FOOTBALL PREVIEW: A look at Portola’s top players

Running back/linebacker Russell Sung is expected to be one of the Bulldogs’ top players.

As the OC Sports Zone prepares for the start of high school football season in August, we continue our series of previews on the top returning high school football players. Here’s a look at Portola High in Irvine, entering its first varsity season under Coach Peter Abe. All of the players are juniors and played lower level football last year.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

BRANDON YUE, QB: “He has been our starting QB every season since freshman year,” said Abe. “He is a dual-threat player who is steady and consistent in the passing game, and has big-play potential in the open field.” 

DAVID CHIU, OL/DL:  The sophomore is, “big, physical, strong, and smart and a two-way player that will cause problems for opposing lines,” Abe said. 

JOEY OMAR, TE/LB/K: He is “all-purpose, multi-talented, and high-character with the potential for a big play every time he’s near the ball,” Abe said. :Look for Joey to move around the field at multiple positions.”

JARED VAN HAEREN, TE/DE: Van Haeren, a sophomore, is  “quietly developing into a top-level player with a dynamic pass-rush. Huge upside,” Abe said.

KAVEH WOJTOWICH, WR/DB/K: The sophomore has “size, speed, agility, hands and strength,” Abe said. “He is the total package athletically, as the first 4-sport scholar in PHS history, we expect Kaveh to continue to spark big plays on both sides of the ball.”

RUSSELL SUNG, RB/LB: “Perhaps our pound for pound best player,” Abe said. “He leads through a quiet confidence, toughness, and work ethic that is hard to match. Expect to hear his name a lot.”

SAM GATTA, OL/DL: “He is one of our biggest leaders on the offensive line whose admirable effort, dedication, and heart has put himself and his teammates in position for success in 2018,” Abe said.

PORTOLA’S 2018 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE