Breakers move ahead

Mike Sciacca

The Laguna Beach High football program had something to brag about in

2002.

Last season, Laguna earned its first postseason berth in 15 years

as an at-large entry in the CIF Southern Section Division IX

playoffs.

It didn’t matter that the Breakers’ first-round opponent would be

La Habra, the school that went on to win the Division IX

championship.

Oh, yeah, the Breakers played the Highlanders tough in a 35-11

verdict, as though Coach Dave Holland’s team belonged all along in

postseason play.

“The way the kids played in that game was inspiring,” Holland

said. “The kids really, really worked hard and once they made the

playoffs, they did a great job. They really played La Habra tough. I

was so proud of them.”

The question facing the program this fall is simple: What can

Laguna do for an encore in 2003?

The program went 6-4 in 2001 before last year’s playoff team

finished 5-6.

The Breakers possess enough talent to fare well, but a few changes

in the offseason created some holes to fill.

Laguna lost five All-Pacific Coast League players to graduation.

They also lost Mario Morales, the school’s athletic director and

assistant football coach, who took a new position at Long Beach

Wilson High.

They also had to relocate their weight room, as major construction

on campus continued through the summer.

Holland also switched the team’s weightlifting program to include

the Olympic lifts.

“The kids have responded very well to everything,” Holland said.

“They had a very good offseason, but now it’s time to play.”

One of Holland’s main concerns heading into the season -- which

began with a 34-13 road win Friday over Palos Verdes -- was the play

along both sides of the line.

“My real worry is to get the offensive and defensive lines to gel

and gain experience,” he said. “That’s where nonleague games come in.

They allow you to gain that experience before league play rolls

around.”

In addition to both lines needing to gain experience, Laguna must

fill holes created by the loss of four all-league players, including

two-time all-league selections Clayton Caron, a center, Marshall

Paymard, a linebacker, and defensive tackle Alberto Sanchez.

Gone, too, is free safety Bryce Loidolt and defensive end Satar

Abass.

“Each of those guys was outstanding last year,” Holland said.

“Their leadership will be missed, but new kids will step up into the

leadership role.”

Another big name missing -- perhaps the marquee player of 2002 --

is Donnelle Darling.

During his senior year last fall, Darling’s speedy rushing style

allowed him to run into the Laguna record books. He left the school

as its all-time regular-season rushing leader (1,410 yards) and tops

the school career charts in rushing yards, carries, touchdowns and

points.

“You just don’t replace a Donnelle Darling,” Holland said. “No,

not a guy who gathered up a bunch of school records.

“But we feel we have two running backs who will give us the same

thing, but in a one-two punch. They each have different running

styles from the other, but both give 100% out there.”

Holland was referring to Juan Luna and Brandon Hooper, a pair of

seniors who will share the offensive backfield.

The quarterback spot is set with Alex Wilson, a second-team

All-Pacific Coast League performer last fall, returning for his

senior year.

Another key returner is Jake Wheeler, a senior receiver-defensive

back-quarterback whom Holland believes is a great athlete.

“We have good team quickness and toughness,” Holland said. “Those

are our strengths.”

After the opening win, the remainder of Laguna’s nonleague

schedule has the Breakers facing La Quinta, Bolsa Grande, Magnolia --

a team, Holland says will be improved -- and Costa Mesa.

“We beat Costa Mesa last year and they’ll be out to get us,”

Holland said of the Mustangs, who went on to capture the 2002 Golden

West League championship. “It’s a challenging nonleague schedule, but

it’s one I think our kids are up for. These games will give us the

valuable experience we need and get us ready for league.”

The PCL race should be interesting, he said, but the favorite to

win the title remains two-time defending champion Northwood.

Tesoro, which played its first full year of varsity football in

2002 without a senior on its roster, should be improved, as will

Corona del Mar, the school where Holland used to coach.

But Holland still believes Northwood is the team to beat.

“We just want to improve each week,” Holland added. “That is our

goal.

“I think we have a good football team on our hands this fall and I

think these kids are going to surprise some people.”