Expectations still high for Laguna Hills football team, defending CIF and state champion

Laguna Hills is led by (from left) Tyler Guzman, Jake Minotta, Nate Hoss, Ryder Simmons and Kurtis Weber. (Photo courtesy Laguna Hills football).

Laguna Hills High School’s football team had a memorable 2022 season, winning the CIF Division 7 title and the Division 3A championship with a 15-1 record.

The Hawks, coached by John Lester, start the season on Friday, Aug. 18 and despite losing 12 starters, expectations remain high among the coaches and players.

“Even with the graduation of a senior class that made history, the Hawks have high expectations in 2023 because of an undefeated JV team in 2022,” Lester said. “Many of those juniors will be stepping into the starting lineup this season.”

Six starters on offense and six on defense graduated from last year’s team.

“Replacing the state player of the year Troy Leigber will be difficult,” Lester said. “He led the state in scoring last season. This year’s team will be built around the defense. The Hawks return five starters including ALL-CIF linebackers Tyler Guzman and Ryder Simmons, Air Force commit Nate Hoss at defensive end, and three year starters Jake Minotta and Kurtis Weber at defensive back. Juniors Lance Tayco and Will Hoss will play key roles on defense.”

The offense also returns five starters. Chase Reisner will be start at center, Jake Tennant at guard, three-year starters Reese Burnham and Drew Wade at wide receiver, and junior Mason Fromm at tight end. Junior Ryan McKevitt will be the lead running back and junior Ben Trocchio will be the starter at quarterback, Lester said.

On special teams, punter Justin Skala and kicker Luke Whitfield return.

Laguna Hills will compete in the Pacific Coast League, one of two leagues in the Pacific Coast Conference with league games vs. Northwood, Portola and Dana Hills.

2023 SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 18, (H) vs. Aliso Niguel

Friday, Sept. 25, at Santa Ana (Santa Ana Stadium)

Friday, Sept. 1, at Lakewood

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

Thursday, Sept. 14, at Irvine (Irvine Stadium)

Friday, Sept. 22, (H) vs. University

Friday, Oct. 6 (H) vs. Woodbridge

Friday, Oct. 13 (H) vs. Dana Hills

Friday, Oct. 20, at Northwood (Irvine Stadium)

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

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