It’s Crowded at Quarterback for Piranhas

Piranha fans might not be familiar with the concept of football played indoors on a 50-by-28.3-yard field with eight players to a side, but they shouldn’t have a problem identifying their team’s quarterbacks.

Two of the three--Troy Kopp and Danny O’Neil--played high school football in Orange County and the other--Scooter Molander--played for Colorado State in the Western Athletic Conference. In a league known for high-scoring games, it is no coincidence the Piranhas are deepest at the position that initiates the offense.

“I think we could win with all three,” Piranhas’ Coach Babe Parilli said. “We have a quite a luxury at quarterback.”

Which one will have the luxury of starting the season opener at San Jose is still to be determined. Molander, who threw 37 touchdown passes for Las Vegas last year with only six interceptions, has the most experience. He has played three years in the Arena Football League, all with Las Vegas.

Kopp, who played at Mission Viejo High and the University of Pacific, threw 45 touchdown passes last year in his rookie season with Memphis of the Arena Football League.

O’Neil, who played at Mater Dei, didn’t play football last year after leading Oregon to the 1995 Rose Bowl.

“Scooter has the advantage in experience because he’s been under this system for three years,” Parilli said.

Molander will start the Piranhas’ exhibition opener tonight against Texas at the Houston Summit and O’Neil will start the second and last exhibition game Saturday at the Pond of Anaheim against St. Louis.

“I think Danny’s making the most improvement daily,” said Parilli, a pro quarterback for 16 years. “He’s getting the calls down better. The terminology was difficult for him at first.”

But Parilli said O’Neil hasn’t had a problem with the narrower and shorter field.

“That is a problem for most guys, but I think Danny’s got an arena football release,” Parilli said. “He’s throwing on time and in rhythm. He’s impressed me.”