High school football games to watch in the first couple of weeks

Portola will have its first varsity game on Friday, Aug. 17.

Here’s a look at some of the high school football games in the area which should have lots of interest. OC Sports Zone is planning coverage of many of these games.

FRIDAY, AUG. 17

PORTOLA VS. FAIRMONT PREP AT PORTOLA: This one is at the top of the list because it’s the first varsity game in the history of the Portola. Bulldogs’ Coach Pete Abe is enthusiastic and has a great background in Irvine. He has some hard-working players but no seniors. And in a first varsity game, nerves could be a factor. It will be interesting to see how Portola responds under the lights. Fairmont Prep, coached by Anthony Romo, is from Anaheim and the Huskies were 3-7 last year.

WOODBRIDGE VS. CYPRESS AT UNIVERSITY: Woodbridge is coming off a highly-successful 8-4 season last year. Cypress defeated Woodbridge 33-3 in the first week of the season but the Warriors went on to the second round of the CIF playoffs. Cypress was 9-4 last season under Coach Rick Feldman and picked up a couple playoff victories before losing to Aquinas, 47-12. Woodbridge loses talented quarterback Nick Nash but his brother Jacob, is back as a receiver along with some other solid players. The Warriors should be in the hunt for a PCL title.

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

TUSTIN VS. CAPISTRANO VALLEY AT CAPO VALLEY: There is a lot of anticipation in this game because football fans are wondering if Tustin Coach Myron Miller will actually abandon the double Wing offense.  Miller said the Tillers will run a pro style offense. Capo Valley will present a formidable task for the Tillers after going 12-1 last season and reaching the CIF Division 4 semifinals.

• ALL THE IRVINE AND TUSTIN FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

NORTHWOOD VS. SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN AT IRVINE STADIUM: Northwood is trying to improve under Coach Pete Mitchell. The Timberwolves were 2-8 last year. Former Northwood quarterback Dan Selway is the new co-offensive coordinator with Pete Mitchell Jr. and believes the Timberwolves will be better. Saddleback Valley Christian defeated Northwood 24-14 last year. Coach Brendan Chambers team was 7-3 last year. Northwood is moving back to Irvine Stadium for its home games this year.

THURSDAY, AUG. 23

CREAN LUTHERAN VS. SADDLEBACK VALLEY CHRISTIAN: Saddleback Valley Christian will be playing its second straight game in Irvine, this time at Portola High School, and it will be the first home game for Crean Lutheran under first year Coach Randall Reynoso, who replaces Matt Bowman, who was removed as head coach after last season.

FRIDAY, AUG. 24

FOOTHILL VS. TUSTIN AT TUSTIN: Nothing has to be said to hype this game up. The two rivals always put on an entertaining game. The coaches, Doug Case at Foothill and Myron Miller at Tustin, are friends with lots of respect for each other. But it’s always a hard-fought, intense game. It’s usually close too although Tustin won last year’s game, 48-10. Get there early. The place will be packed.

UNIVERSITY VS. LAGUNA HILLS AT UNIVERSITY: Lots of excitement in this game as Scott Meyer, the former Corona del Mar and Servite coach, takes over as coach of the Trojans and quarterback Thomas Keeling is back after a knee injury. Laguna Hills, after finishing 2-7 last year, should come out inspired under Coach Mike Maceranka.

IRVINE VS. RANCHO BUENA VISTA AT IRVINE STADIUM: Irvine, led by quarterback Marc Filia, will be out to get off to a successful start under Coach Erik Terry. The Vaqueros have been working hard in the off-season, determined to get into the CIF playoffs after finishing 6-4 last year. Irvine did not advance to the playoffs despite finishing third in the PCL. A lot of Irvine fans believed the Vaqueros should have earned a spot.

MORE FOOTBALL NEWS

• Twenty-three OC schools, including Mater Dei, Laguna Hills and Foothil take part in West Coast Kicking Academy Camp.
• Former Northwood qb Dan Selway holds camp at Great Park in Irvine.
• Tustin football coach Myron Miller drops double wing  in favor of pro style offense.
• Frostee Rucker of the Raiders returns for Tustin camp.