Trading Places: Los Alamitos, Not Servite, Is the Team to Beat

Most seasons, a game against Servite High School would be the highlight of Los Alamitos’ schedule. It’s a chance to play one of the powerhouses of Orange County football, a chance to draw a big crowd and attract a lot of headlines, particularly if the Griffins could pull off an upset victory.

But this season, Los Alamitos is the top-ranked team in the county. The Griffins’ roster is filled with high-profile players. They’re the ones drawing all the attention this time around.

On the other side of the line scrimmage will be a Servite team that has a new coach and a cast of young, unproven players. The teams meet in the county’s featured game at 7:30 tonight at Gahr High in Cerritos and it’s Servite that will be hoping for an upset.

“It’s a pretty big game for both of us,” Los Alamitos Coach John Barnes said. “It gives them something to really shoot for. If the shoe was on the other foot, it would be the same way. I’m sure they’re using this as a great motivating factor, as a stepping stone to a great season. I’m sure a win for them would be a great feather in Coach (Larry) Toner’s cap.”

Servite opened its first season with Toner as coach with a 21-0 victory over Long Beach Wilson.

Toner, an assistant at Servite during the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, had missed out on the Friars’ recent tradition. He was coaching in Portland before moving back to Servite this season.

He never saw Derek Brown run with the ball or linebacker Garrett Greedy chase down a ballcarrier.

“I don’t really know what I missed,” Toner said. “There’s no point of reference.”

But Toner’s been pleased by what he has seen so far this season.

Running back Mike Wallock rushed for 55 yards, caught four passes for 28 more and scored a touchdown last week. The Friar defense held Wilson to 117 yards in offense.

“I liked the fact that the boys didn’t have exceptional first-game jitters, especially with a new staff,” Toner said. “A lot of boys played varsity football for the first time. There were a lot of big, big question marks. I was pleased with how they did the first time out.”

Los Alamitos also had an easy opening night, beating Marina, 42-22. Quarterback Todd Gragnano passed for 280 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another.

The Griffin defense, led by defensive lineman Hart Brown, looked better than Barnes had anticipated.

“We were a little better on defense than I thought we’d be,” Barnes said. “It’s the youngest defense we’ve had. We have a lot juniors and sophomores. We were a lot quicker and tougher than I thought. That was a pleasant surprise.”

Other games at 7:30 tonight:

Foothill (0-1) vs. Woodbridge (1-0) at Irvine High: Foothill started the regime of Coach Marty McWhinney by losing, 17-6, to Tustin, its bitter cross-town rival. The Knights lost four fumbles and gained just 115 yards. Woodbridge made Coach Gene Noji’s return from a one-year sabbatical a successful one as the Warriors beat San Clemente, 24-12. Quarterback Gary Fishel, who threw for 142 yards, is a key to the Warriors’ fortunes.

Huntington Beach (1-0) vs. Pacifica (0-0-1) at Bolsa Grande High: Huntington Beach, which upset defending Southern Section Division VIII champion Corona del Mar, looks as if its going to be a contender in the tough Sunset League. The Oilers won just two games last season, but with players like running backs Doug Cunningham and Kelly Cotton, there is a renewed excitement at Huntington Beach. Pacifica was tied, 14-14, in its opener by Santa Ana Valley. Quarterback Bobby Anderson, who threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns last week, is one Pacifica player to keep an eye on.

Santa Ana (1-0) vs. Saddleback (0-1) at Santa Ana Stadium: This is a battle for Santa Ana city bragging rights and is one of the harder-hitting nonleague games you will see. Santa Ana got its season off to fast start, but nearly blew a 21-8 halftime lead. Oscar Wilson, a defensive lineman, is one of the best football players in Orange County this season. Saddleback is looking for an upset after losing its opener, 24-7, to Ocean View.

Sonora (1-0) at Valencia (1-0): Sonora hasn’t been very good in the in the 1980s, but after the first week of play anyway, the Raiders have a winning record. Linebacker Scott Sanders, who returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in last week’s 21-18 victory over Northview, is a Division I college prospect. The Raiders face stiffer competition this week. Valencia’s tradition of hard-nosed teams appears as if it will continue again this season. The Tigers defeated Bellflower, 35-6, last week. Richard Wells’ debut at quarterback was a smash as he completed 12 of 17 passes for 158 yards.