Ocean View looking to build on success

Mike Sciacca, Independent

To say that the 1999 season was one of excitement at Ocean View

High is an understatement.

For the first time in nine years, the program posted a winning record.

For the first time in 10 years, the school reached the CIF Southern

Section postseason playoff party. Not only that, but the 1999 Seahawks

also lit up the scoreboard, scored more than 40 points on four occasions,

topped the 30-point mark four other times, hit 56 points once, and went

on to average 35 points per ballgame.

“It was a fun year, that’s for sure,” Harold Eggers, who enters his

third year as head coach of the Seahawks. “We tasted success, and we hope

to build on that.”

The Seahawks of a year ago possessed a potent pass-catch combo of

Deshai Houston and Patrick Campbell, but Houston has moved on, taking his

record-setting senior year of 2,645 yards and 35 touchdown passes with

him. Campbell, meanwhile, caught 62 passes for 784 yards and seven

touchdowns as a sophomore last year.

But in the 2000 season, Eggers has shifted the junior from receiver to

Houston’s old spot: quarterback.

“We’re expecting big things from Patrick,” Eggers said. “He’s a great

athlete who’s capable of doing a lot. Patrick also will start at safety,

just like Deshai did last year.”

The Ocean View backfield, which also includes seniors Erick Falessi

and Jason Rhoads, will be well protected by a veteran offensive line

consisting of Ramon Murillo, Stuart Levu, Jason Ketcham, and Ryan Cooke.

That foursome also will play along the defensive line.

“Those four guys give us a great wall up front, Eggers said of his

linemen. “It’s one of the best offensive lines I’ve had in my coaching

career.”

Another big offensive weapon is All-Golden West League receiver

Phillip Smith, who’s back for his final year. Smith had 736 receiving

yards and a 17.5 average as a junior.

“Phil must be our go-to guy, and the rest of our wide receivers must

be consistent,” Eggers said. “We have to develop Patrick (Campbell) at

quarterback, and having consistent receivers will be a key factor in that

development.”

While the offense was flying high last year, the key to Ocean View’s

season this year will come from its defense. A year ago, the Seahawks

surrendered an average of 35 points a game, making nearly every one of

their games a track meet.

“The improvement on the defensive side of the ball certainly is one

major key to our success this season,” Eggers said. “That, along with the

development of team leadership, will go a long way in determining how we

do in 2000.”

Ocean View’s defense will be tested this season with a schedule that

is more taxing than last year’s. A nonleague schedule includes three

opponents from a year ago, the long journey for the Friday opener with

Twentynine Palms, Century, and Garden Grove, as well as newcomers

Pacifica, Costa Mesa, and Bolsa Grande.

Pacific Coast League champion Costa Mesa, and a pair of Garden Grove

League teams, including reigning champion Garden Grove, and Pacifica,

were playoff participants in ’99.

A four-game Golden West League schedule begins with a Oct. 12 date at

defending league champion Tustin, and also includes games with

Westminster, Santa Ana, and Saddleback.

“I think our schedule is tougher than last year, especially with just

four home games,” Eggers said. “As for league play, Tustin must be

considered the favorite. Santa Ana looks strong, but the rest of the

league is a question mark.”

Eggers soon will learn if Ocean View can build upon last season’s

success. He seems calm and relaxed as the new season dawns. He attributes

that outlook to his Aug. 6 marriage to the former Paulette Gasporra, the

team’s chief statistician, whom Eggers calls “an important part of this

team.”

“It’s been a great summer,” he added. “August has been a really busy,

exciting month for us, and we’re ready for the season to begin.’el