First look at Tustin football 2021: Coach sees team being ‘highly competitive in every game’

Anthony Lopez is ready to lead Tustin in his second year as head coach. (File photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Tustin High School’s second year football coach Anthony Lopez said he is excited about his team’s chances in the 2021 season.

The Tillers are scheduled to open the season on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, against crosstown rival Foothill.

“I feel like we have put together a formidable schedule and expect us to be highly competitive in every game,” Lopez said. “I expect us to be more balanced on offense after being run heavy last season. We return starters at quarterback (Riley Kelly) and wide receiver (Dominick Flores and Alex Nunez).

“Our offensive line is stout up front with Efrain Garcia leading the group and have one of our best athletes in Josaiah Aiono in the backfield.

“Defensively, I feel like our D-line is second to none in the county and we have the depth to keep our starters fresh. In the secondary, we have some new faces but will be more athletic than we were last season.”

Tustin was 5-6 last season and 3-2 in the Empire League.

Leading the way on offense for the Tillers will be 6-3 junior quarterback Riley Kelly, 6-0 senior running back Josaiah Aiono, 6-1, 330-pound senior lineman Antonio Diaz and 5-8 senior wide receiver Dominick Flores.

On defense, 6-1, 295-pound senior lineman LaShawn Hye, 6-1 junior defensive end/linebacker Jonathan Agwanda, 6-3, 295-pound lineman Efrain Garcia and 6-0 senior defensive back Alex Nunez lead the way.

2021 TUSTIN HIGH FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 8, vs. Foothll (H)

Friday, Jan. 15, at Don Lugo

Friday, Jan. 22, vs. Trabuco Hills (H)

Friday, Jan. 29, at Ayala

Friday, Feb. 5, at Sunny Hills

Thursday Feb. 11, vs. Crean Lutheran (H)

Friday, Feb. 19, vs. Pacifica (H)

Friday, Feb. 25, at Cypress (Western)

Thursday, March 4, vs. Kennedy (H)

Friday, March 12, at Valencia

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