Daily Pilot Football Player of the Week, Alan Saenz: Totally in

charge

Barry Faulkner

Alan Saenz has learned to play middle linebacker like a line from

an old Steely Dan song: “o7 ... no hesitation, no tears and no hearts

breakin’, no remorsef7 .”

Though still a colossus with a conscience, the 6-foot-1, 260-pound

Newport Harbor High senior now deals with less doubt than he played with

as a junior, when he helped lead the Sailors to the CIF Southern Section

Division VI crown.

“Basically, I don’t hesitate anymore,” said the Daily Pilot Player of

the Week, who continues to spearhead a Sailor defense with dour deeds

that belie his aw-shucks humility and infectious smile.

“There were times, last year, when I wouldn’t charge. But, this year,

I’m stronger and more confident. If I have the chance to attack a play, I

go for it. Even times when I don’t make the read right away, I attack,

because I can usually get there.”

Upon arrival, all manner of harm has come to opposing blockers and/or

ballcarriers, whom Saenz frequently jettisons in directions diametrically

opposed to their will.

“He brings his 260 pounds and he knows how to strike a blow,” Newport

Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley said.

It’s muscle, as well as mass, however, which makes Saenz so dangerous.

The school record holder with a 325-pound clean and jerk (a mark which

would surpass the current American school-age record, had it been done in

sanctioned competition, according to Harbor strength coach Mike Bargas),

Saenz explodes at impact. He also squats 475 pounds.

And, with added experience, as well as the respect and responsibility

which goes with being one of four team captains, Saenz aims to improve

upon the team-leading 74 tackles he collected last fall.

He made five tackles in Friday’s 28-7 nonleague victory over

Claremont, which managed just 84 yards rushing, 13 more through the air,

and a paltry four first downs. Saenz also had his first varsity

interception.

He has fielded preliminary interest from big-time college recruiters,

but a lack of impressive speed has led some to project his future as a

defensive lineman.

Five games into his final prep campaign, however, he has displayed the

type of movement which could allow him to remain at his favorite

position.

“He’s gotten so big, the main question mark was how well he could move

around,” Brinkley said. “But, to this point, I’d say he has moved as well

or better than last year. He has run down some guys in space and he made

a nice play on that interception the other night in space.”

To ask the self-effacing Saenz about his own strengths, is to

encourage a space in the conversation.

“I still think I suck,” he said with more than moderate sincerity.

“When I got all those awards last year (including Newport-Mesa District

Defensive Player of the Year), it was a total surprise to me. When I was

named All-CIF, it blew me away. Then, I started getting letters from

colleges, which was another shock.”

Though lazy to a fault, he said, Saenz has focused his athletic

passion on football.

“Football has always been one of the things I don’t mind pushing

myself in,” he said. “I always thought I’d be going to Orange Coast

College, but, since I’ve been getting some letters from four-year

schools, I want to do everything I can to get an education through

football. I’m much more serious about school now, too.”

Brinkley said Saenz doesn’t save his intellect for the classroom.

“He’s always been a good field general,” Brinkley said, “and he has

good football intelligence. He does a good job of recognizing what the

offense is doing and getting us lined up correctly.”

Saenz said he enjoys the chess match with the offense. He frequently

spends extra time after practice discussing strategy with linebacker

coach Matt Burns, a former Harbor standout who went on to have a

successful collegiate career.

And while he savors the satisfaction that comes from contributing to a

winning team, Saenz maintains some unique views on on-field violence.

“I don’t like hitting people when it’s just a free shot,” he said. “If

I work for it and I’m in position, I’ll go for a big hit. But, if I’m

getting there late and another guy is holding (the ballcarrier) up, I’d

rather just wrap him up and fall on him. Even in practice, I have a hard

time hitting my teammates.”