Breakers’ novelty act

Mike Sciacca

Much is new with the Laguna Beach High football program in 2004.

There’s a new head coach and staff in town, a newly installed

OmniGrass surface at Guyer Field, new uniforms and a new attitude as

the school celebrates its 70th anniversary in the 2004-05 school

year.

With a new staff leading a young squad into action this fall, it

may take a while for Nolan, 30, to put his stamp on the program.

“I’m excited to get started here at Laguna Beach,” said the former

Mater Dei football standout, who graduated from the parochial school

in 1992. “This group we have has been working really hard.”

Nolan turned around a moribund program at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of

Mary in Montebello prior to replacing Dave Holland, who resigned

after nine seasons at Laguna.

At Cantwell, Nolan took over a program that had gone 3-27 between

1998 and 2001 and went 10-0 his first year, won back-to-back league

championships. Nolan also led the Cardinals to the first CIF Southern

Section playoff victory in the program’s history.

While expectations for the 2004 season may not include talk of a

championship, the enthusiasm, desire and drive Nolan has displayed

has already proved contagious.

“I am as excited as the players are about the upcoming season,”

Breakers Athletic Director Ron Schwartz said. “[Nolan] brings his

youth, enthusiasm and endless energy to our football program.”

When Laguna takes to its new playing field -- the OmniGrass and

surrounding synthetic track cost approximately $1.6 million -- Friday

against visiting Palos Verdes, it will do so with just one returning

All-Pacific Coast League player, senior tight end-linebacker Lewie

Duker.

Duker, a 6-foot, 180-pounder who was a second-team all-league pick

in 2003, will play linebacker, defensive line and tight end.

“Lewie and Sean DeGarmo led the county in tackles last year,”

Nolan said. “Both are outstanding players and should be leaders on

defense.”

DeGarmo, a 6-0, 185-pound senior, also will play linebacker, along

with senior Bryan Brown (5-7, 165) and junior Scott Urban (5-11,

175).

Joining Duker along the defensive line will be senior Brad Wolf

(5-5, 188), who rejoined team after sitting out last year due to

illness, junior Shaughnessy McDermott (5-9, 200), junior Garrett

Preston (6-3, 200) and senior Matt Rollings (5-11, 220).

“All are tough players,” Nolan said. “Keep an eye on McDermott’s

speed up the middle.”

Senior Elliot Whalen (6-0, 180), who will also play receiver, is

the lone returner in the Laguna secondary and a player whom Nolan

said had a solid year on both sides of the ball in 2003.

Also playing the secondary will be Urban, juniors Jody Stevens,

Matt Renault, Jon Begay and George Cheng, as well as sophomore Max

Hilburn.

“We expect a lot out of Scott Urban,” Nolan said.

With record-setting quarterback Alex Wilson lost to graduation,

Preston and senior Talan Torriero are battling for the starting

quarterback job.

“We like Garrett at receiver and tight end, but he has the

stronger arm,” Nolan said. “Talan is showing good signs, so we’ll

see. Neither has the experience on varsity at quarterback and we may

use Jodie Stevens as a running quarterback, too.”

If or when Preston isn’t playing quarterback, he could be used at

wide receiver because, as Nolan put it, he possesses a “great set of

hands.”

The sole returner at receiver is Whalen, while also figuring into

the mix is Urban.

At running back, the biggest load could be handled by Stevens and

junior Greg Arellano (5-4, 160), with Wolf and McDermott adding to

the arsenal.

“All are good runners,” Nolan said. “Expect to see some exciting

runs from Greg and Jodie. You won’t see a guy run harder than Wolf,

and McDermott should be a punishing blocker.”

Preston will join Duker at tight end.

Those battling for time on the offensive line are Rollings, Wolf,

DeGarmo, senior Gabe Rabben (6-1, 245), senior Jon Huerta (6-0, 235),

junior Dane Sandborg (6-0, 235), junior Dylan Sachse (6-3, 315),

junior Spencer Harrell (6-3, 308) and junior Joey Caruso (6-3, 240.

“Matt Rollings is tough, Gabe should be solid and Wolf is the

meanest,” Nolan said.

Torriero, although untested, will handle kickoffs and field goals

and DeGarmo will handle the punting.

Laguna’s schedule offers Nolan the chance to get his feet wet in

the friendly confines of Guyer Field, where Palos Verdes, La Quinta

and Ocean View visit the first three weeks of the season.

The Breakers conclude their regular season with a home game

against rival Corona del Mar on Nov. 12.

At the recent Pacific Coast League meeting, Schwartz informed

Nolan that Laguna was picked to finish “dead last” in the six-team

league.

“I love to hear this,” said Nolan. “This is a great league. Tesoro

is great and Northwood is great. We think we will be able to compete.

“Expect some excitement from this team. We are happy about the new

stadium, uniforms and new environment.”