Top Tackler Makes Plays, Not Headlines

Orange County’s leading tackler will take a back seat tonight, but that’s nothing new for Marc Albert of Los Alamitos.

The junior linebacker knows the spotlight for tonight’s Southern Section Division II football championship game remains on Griffins’ quarterback Tim Carey and Esperanza lineman Travis Kirschke.

Carey, the Stanford-bound quarterback, has completed nearly 66% of his passes for 3,202 yards and 34 touchdowns. The highly touted, 6-foot-4, 251-pound Kirschke has helped the Aztecs post seven shutouts and hold teams to seven points per game.

But Albert leads a Los Alamitos defense that boasts equally impressive numbers. He has quietly racked up 161 tackles and helped Los Alamitos notch six shutouts while limiting opponents to 7.5 points per game.

Although Carey and the 37-points-per-game offense grab the headlines, Los Alamitos Coach John Barnes knows the stingy play of his defense is a big reason the Griffins have won 13 consecutive games to reach tonight’s championship game.

“I think the whole defense takes exception to the fact that they’re overlooked,” Barnes said. “Look at what they’ve done this season . . . they’ve earned their place.”

Actually, Albert doesn’t mind being overshadowed.

“It doesn’t bother us much that the offense gets so much recognition,” Albert said. “When it comes down to the games we win, we’re all happy. I’ve always liked playing defense more than offense, especially the hitting.”

And Albert made more hits than anyone in the county. According to Barnes, Albert led the county in tackles after 10 regular-season games.

Of Albert’s 161 tackles in 13 games, 41 were unassisted, six behind the line of scrimmage. Albert also has four sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

“If our defense is working properly, the linebackers are supposed to make a lot of tackles.” Los Alamitos defensive backs coach Jim Van Gorder said. “Of course, we’ve had teams where the free safety is the leading tackler, and that’s not a good sign.”

All the signs have been good for Albert, who also wrestles. At 5-11, 182 pounds, Albert is not Kirschke’s equal physically, but he has the same penchant for big plays.

During Los Alamitos’ muddy 34-14 Empire League victory over Esperanza Oct. 30, Albert delivered a key defensive play in the first quarter when Esperanza’s Garrett Campbell.

“The ball bounced out, got kicked around, and Marc just calmly scooped it up and ran 50 yards for a touchdown,” Barnes said. “He has incredible instincts and great balance.”

After kicker Jeff Kolasa’s conversion, Los Alamitos increased its lead to 21-7 and Esperanza never drew closer than seven points.

“Our job is a lot easier when the offense can go out and score right away,” Albert said.

And if the Griffins can win tonight without a big play from Albert, that will suit him just fine.