Capo Valley Coach Sean Curtis (middle) talks to his team during a camp in 2019. (File photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)
Capistrano Valley High School’s revised 2021 football schedule is almost finalized, according to second-year coach Sean Curtis.
“We are still trying to fill our week six,” Curtis said. “We lost our week zero match-up with Tustin. With a four team league, week six is usually a bye week for us since most schools are already in league play. We have a few opponents that are trying to make it work. I really want to try and get as many games as possible for my seniors.”
Capo Valley is scheduled to start with a home game against defending CIF Division 8 champion Sunny Hills on Jan. 8, 2021.
The schedule was revised when CIF officials announced a new plan moving football tentatively to January 2021. Schools will need to be back to in-person instruction and local and state health officials will have to give final approval for the season to occur.
The Cougars are expected to be led by quarterback Dartanyon Moussiaux, linebacker Jacob Pontius, running back/defensive back Haden Cook and linemen Luke Meyer, Antonio Belardes and Carter Byrd.
“We could not be more hopeful to get back on the field in 2021,” Curtis said. “We feel we have a special group of guys that are willing to put the team before themselves. This senior class really represents who we are at Capo. They have battled through a lot of adversity with getting a new coach last year, playing in the South Coast League for two years, and now of course dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, they never batted an eye to any of these challenges. Most of them have stayed extremely committed through player run practices and workouts. Our coaching staff has not been able to see them in person since March but we continue to monitor their progress through Zoom calls and personal check ins.”
Curtis said the team speed is one of advantages the Cougars have.
“We are going to hang our hat on our team speed,” he said. “Defensively, we feel that we have guys that can run really well at all three levels. Our first team South Coast League middle linebacker Jacob Pontius will lead the way in getting us to play as a unit.
“We should have a better understanding of our schemes and techniques in year two. That will allow us to get more creative and disguise what we want to do on defense. Offensively, we are led by our quarterback Dartanyon Moussiaux and running back Hayden Cook.
“Our offensive line returns three starters and will be strong and very athletic. We lost our top four reception leaders from last year. However, we have a very talented group of young receivers that are itching for their moment to shine. Another player to watch is sophomore wide receiver Dane Benidix who has already started to draw some interest from college coaches. Lastly, our special teams will be led by our kicker Nathan Krasner and long snapper Dylan Stratton.”
2021 CAPO VALLEY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Friday, Jan. 8, vs. Sunny Hills (H)
Friday, Jan. 15, at Santiago Corona
Friday, Jan. 22, at Yorba Linda
Friday, Jan. 29, vs. Orange (H)
Friday, Feb. 5, vs. Cypress (H)
Friday, Feb. 19, vs. San Juan Hills (H)
Sea View League games
Friday, Feb. 26 at Trabuco Hills
Friday, March 5, at El Toro
Friday, March 12, vs. Aliso Niguel (H)
Send football news to timburt@ocsportszone.com
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