Team faces test in opener

As first games go, the Laguna Beach High football team couldn’t face

a tougher task.

Rolling into town for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Guyer Field is

Centennial of Compton, a team new to Laguna’s schedule.

What the Apaches bring is talented athletes, plenty of speed, good

size and a potent rushing attack.

“This team will be an extremely difficult test for us,” Laguna

coach Jimmy Nolan said. “They’re a tough team.”

The past two years, Laguna opened the season against Palos Verdes.

This year, the Breakers needed to find a team to fill their schedule,

and they did so by scheduling a Centennial team that hails from the

same league as Palos Verdes.

“My athletic director (Ron Schwartz) told me to find a game, so I

found the best team possible that had an opening game available,”

Nolan said. “People might call me ‘crazy’ for scheduling such a tough

opponent first game.

“I have heard things like, ‘why not try to get a few wins before

league?’ Well, that’s exactly why I found the best team for us. We

need to get used to playing great teams before league, so that we

will be ready for league. If we play a bunch of teams we know we can

beat, what will that teach us?”

Laguna is coming off a 5-5 season in 2004, Nolan’s first year at

the helm.

The Apaches also were 5-5 last year.

For Laguna to survive in 2005, the Breakers, who have several

players who are two-way players, some, even three-way players, will

need to stay healthy.

They couldn’t avoid the injury bug in 2004, yet still managed a

.500 season.

So far, summer camp has been kind, although starting lineman Dylan

Sachse did break his hand.

“He hasn’t missed a day,” Nolan said of the senior. “The guy had

it casted and hasn’t stopped coming. It’s that kind of toughness that

this team needs more of, and that kind of mentality that will allow

us to win.

“If there are football injury gods out there, please protect this

team. We don’t need another injury-plagued season like last year.”

No matter the odds facing his team, Nolan always carries an

optimistic stick.

“I am excited that more athletes are coming out from other sports,

and I want to thank the other sports’ coaches for encouraging this,”

Nolan said. “My team and I thank everyone for coming to our home

games, as we usually come close to selling the place out. We ask that

you all join us at our away games. We need your energy. There were a

few away games last year where we had less than 50 fans in the

stands.”

In an effort to raise money for the program during the 2005

homestand, Nolan said that a coaches’ booth will be open, selling

snack items, T-shirts and sweatshirts.

On the T-shirts and sweatshirts are pictures of Nolan and Sachse,

Garrett Preston, Spencer Harrell and Matt Renault in full uniform, at

the beach.

Laguna Beach Prime Time Players

Below is a list of players to keep an eye on during the 2005

season:

Garrett Preston

Receiver/Quarterback/Linebacker

6-2, 200, SR.

Big-time playmaker who possesses a strong arm. Impressive hands as

a receiver. A physical and exceptional athlete.

Matt Renault

Strong Safety/Linebacker/Wide Receiver

5-11, 170, SR.

A team leader who worked hard in off-season. Tough, physical

player with experience whom coaches expect big things.

Charlie Bowman

Quarterback

5-11, 160, SOPH.

Transfer from Montana. Mature, smart and great field general who

has all the tools for the quarterback spot. Quick and athletic, too.

Jody Stevens

Running Back/Middle Linebacker

5-10, 180, SR.

Hurt all of last year with torn hamstring but through rebuilding,

now ready to play. Tough ball carrier that has shown speed when

healthy. A strong hitter who should lead team on both sides of ball.

Spencer Harrell

Offensive Lineman

6-2, 315, SR.

A returner with experience. Expected to anchor a young line with

no depth or experience. A hard worker throughout the year whom

coaches say is ready to dominate.

Dylan Sachse

Offensive Lineman

6-0, 315, SR.

Another offensive lineman coaches expect big things from. Has size

and ability to dominate opponents this year. Should help pave the way

for the offense.

Ben Olson

Center

5-10, 210, SR.

Will lead the offense at center and the defense as nose guard.

Considered the team’s best hitter. Committed himself during the

off-season and much will be asked of him in 2005 in holding down two

of the most important positions on the team.

Jonathan Begay

Multiple positions

5-11, 175, SR.

Will play any and every spot this year on both sides of the ball.

A versatile athlete and hard worker expected to have a solid year. A

key player to watch on both sides of the ball.

George Chheng

Free Safety/Wide Receiver

5-9, 160, SR.

Fastest athlete on the team. Will be involved in much of the

offense and is expected to a team leader in tackles and

interceptions. A tough player with a mind set ready for some big

collisions from his free safety spot.