Ocean View football team wants to ‘protect the nest’ under first-year coach

Ocean View football players listen to coaches after a practice. (Photo courtesy Ocean View football).

Ocean View High School’s football team is making progress under first year coach Daniel Hernandez as it prepares for the season opener on Friday, Aug. 18.

“As a first year head coach, I love how our seniors have bought into what we are preaching and I believe their leadership will show through on the field this season,” Hernandez said. “I think we will surprise some people with the way we play this season. We have embraced our motto of ‘protect the nest.’”

The Seahawks are led by senior defensive end/tight end Jayden Trujllo (6-0, 225) who was Pac-4 lineman of the year last season and senior quarterback Frankie Armenta, a returning all-league player.

“We are a young team as we have only four returners with playing experience we will lean on Jayden Trujillo and Frankie Armenta to lead us,” Hernandez said.

Ocean View also has some talented newcomers, including 6-1, 165-pound sophomore wide receiver/cornerback Christopher Vincent, who didn’t play last year.

“He joins us from the basketball program and has a big upside,” Hernandez said.

In addition, offensive/defensive lineman Pedro Maldonado, who started last year on the JV team, has shown great improvement.

Sophomore offensive/defensive lineman Elijah Armenta (5-11, 255) has been solid in the weight room and is “one of the strongest players in the program,” Hernandez said.

A number of other players are expected to contribute.

“I look for senior Angel Adame to be a dynamic two-way player for us as he has bulked up since last season,” Hernandez said. “A trio of juniors are working hard and are looking to take big steps forward this season: Matthew Bonilla, Gaige Prichard, and Jessie Cardozo.”

Hernandez also credited his coaching staff for preparing the players.

“Offensive coordinator Niles Malele has really put his stamp on the offense,” Hernandez said. “Defensive coordinator Vince Perry has been doing a great job coaching the players and getting them to adjust to our scheme.”

Ocean View was 2-8 overall and 1-2 in the league last year under Jimmy Welker, who resigned after the season.

2023 SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 18, (H) vs. NuView Bridge

Thursday, Aug. 24, at Anaheim

Friday, Sept. 1, at Gahr

Friday, Sept. 8, (H) vs. Artesia

Friday, Sept. 15, (H) vs. Bolsa Grande

Thursday, Sept. 21, at Pioneer

Friday, Sept. 29, at Garey

Friday, Oct. 13, at Laguna Beach

Friday, Oct. 20, (H) vs. Westminster

Friday, Oct. 27, (H) vs. Godinez

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com