Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Brea Olinda football coach Justin Villasenor saw an opportunity emerge when the Orange County Football Conference announced new league alignments for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The Wildcats’ shift to the Kappa League, Villasenor believes, offers his program a chance to reset its culture and grow confidence.
“Once they releagued everything, it was nice not having Yorba Linda and Villa Park and Foothill on our schedule every year,” he said. “They’re great programs and their kids are really talented. I think that’s where we want to be as a coaching staff in years to come but we got to start from where we are and have success here and build on that.”
Brea Olinda is doing just that in Villasenor’s first season at the helm, and accomplishing it with a large group of seniors who played for him on the freshmen level.
The Wildcats (4-0) are off to their best start since 2011 as they prepare for a nonleague game at Fullerton (0-3) on Friday. Their record and Calpreps’ rating of 6.0 are the best so far in the Kappa League, which begins play on Oct. 4.
Brea Olinda has outscored its opponents a combined 171-51.
The numbers are impressive for a team that finished 5-6 last season as a member of the Crestview League.
“The kids are playing really well,” Villasenor said this week. “They’ve bought in ever since our offseason when we kind of changed everything. Just a lot of hard work in the weight room and holding everyone accountable (with) discipline. … We have a heavy senior class, so that helps out a lot.”
Villasenor, a teacher on campus, introduced a morning lift for linemen and an afternoon lifting session for the rest of the team. The accountability focused on punctuality and proper dress attire.
“If you’re not wearing that, then you’re not lifting and you’re not practicing,” he said. “(We’re) just holding each other accountable. That’s really where the success has stemmed from.”
Villasenor’s connection with a 26-player senior class also helps. The players won a league title with Villasenor on the freshmen level in 2021.
The group of seniors includes captains Cullen Doyle (quarterback), Jake Brooks (edge), Jake Owens (middle linebacker) and David Baker (center).
Doyle (6-0, 190) has been a breakout performer by completing 66 percent of his passes for 924 yards and six touchdowns. Brooks leads the team with three sacks and has an interception.
Villasenor’s experience as the team’s former offensive line coach also is paying dividends.
The Wildcats’ line of Baker (5-8, 215), Jace Warsaw (6-2, 245), Jack Dooley (6-0, 215), Luke Carren (6-0, 225) and Will Robinson (6-0, 260) has played well and helped senior running back Nathan Aceves (5-8, 165) rush for 442 yards and 10 TDs.
Brea Olinda’s Nathan Aceves (4) has rushed for 442 yards and 10 TDs through the first four games of the 2024 season. (File: Photo by Lou Ponsi)
Brea OIinda showed its depth and unity last week in rallying past reigning CIF-SS Division 8 champion Jurupa Valley 22-21. Doyle threw key TDs to sophomore Gavyn Nicholson and senior Addison Altermatt.
“Our confidence (is growing),” Villasenor said. “I know the kids believe it. If they go out and play their best game, they know and we know, we can beat anyone.”
“I told (the players after Jurupa Valley), ‘Hey, we’re going to be in this situation again,’ ” the coach added. ” ‘So when we get there, remember this.’ “
SHORT ROUTES
Marina coach Charlie TeGantvoort has praised the work of new defensive coordinator Eric Johnson, whom arrived in the offseason from Mater Dei. The Vikings (4-0) have allowed only 26 points. “I’m happy to have him,” said TeGantvoort, who played for Johnson two seasons at Fountain Valley. “Six of us on this staff have played for him at one time or another. We all know that he has his famous defense and we all understand his defense.” …
Dustin Hurley earned his first victory as Katella’s coach in a 33-7 triumph against Magnolia last week. …
Mission Viejo’s Jaden Williams and Capistrano Valley’s Gavin Kinkaid lead Orange County in sacks with 10.5 and 10, respectively. Both players are defensive ends and Kinkaid also is the Cougars’ long snapper. …
Crean Lutheran coach Rick Curtis said Monday that the Saints are awaiting the MRI results on sophomore QB Caden Jones, who Curtis believes suffered a knee injury against San Juan Hills last week.
Related Articles
Orange County football season stat leaders through Sept. 14
Orange County football Top 25: Three-way tie for No. 10 in Week 4 poll
OCVarsity’s reactions, predictions and favorites to kick off Week 4 of the football season
High school football: Orange County schedule for Week 4, Sept. 19-21
Mater Dei football scores three defensive TDs in lopsided win against Kahuku in Hawaii
Leave a Reply