October 6, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Hickman leads fourth-seeded Ocean View football team into CIF playoffs Friday against Irvine

Ocean View is led by senior quarterback Noah Hickman. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado for OC Sports Zone)

Ocean View’s football team, seeded fourth in the CIF Division 11 playoffs, is preparing to take on Irvine Friday night at Irvine Stadium.

“We aren’t taking anything for granted and are preparing for a really good Irvine team,” said Ocean View Coach Luis Nunez. “They are coached extremely well and we will have to execute efficiently to have a chance. The PCL is one of the toughest leagues in Orange County and our kids know we have a tough first round match up.”

Irvine is 4-6 overall and finished in a tie for second place in the Pacific Coast League with a 3-2 record. Irvine is making its first appearance in the CIF playoffs since 2014.

Ocean View (9-1 overall) finished in a tie for first place with Laguna Beach and Western, who all had 2-1 records in the Pac-4 League.

The Seahawks are led by senior quarterback Noah Hickman, who has passed for 1,549 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Hickman can also run the ball well. He has rushed for 616 yards and 16 touchdowns. Senior Will Earthman, who has rushed for 575 yards and six touchdowns, senior Dezmond Doxey, who has rushed for 558 yards and five touchdowns and senior Rodrigo Adame, who has rushed for 356 yards and six touchdowns, are also threats.

Ocean VIew has three talented receivers: Earthman has 36 catches for 614 yards and seven touchdowns, Brandon Alcaraz has 21 catches for 473 yards and six touchdowns and Naeco Logan has 20 catches for 348 yards and nine touchdowns.

The winner of Friday’s game advances into the second round against the Hemet-Colton winner.

PLAYER TO WATCH: NOAH HICKMAN

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