Che Garcia
School: Anaheim High
Sport: Football
Position: Tailback
Class: Senior
When Todd Borowski took over at Anaheim in the spring, he scrapped the I-formation and installed a wing-T offense to take advantage of the inside running of fullback Brian Diaz. That has meant a reduced role for Garcia, the Colonists’ leading rusher last season, but Borowski said Garcia has never complained. “Che hasn’t been the main focus this year, but I’ve recently changed my offense just a tad to get him more involved because he’s so darn quick,” Borowski said. “It paid off against Valencia.” Garcia, a 5-foot-8, 150-pound back who had been averaging about 10 carries per game, got the ball 18 times and gained 184 yards Friday in Anaheim’s 31-0 victory over Valencia. He scored on touchdown runs of 37 and 47 yards and returned the opening kickoff 37 yards into Valencia territory to set up a field goal. Anaheim, which in three previous seasons won a total of six games and didn’t win a game in the Orange League in 1991, is now 7-1 and the undefeated first-place Orange League team.
Other top performers:
Cordell Graham, who caught six passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns in Trabuco Hills’ 34-24 victory over Costa Mesa. Graham also completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to Matt Rechner.
Sean O’Brien, who completed 21 of 25 passes for a school-record 337 yards and three touchdowns in Santa Margarita’s 35-21 victory over Tustin.
J.R.Walz, who set single-game school records for rushing and touchdowns by gaining 249 yards and scoring four touchdowns in Corona del Mar’s 34-20 victory over University.
Chris Yakura, a Marina defensive back who knocked away three passes and intercepted one to help the Vikings tie Fountain Valley, 14-14, and remain in a second-place tie. Yakura also recovered a fumble.
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