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OCVarsity will be previewing every Orange County high school football league and every team before the season begins.
EPSILON LEAGUE PREVIEW
The Epsilon League is a six-team league that includes Crean Lutheran, El Dorado, Foothill, Huntington Beach, La Habra and Laguna Hills.
CREAN LUTHERAN
Top players: Anthony Jones, DL, Sr.; James Carrington, DL, Sr.; Ty Johnson, WR, Jr.; Caden Jones, QB, Jr.; Evan Mack, CB, Jr.
What to expect: The Saints, who went 9-3 overall and finished second in league last season, have several key transfers and a healthy quarterback in Caden Jones. Last season, Jones suffered a season-ending knee injury before league but he’s now healthy, coach Rick Curtis said. Jones’ top targets include Ty Johnson, a touted prospect from Texas, and Columbia commits Bryce Coleman and Dillon Booth (55 catches in 2024). James Carrington, a transfer from Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, is committed to Florida State and bolsters a strong defensive front that includes Anthony Jones (UCLA commit) and Ryder Barnes (67 tackles last season). The offensive line is the biggest question mark but the Saints’ overall talent makes them them a contender for the league title.
EL DORADO
Top players: Cooper Larson, RB/LB, Sr.; Henry Cook, TE/LB, Sr.; Josue Rosas, OL/DL, Sr.; Brandon Kubota, OL/DL, Sr.; Hudson Shaddow, QB, So.
What to expect: The Golden Hawks, who finished fifth in league last season and went 3-7 overall, are aiming to return to the playoffs. They’re a bit inexperienced with only three starters back on offense and four on defense. Cooper Larson was third on the team in tackles last fall with 54, including a team-high 14.5 for loss. He forms a strong tandem at linebacker with Henry Cook in a 3-4 scheme. Hudson Shaddow led the freshman team to a 9-1 record in 2024 and will be joined in backfield by sophomore running back Darius Selway (5-10, 170).
FOOTHILL
Top players: Jake Lind, QB, Sr.; Derek Simecek, WR, Sr.; Luke Smith, WR, Sr.; Aidan Faraj, RB/WR, Jr.; Tavin Russell, LB, Sr.
What to expect: Coach Jason Jellerson takes the reins from longtime coach Doug Case, who retired after the Knights’ run to the Division 5 semifinals last season. Foothill, the fourth-place team in league in 2024, faces some inexperience. The team returns one full-time starter on offense — senior tight end Troy Naulty (6-3, 230) — and four starters on defense. The Knights don’t return an all-league selection from 2024. Tavin Russell finished third on the team last season in tackles with 71, including nine for loss. Jellerson said the team is showing “adaptability” in building excitement for the season.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Top players: Brady Edmunds, QB, Jr.; Troy Foster, WR, Sr.; Steel Kurtz, WR/S, Sr.; Dylin Bruce, CB/ATH, Jr.; Darby Warren, DE, Sr.
What to expect: Former NFL wide receiver Matthew Hatchette replaces Brett Brown as the coach of the Oilers, who finished third in league last season. Brady Edmunds, an Ohio State commit and reigning offensive player of the year in the Epsilon, leads five returning starters on offense. The first-team All-County quarterback passed for 3,222 yards and 36 TDs in 2024. Troy Foster, a Colorado State commit, is the top target after recording 65 receptions for 1,290 yards and 15 TDs last season. Darby Warren and fellow lineman Gavin Seguin, both first-team all-league selections in ’24, pace six returning starters on defense. Juniors Dylin Bruce (Long Beach Poly) and wide receiver Dillon Sykes (Ontario Christian) are transfers to watch.
LA HABRA
Top players: DJ Mitchell, QB, Jr.; Kevika Martinez, RB/LB, Jr.; Noah Barajas, LB, Sr.; Blake Rogers, WR/DB, Jr.; Noah Poppin, OL/DL, Sr.
What to expect: The defending Epsilon League champion Highlanders feature several key returners at the skill positions and along the lines. Last season, the team finished 10-2 and reached the Division 3 quarterfinals. DJ Mitchell becomes the full-time QB after sharing duties last season. His weapons include running backs Kevika Martinez (1,021 yards in ’24) and Bobby Brooks (587 yards), and wide receivers Blake Rogers (eight TDs), Barrett Blied and Bryce Vasquez. The offensive line looks strong with all-league selection Jacob Morales and Servite transfer Luis Dolphin (6-5, 265). “He’s a real dude,” La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta said of Dolphin, who will play left tackle. All-league tackle Noah Poppin (6-0, 255) and edge Luke Hedgpeth anchor the defensive line.
LAGUNA HILLS
Top players: Khryztopher Entrala, RB/S, Sr.; Rowan Olsheim, DE, Sr.; Luke Tubman, OL, Sr.; Alec Arzoumanian, OL, Sr.; Danny Stark, OL, Sr.
What to expect: The Hawks are aiming to bounce back after finishing 0-5 in the Epsilon last season and 3-7 overall. The team will blend several returning seniors with its up-and-coming talent. Khryztopher Entrala (5-10, 175) emerged last fall as the replacement for the injured Ryan McKevitt and rushed for 757 yards and nine TDs. Entrala will share duties at running back with Artesia transfer Joe Thomas Jr. and Maverick Trudell, and play safety. The offensive line is a strength with three returners, including second-team all-league pick Danny Stark. A strong running attack could take the pressure off inexperienced quarterbacks Jaxson Vanderbeek (sophomore) and Joseph Skala (junior). The key for Laguna Hills could be its defense after it allowed 32 points per game in league last season. The defense could start four sophomores and feature Thomas at corner.
