What are the top storylines to watch for on the gridiron this year? I've compiled a list of four things to keep your eyes on in 2006. Debate and enjoy.
1) The evolution of Darrell Scott: As a sophomore, the Moorpark High running back rushed for 1,988 yards on 292 attempts for a per-carry average of 6.8 yards. Not bad, huh? But, in my humble opinion, Scott can make a bigger impact in his second varsity season, even if he doesn't match his numbers from a year ago.
There's no debating his talent as a runner and pass blocker, but in order to be a complete back, Scott's going to have to get himself more involved in the Musketeer aerial attack-he only had eight receptions for 108 yards a year ago.
With Moorpark offensive coordinator John Kidder calling the shots, quarterback Adam Barry continuing to improve and an offensive line that's big and skilled in front of him, Scott's poised for a monster year, provided he can stay healthy. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention he didn't start playing football until he was in seventh grade?
2) Oaks Christian vs. St. Bonaventure: Our Camarillo
Acorn editor, Dan "The Dodger Fan" Wolowicz, seems to think Oaks will have its hands full containing Jon Mack's crew. Sorry Dan 'O, but you're on an island here, good friend.
OCHS was recently ranked No. 3 in the nation in a preseason poll released by Sports Illustrated, and for good reason. The Lions are so talented I'm afraid my beloved alma mater- the mighty Humboldt State Lumberjacks-would have a tough time beating these guys.
Oh sure, St. Bonaventure has won 81 of its last 84 games and finished 2005 as the topranked team in the state according to CalHiSports.com. Those are very impressive numbers. But I don't really care about history, because on Sept. 22 at Larrabee Stadium in Ventura, the Lions will take care of business. Early Acorn line: Oaks Christian by 14.
3) Eyes on the quarter- backs: Westlake's Ryan Campbell, Thousand Oaks' Ryan Cloney, Royal's Michael Long, Calabasas' Kevin May and Barry from Moorpark are the Marmonte League starting quarterbacks returning from last year. Of the five, Campbell is under the most pressure to perform, and so far he seems to be embracing the challenge of getting the Warriors back into the playoffs following a two-year hiatus.
Newbury Park, Agoura and Simi Valley will all have new signal-callers at the helm, and those schools' success and/or failures will certainly hinge on the young quarterbacks' development. Of the group, the biggest shoes to fill have to be those of Jordan LaSecla, Newbury Park's quarterback who finished second in the state in passing in '05.
Outside of the Marmonte League, Grace Brethren must replace Travis Chupp, while Oak Park will lean on Darren McGee to take over for the de
parted Doug Deakin. Because both programs focus their offenses primarily on the run, I don't expect the transition to be too tough.
4) The Lister Factor: John Lister. Remember the name? A few years back Lister was a standout on the Conejo Valley
Little League team that won the United States championship. Well, he's all grown up now, and could become a major factor in the Thousand Oaks ground game very soon.
TOHS head coach Mike Sanders has been careful not to anoint the sophomore as the
Lancer starter to date. But one of Lister's teammates raved about him privately, and considering T.O. rushed for just 811 yards as a team a year ago (3.7 yards per carry), Lister could be just the guy to take pressure off Cloney and the Lancer wideouts.
