PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

Which high school football team has been the most underrated or overlooked this season and why?

FRANK MALCOM

Santa Ana

People forget that Tustin beat Santa Margarita and Bishop Amat, and lost to Servite by a touchdown. The Tillers dominated their league and are trying to build a top-five program. They don’t run away from anyone, and when they’re healthy, they can compete on the highest level.

HERB ORTIZ

El Rancho, Counselor

La Habra. Although the team started with a loss to Cerritos Valley Christian, it has won eight straight games and has beaten three teams which were [for most of the season] ranked above it.

GARY GRANVILLE

El Modena, Spectator

El Modena is 8-2 and made the playoffs. What’s more, El Modena’s two losses have been inflicted by two [highly regarded] teams, Villa Park and Loara. Contrast that to [last year’s] 1-9 season and give [Coach Jason] Hitchens credit.

WALT MICHALLIK

Western, Administrator

Western has scored more points [an average of 43-plus per game] than any other team in the county. Defensively, Western has also excelled. Most of the points scored against Western have been during the second half when the junior varsity players were given an opportunity to play.

TONY CIARELLI

Huntington Beach,

Football Coach

If you go by the rankings at the beginning of the season, I would say Esperanza. Everyone was talking about Edison and Mater Dei, and rightfully so since they have great players. But Esperanza is right where I thought they would be. I knew [Temitope Sonuyi] would be a great runner and with the linemen they always have there.

BOB TORRES

Orange, Fan

It has to be Orange. Here’s a team that’s been decimated by the Orange Unified School District’s open enrollment and transfer policy. And yet the players show up, week after week, giving it their all, hopefully becoming better young men from their experiences. Those who remain at Orange believe that, as the Beach Boys sang, you must “Be True To Your School!” The Orange kids deserve praise for sticking together.

LYNN McGRATH

Tustin, Parent

One of Orange County’s best teams is Tustin, [which is] always overlooked and underrated. Coach [Myron] Miller consistently puts great players and teams on the field.

NEXT QUESTION

There are state team championships in cross-country, basketball, track and field, wrestling and girls’ volleyball. Should there be a state title in other sports?