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OCVarsity will be previewing every Orange County high school football league and every team before the season begins.
TANGO LEAGUE PREVIEW
The Tango League is a new six-team league that includes Anaheim, Bolsa Grande, Costa Mesa, La Quinta, Loara and Santiago.
ANAHEIM
Top players: Jason Garrett, QB,Sr.; Armando Torres, WR/SS, Sr.; Eduardo Guardado, RB, Sr.; Xavier Aviles, WR/FS, Jr; Diego Benitez, RB/LB, Sr.
What to expect: Anaheim has a new coach in Gus Martinez and he has been embracing the history of the program of one of the oldest high schools in Orange County. “It’s been fun learning about their history and the tradition and all the former players,” Martinez said. Jason Garrett returns at quarterback for the Colonists and he will have plenty of targets to throw the ball to, including Armando Torres, Xavier Aviles and Jeremiah Castro. The running attack will be spearheaded by Eduardo Guardado and Diego Benitez. Martinez hopes to see Guardado eclipse the 1,000-yard mark this year and also believes his senior-heavy team should be very competitive in the new Tango League.
BOLSA GRANDE
Top players: Eddie Zarate, WR/DB, Sr.; Muhammad Matus, OL/DL, Sr.; Jesse Hernandez, OL/DL Sr.; Marc Navarro, WR/DB, Sr.; Michael Haley, RB, Sr.; Tank Britton, QB, Sr.
What to expect: Bolsa Grande looks to continue the streak of winning after back-to-back seasons of postseason appearances. “It takes a few years to turn a culture around and we want to build on that (this season), ” Matadors coach Michael Acosta said. Acosta also stated that four of his five starting linemen are back this year, which should provide solid protection for new QB Tank Britton. Senior wide receivers Eddie Zarate and Marc Navarro will be Britton’s top targets and running back Michael Haley will also have an important role. “I’m looking for the offense to score a bunch of points, like we did last year, but hopefully we don’t have to score every possession to stay in or win games,” Acosta said.
COSTA MESA
Top players: Andrew Waiss, QB, Jr.; Gavin Garza, RB/LB, So.; Israel Lopez, LT/DL, Jr.; William Wedgwood, LG/DL, Jr.; Brody Leonard, WR/CB, Jr.
What to expect: Costa Mesa is another young team full of impactful juniors and sophomores. Mustangs coach Gary Gonzalez, who is entering his third year at the helm, believes running back Gavin Garza is one of the sophomores who will be depended on to produce. “We are very excited to have him run the ball for us and we believe that there is going to be a bright future for him in our program,” Gonzalez said. Quarterback Andrew Waiss and wide receiver Brody Leonard, both juniors, will look to have their chemistry as best friends transition to big plays on the field. Israel Lopez (6-4, 270) and William Wedgwood will set the tone in the trenches for Costa Mesa on both sides of the ball. Gonzalez thinks the new league alignment will help the Mustangs compete for the league title and a playoff berth.
LA QUINTA
Top players: Cooper Starnes, RB, Sr.; Jakson Clark, QB, Sr; Edgar Moreno, OL/DL, Jr.; Eduardo Munoz, DL/OL,Sr/; Agustin Hernandez, LB, Sr.
What to expect: La Quinta is seeking its first postseason berth since 2017. Last season the Aztecs began the year 6-2 overall and 3-0 in the Garden Grove League before dropping the last two games falling to fourth in league and missing out on the playoffs. La Quinta coach James Stewart expects his team to learn from last season and finish the season on a strong note. The Aztecs will depend on running back Cooper Starnes, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in league play, and QB Jakson Clark to pace the offense. Starnes earned Back of the Year honors last season in the Garden Grove League. Linemen Edgar Moreno and Eduardo Munoz will be counted on to provide leadership on the line and the defense will be anchored by returning all-league middle linebacker Agustin Hernandez.
LOARA
Top players: Ariel Olvera, RB, Jr.; Jorge Rodriguez, WR, Jr.; Michael Rito, WR, Jr.; James Fajarda, WR/DB, Fr.; Aiden Gomez, QB, Jr.
What to expect: Loara enters its second season of the Gary Wright era and is seeking to change its fortunes after an 0-10 season. The Saxons are a young squad with just three returning seniors, so the juniors and sophomores need to learn and grow to build a nice foundation for the future. According to Wright, Loara will look to be a run-oriented offense, so junior running back Ariel Olvera will see plenty of touches. Aiden Gomez, an all-league baseball player, is set to take over at QB and will have some weapons at his disposal. Juniors Jorge Rodriguez and Michael Rito are both returning wide receivers but Wright is also excited about freshman James Fajarda. Wright thinks Fajarda, who will play wide receiver and defensive back, will quickly become an impact player.
