Expectations high for Brethren Christian

The Brethren Christian Warriors will have a loaded lineup of players for the 2016 prep football season.

All the key pieces are in place for the Warriors to continue on their upward trend under Coach Pat McInally. They return seven starters on both offense and defense, have the 2015 Academy League offensive co-MVP back in running back/safety Jordan Leonard, plus seven other returning all-league players.

With a solid nucleus returning, the Warriors have been tabbed the preseason No. 1 team in CIF Southern Section Division 10.

Leonard, who rushed for more than 2,600 yards and 39 touchdowns last fall, is one of several standout Warriors returning to a high-scoring offense that is led by strong-armed senior quarterback Joey Gutierrez.

Brethren Christian went 11-2 on the field last year but finished with a 12-1 record after it was awarded a CIF-SS East Valley Division playoff semifinal victory from Simi Valley Grace Brethren (a 46-41 BC loss).

BC will play a freelance schedule this fall. The four-team Academy League, which included the Warriors, St. Margaret’s, Crean Lutheran and Sage Hill, was disbanded for football this year after Sage Hill announced that it will play 8-man football in 2016.

Brethren Christian Warriors

CIF Division: 10

Head Coach: Pat McInally (6th year)

Coaching Staff: Keith Laszlo (defensive coordinator); Jack McInally (offensive coordinator); Cameron Smith (running backs/strength and conditioning); Eric Osburne (JV head coach); Dave Perkins (offensive line); Phil Cooper (defensive ends); Cisco Soto (secondary); Richie Sagastume (receivers); Bernard Griffin (secondary); Jim Pederson (defensive line); Jake Kaiser (defensive line).

2015 Record: 12-1/2-1 league (tri-champion)

Offensive Scheme: Spread

Defensive Scheme: Swarming

Returning starters: 7 offense/7 defense

Returning with Honors: Jordan Leonard (RB, league co-offensive MVP, All-CIF, Sr.); Jason Fuga (WR, second-team all-league, Sr.); Josh Gorrell (WR, first-team all-league, Sr.); Nate Sagastume (Slot, first-team all-league, Sr.); Dante Sanchez (LB, first-team all-league, Sr.); Brandon Larsen (OL, all-league, Sr.); Levon Lester (S, first-team all-league, Sr.); Brandon Larsen (OL/DT, second-team all-league, Sr.).

Key Newcomers: Anthony Cazales (OT/K, Fr.); Najiah Harrison (DE, Fr.); Jordan Phillips (DT, Sr.); Jalen Liva (LB/OL, Soph.).

Coach’s Take: “This is the best summer we have ever had, winning a couple of prestigious passing tournaments,” McInally said. “Also, the hardest we’ve ever worked. They’re ready.”

CIF Division: The Warriors are grouped in Division 10 (38 schools) for postseason play. They are ranked No. 1 in the division’s preseason poll. “Jumping up three divisions will be a big challenge but we’re ready to take it on,” McInally said. “Great talent at the skilled positions and the great Jordan Leonard at running back, are good starts. Our lines are very young but improving quickly. We’re excited.”

The Schedule: “We tried to toughen our schedule this year, it’s already difficult with Crean and St. Margaret’s,” McInally said of a slate and BC’s two Academy League rivals. “We’ll have a tough game with Rancho Christian and open with Ocean View which will be a very physical challenge for us. Boron, Capo Valley Christian and Azusa will also be hard-nosed opponents.”

Season Opener: Friday vs. Ocean View, 7 p.m.

Warriors Schedule

Friday: Ocean View (7 p.m., Westminster High)

Sept. 2: Boron (7 p.m., Westminster High)

Sept. 9: at Workman, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16: at Capistrano Valley Christian (7 p.m., Capo Valley High)

Sept. 23: at Azusa (7 p.m., Citrus College)

Sept. 30: Rancho Christian (7 p.m., Ocean View High)

Oct. 7: Excelsior Christian (7 p.m., Ocean View High)

Oct. 21: at Crean Lutheran (7 p.m., Irvine High)

Oct. 28: at St. Margaret’s, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3: Carnegie Christian (7 p.m., Ocean View High)