First look at 2021 Uni High football: Schedule, top players, challenges and outlook

University’s Uni’s Noah Scherson tries to pick up yards as Mcain Mould of Northwood defends in a game last year. (File photo courtesy John Q. Duong, For OC Sports Zone)

University High’s second year football coach Chris Hernandez is trying to build up his program, but like many coaches in Orange County has faced numerous challenges getting his players ready.

The coronavirus pandemic has put athletics on hold since March but Hernandez and others hope the Trojans will be able to get back on the field soon and open play in January 2021.

CIF officials moved the tentative start date from August 2020 to January 2021. Local and state health officials will have to give final approval for the seasons to occur.

“We are looking forward to getting back together for football,” Hernandez said Wednesday. “One of the most under-rated aspects of a football program is the off-season. I truly believe the off-season, meaning the weight room, skill work, seven-on-sevens and most importantly, bonding time is what builds a program.

“Unfortunately, because of COVID, everyone has lost that.  We had Zoom meetings, and I feel that from a playbook standpoint we are ahead of where we were last year, but not having spring and summer was really hard on us, as I am sure it was for everyone.

“With all that, being said, everyone is in the same boat, everyone has dealt with it, so there’s no excuse and I don’t believe we are at a competitive disadvantage.”

The Trojans are trying to bounce back from an 0-10 season last year.

“I’m excited about the schedule this year because I think it is more competitive than last year,” Hernandez said.

 “The new league is dynamic with the addition of Dana Hills and Laguna Hills, so it should be a lot of fun to see everything play out.  This will definitely be a unique season, but I’m so thankful that we are getting one, especially for our seniors. I always try to make it known how blessed we are to play football,  and when the possibility of losing it or in this case, being extremely limited, it puts into perspective just how great football is for those involved. 

“Football was an escape for me growing up, and I can’t imagine how different things would have been if this situation happened when I was in High School. We are looking forward to getting back on the field with the goal of getting better every day.”

Among the top returning players for Uni is Aryan Nikroo, who plays offensive and defensive line.

“He has been a varsity starter since his sophomore year, fought through injuries last year, but can be a difference maker on the line on both sides of the ball,” Hernandez said.

Defensive back Julio Baron is also a key player. ‘He is another senior who started every game for us last year, and provides consistency in the defensive backfield,” Hernandez said. “He is very confident and consistent.”

Receiver Damar Ward is also back.

“He came on strong the last half of last season and he has tremendous athletic capability, and we will need him to be a leader on the offense this season,” Hernandez said. 

Also returning is receiver Noah Scherson. “He was our leading receiver last year as a sophomore, came a few yards away from breaking the Uni receiving yards record in a season last year,” Hernandez said.

Patrick Bassily is another key player. “He fought through injuries as a sophomore but was still a huge factor on both sides of the ball,” Hernandez said. “He is a passionate player, and will only get better. He wrestled in the off-season and gained a ton of confidence.  I can’t wait to see him perform this season”

University will go into the season with two quarterbacks: senior Brian Bush and junior Ziyad Merchant.

“We have two quarterbacks who both have five starts under their belts,”: Hernandez said. “They gained a ton of experience last year and they will be important for us this year. Brian is tough, has confidence, and is a throwback type of football player.  He started at quarterback and linebacker for us last year before a season ending knee injury against Portola. Ziyad came in and was 15 yards short of breaking a Uni passing yard record in a game as a sophomore. We are fortunate to have both of these young men as signal callers.”

The Trojans are scheduled to open the season on Friday, Jan. 8 at home against Magnolia.

2021 UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 8, Magnolia (H)

Friday, Jan. 15, at Ocean View

Friday, Jan. 22, Century (H)

Friday, Jan. 29, at Dana Hills

Friday, Feb. 5, at Portola

Friday, Feb. 12, Laguna Hills (H)

Friday, Feb. 19, Northwood (H)

Pacific Coast League games

Friday, Feb. 26, Beckman (H)

Friday, March 5, vs. Woodbridge (at Uni)

Friday, March 12, Irvine (H)

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