Breakers lacking some polish

Mike Sciacca

When summer camp got underway, Laguna Beach High football coach Dave

Holland took notice of several things.

Among the most important observations he made was that although

the 2003 Breakers might be a bit inexperienced, talent was abundant.

“It’s there,” Holland said, “It’s just untested.”

Laguna Beach, coming off its first playoff appearance in 15 years,

needs to fill in a few holes along both sides of the ball if it hopes

to build on the success of its last two teams, which posted a

combined 11 victories.

“We have the talent but we’re young and inexperienced,” Holland

said. “This is a great group we have here and they’ve been working

hard in practice.”

Here’s a position-by-position look at the Breakers:

Quarterback: Senior Alex Wilson returns under center, after

earning second-team All-Pacific Coast League recognition last season.

The 6-foot, 175-pounder passed for 333 yards in a 41-40 PCL loss to Calvary Chapel last season to set a school single-game record.

Wilson entered the season at No. 3 on the all-time Laguna passing

list with 1,611 yards. He ranks fourth with 13 career touchdown

passes.

“Alex had a real good season last year, but I think he’s going to

be better this fall,” Holland said. “He has got a real good arm and

he’s actually throwing the ball better now.”

Wilson completed 12 of 17 for 260 yards and three touchdowns in

Friday’s season opener.

Holland said Wilson will be backed by senior Jake Wheeler (6-3,

195), who also will play some receiver and defensive back.

Running backs: One big challenge this year will be finding a

replacement of Donnelle Darling, who twice last season rushed for

more than 200 yards in a game.

Darling established school career records in rushing (2,606

yards), carries (413), touchdowns (39) and scoring (238 points).

But, despite Darling’s absence, Holland thinks he has found the

answer in not one, but two, capable running backs.

Senior Juan Luna (5-8, 165) and senior Brandon Hooper (5-9, 155)

are expected to be the primary contributors, though the stable of

backs includes up-and-coming sophomore Jody Stephens, as well as

senior Elliot Whalen (6-1, 165).

“Juan’s our No. 1 running back and Brandon’s right behind him,”

Holland said. “Jody and Elliot will see playing time, too.

“I think we have a real nice stable of running backs. These guys

are quick and powerful runners. They’ll give us great stability in

the backfield.”

Receivers: Barring an injury to Wilson, Wheeler will catch passes

rather than throw them, and he has shown ample talent as a receiver.

“Jake’s really fast and a great athlete,” Holland said. “We’ll

benefit from him, wherever he plays.”

Wheeler, whom Holland says is about as good a receiver as he has

had in his eight seasons at Laguna Beach, backed up such praise in

the Breakers’ season-opening triumph. He amassed 125 yards on five

receptions, including touchdowns of 50, 24 and 18 yards.

Junior Lewie Duker is another potential target for Wilson.

Tight end: Senior Brett O’Connor (6-3, 235), a player Holland

dubbed a great athlete who is strong and fast, is the front-runner

here.

The Breakers also have a new athlete at the position, after senior

Brae McMullen (6-2, 220) transferred in from Saratoga, Calif.

Offensive line: The line on both sides of the ball was the No. 1

concern for Holland entering the season

Seniors Chris Jenkins (6-1, 175) and Chris Marriner (6-0, 215)

will anchor the blocking wall, which figures to also include juniors

Jon Huerta (5-10, 240), Matt Rollings (5-10, 220) and Sean DeGarmo

(6-0, 170).

“We have some experience up front but the line needs time to gel,”

Holland said.

Defensive line: Marriner and Jenkins, two of several Breakers

being asked to handle two-way duty, should also provide experience on

this side of the ball.

O’Connor’s size will make him a valued member of the defensive

front.

“He’s an exceptional player on our line and also a great tight

end,” Holland said.

“Along the defensive line, we’re still searching to fill holes. I

think we have a real good noseguard in Bryan Brown.”

Linebackers: McMullen and DeGarmo have established themselves in

the linebacking corps, a group that was a consistent strength the

last two seasons.

Secondary: Wheeler, Hooper, Whalen and Duker figure to bring their

athleticism to help solidify the last line of defense.

Kicking game: Wilson will be counted upon whenever the Breakers

need to split the uprights.