FOOTBALL 2021: Segerstrom players ‘excited to get opportunity to compete’

Segerstrom players take the field for a game in 2019. (File photo Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

Segerstrom High School’s football players are excited to be back on the field and focused on the team’s season opener with Laguna Beach on Thursday, March 18, at home.

“At the end of the day we are excited to get the opportunity to play and compete,” said Jaguars Coach Joseph Tagaloa.

Tagaloa said an abbreviated five-game schedule has been finalized. The football season was delayed twice due to the coronavirus pandemic before teams in Orange County were given the go-ahead to start. No CIF playoffs will be held this year.

“We have been off for so long that the process of getting ready for a season has really been cut to three weeks,” Tagaloa said. “Over the next couple of weeks we are going to do everything possible to ensure that all of your student athletes are playing at the highest level possible.

“As a program we look forward to growing both on and off the field. This is definitely an exciting time for us all and we will make the best of our opportunity by competing every snap.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

“We are looking to be competitive with the leadership and play of several key seniors,” the coach said.

“Israel Escobedo is returning from his sophomore season after missing his entire junior season fighting leukemia. He will be anchoring our linebacking core bringing a physical presence and emotional inspiration as a result of his resilience.

“Pablo Flores is projected as a two-way starter for us on the offensive and defensive line. He is returning after his junior year where he proved to be a dominant force. 

“Nathan Tagaloa is also another talented two-way starter returning from his junior season where he played fullback and inside linebacker. He will play multiple running back positions this season to use his physical running style and ability to block.

“Two seniors looking to make an impact in their last season are Johnathan Mota and Nicholas Padilla. Mota is returning after an injury that sidelined him most of his junior year, while Padilla has gained his eligibility after sitting out due to transfer restrictions. Johnathan and Nicholas are potential 2-way starters at outside linebackers and running backs.

JAGUARS SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 18, vs. Laguna Beach (home)

Thursday, March 25, vs. La Mirada (home)

Thursday, April 1, vs. Katella at Glover Stadium

Friday, April 9, at Garden Grove

Friday, April 16, Marina (home)

Please send schedules to timburt@ocsportszone.com