O.C. League preview: Empire

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Defending champions: Garden Grove Pacifica, La Palma Kennedy

How it shakes out: There’s no clear-cut frontrunner, and the league champ probably won’t escape unscathed.

Valencia (3-1-1) has perhaps the most dynamic offensive performer in Wes Fletcher (left), and Pacifica (4-1) may have the best group of returning athletes.

Kennedy (3-2) has big losses but to larger schools, and Cypress (4-1) seems to have it going on.

It’s wide open, but over five games, Pacifica may have the overall edge.

- Martin Henderson

-- Image by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times