle Casillas could also make an impact.

Offensive line: Three starters return from a group that paved the way

for 246 rushing yards per game last season. But the fate of the offense

may rest on whether newcomers can fill the other two spots and provide

consistent quality.

Robert Aguilera (6-2, 250), who did not start the opener, emerged as

an anchor at tackle last fall. He started the final nine games at left

tackle and wound up a first-team all-leaguer.

“He moves so well, he could actually play some guard,” Perkins said.

Senior guard Cesar Romero (6-0, 245) has started 18 games the last two

seasons and Perkins believes he has what it takes to play college

football. He figures to shift from the left side to the right this

season.

Senior Tim Valdez (6-0, 275) has started 16 varsity games at center

and has earned the complete confidence of his coach.

“He gets it done every game,” Perkins said.

Junior Bobby Arroyo (5-10, 220) is the front-runner at left guard,

while senior Sergio Perez (6-5, 270) is penciled in at right tackle.

Perez, who came out late last season, will need to show he can compete

at this level, but Perkins said his offseason progress suggests he can do

just that.

“He’s come a long way,” Perkins said of Perez. “He’s up to 1,400

pounds in our four lifts, he runs a 5.3 (40-yard dash) and he is a real

good athlete.”

If Perez falters, senior Rene Duarte (5-11, 270) could emerge. Should

Aguilera move to guard, Duarte could also fill that vacancy.

Senior David Rodriguez, whom Perkins would prefer to play at fullback,

could also be called upon. Primarily a defensive lineman, Rodriguez has

started six varsity games at guard.

Sophomore Alan Raynor (5-10, 180), senior Rick Valdez (5-9, 215), and

sophomore Carlos Rios (6-0, 220) are the primary backups.

Defensive line: Quick, strong and agile, David Rodriguez was a

first-team all-league selection at end as a junior. He is back to torment

opponents.

“He exceeded expectations last year,” Perkins said. “Everyone tried to

run at him, because they wanted to stay away from (PCL Defensive Player

of the Year Kyle Westman) on the other side. But they didn’t have much

success. He’s stronger, thicker and better this year. He just doesn’t

stay blocked.”

Romero, a second-team all-league pick at inside inebacker in ‘99, will

be moved to end, where Perkins believes his athleticism will serve him

well.

Junior Jesse Cardenas (5-9, 230), Duarte and Tim Valdez are the

candidates to replace all-leaguer Josh Veach at noseguard. Cardenas could

also see time at end.

Linebackers: Jahid, a second-team all-league performer last season,

could be one of the more imposing defenders in the PCL, according to

Perkins.

“He’s the best linebacker in the league, if not the Southern Section

(Division IX),” Perkins gushed. “He does a tremendous job getting to the

ball and he’s real tough.”

Senior Ivan Garcia (5-11, 190) is the front-runner at middle

linebacker, while Arroyo is the probable starter at the other inside

‘backer in the double flex scheme.

Junior Matt Colby will start at one outside linebacker spot, after

seeing time last year when Romo was sidelined by a strained knee.

Romo, a second-team all-league outside linebacker last fall, will move

back to cornerback, where he started as a sophomore. Stoddard, Mueller

and Espinosa will battle for the nod at the other outside ‘backer.

Rayner will back up inside and Romero could also be used at inside

linebacker.

Secondary: Romo provides experience, speed and aggressiveness at one

cornerback spot. Perkins said he’ll man the wide side of the field at all

times.

Freddy Rodriguez is back at safety, where he established himself as a

solid tackler last season.

The other cornerback will be filled by either Valdes, A.J. Perkins or

Romua.

Ryan Grimes, Richie Berame and special teams standout Ernie Lopez

provide depth.

Kicking game: Ramirez, a sophomore, will kick field goals, after

booting a trio of three-pointers for last year’s freshmen team. Freddy

Rodriguez is the punter.

Kick returns will be handled by Romo, McGuire, Valdes and Perkins.

Garcia is the longsnapper and Perkins is the holder.