SANTIAGO
Top players: James Gonzalez, QB, Sr.; Oswaldo Granados, RB, Sr.; Larry Bravo, TE/LB/DE, Sr.; Mario Carbajal, LB/RB, Jr.; Adrian “Spanky” Lucio, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: Santiago is looking to improve on last year’s 1-4 record in the Garden Grove League. Four of the six teams in the new Tango League were members of the Garden Grove League last season. “I think everybody in the league is capable of winning, there’s also no clear cut favorite,” Santiago coach Doug Ozsvath said. “It’s got a real Garden Grove League feel to it, as far as equality and parity.” The Cavaliers offense will rely on the leadership of QB James Gonzalez, a three-year starter under center, and the speed and elusiveness of running back Oswaldo Granados. Tight end Larry Bravo should be a reliable target for Gonzalez and Bravo may also contribute on defense by coming off the edge at outside linebacker or defensive end. Spanky Lucio is set to anchor the offensive line and Mario Carbajal is a returning all-league player on defense.
TANGO LEAGUE SCHEDULES 2024
ANAHEIM
Date
Opponent
Location
Time
Aug. 30
At Ocean View
Ocean Views HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 6
Vs. Rancho Alamitos
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Sept. 13
At Westminster
Westminster HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 20
Vs. Savanna
Glover Stadium
6:30 p.m.
Sept. 27
At Western
Western HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 4*
Vs. Loara
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Oct. 10*
Vs. Costa Mesa
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Oct. 17*
Vs. Santiago
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Oct. 25*
At Bolsa Grande
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Nov. 1*
At La Quinta
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
*League game
BOLSA GRANDE
Date
Opponent
Location
Time
Aug. 23
At Savanna
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Sept. 6
At Artesia
Artesia HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 13
Vs. Century
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 19
Vs. Ocean View
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 27
At Oxnard Channel Islands
Channel Islands HS
2 p.m.
Oct. 4*
At La Quinta
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 10*
Vs. Loara
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 17*
Vs. Costa Mesa
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 25*
Vs. Anaheim
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 31*
At Santiago
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
*League game
COSTA MESA
Date
Opponent
Location
Time
Aug. 22
At Magnolia
Western HS
7 p.m.
Aug. 30
At Estancia
Estancia HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 6
Vs. Godinez
Costa Mesa HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 13
Vs. Savanna
Costa Mesa HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 20
At Century
Century HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 4*
Vs. Santiago
Costa Mesa HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 10*
At Anaheim
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Oct. 17*
At Bolsa Grande
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 25*
Vs. La Quinta
Costa Mesa HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 31*
At Loara
Glover Stadium
6:30 p.m.
*League game
LA QUINTA
Date
Opponent
Location
Time
Aug. 30
At Godinez
Santa Ana Valley HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 5
Vs. La Puente Bassett
Bolsa Grande HS
6:30 p.m.
Sept. 13
Vs. El Monte Mountain View
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 20
At Norwalk Glenn
Glenn HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 27
At Compton Early College
Compton College
6 p.m.
Oct. 4*
Vs. Bolsa Grande
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 11*
At Santiago
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 18*
Vs. Loara
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 25*
At Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa HS
7 p.m.
Nov. 1*
Vs. Anaheim
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
*League game
LOARA
Date
Opponent
Location
Time
Aug. 22
Vs. Godinez
Glover Stadium
6:30 p.m.
Aug. 29
At Whittier Pioneer
Pioneer HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 6
At Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 13
Vs. Claremont Webb
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Sept. 27
At Century
Century HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 4*
At Anaheim
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Oct. 10*
At Bolsa Grande
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 18*
At La Quinta
Bolsa Grande HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 25*
Vs. Santiago
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Oct. 31*
Vs. Costa Mesa
Glover Stadium
6:30 p.m.
*League game
SANTIAGO
Date
Opponent
Location
Time
Aug. 22
Vs. Los Amigos
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
Aug. 30
At Westminster
Westminster HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 7
At Savanna
Western HS
11 a.m.
Sept. 20
Vs. Estancia
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
Sept. 27
Vs. San Gabriel Gabrielino
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 4*
At Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 11*
Vs. La Quinta
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
Oct. 17*
At Anaheim
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Oct. 25*
At Loara
Glover Stadium
7 p.m.
Nov. 1*
Vs. Bolsa Grande
Garden Grove HS
7 p.m.
*League game
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