University coaches talk to players after a game last season. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).
University High School’s football team will have some new players when it opens the season on Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Capo Valley Christian at home. University does not have a zero week game.
The Trojans will be competing in the Omicron League with Pacifica, Portola, Woodbridge, Buena Park and Katella.
University was 4-6 overall and 1-2 in the Pacific Hills League last season.
“We’re a young team again replacing 21 seniors, so it will be fun to watch the next group of players make their mark,” said University Coach Vince Mesa. “Looking forward to playing some new competition.
“I think the new league will be competitive this year. We’ve played some really tough schools the past few years, and I think for the first time since taking over it’s more balanced.”
Top players returning for University are senior Geoff Soriano, a three-year starter; Michael Gasper, a three-year starter who was second team all-league last year; Damari Carter, a three-year starter who was second team all-league; Carl Oldham, a three-year starter and Lucca Clouthier, a junior who started last year.
“Michael has been the heart of the offensive line for the last two years and will anchor it once again for his senior season,” Mesa said. “He will play a bigger role on defense this year as well.
“Damari has been a starter for us in the secondary the last two years, and he will step in as the leader in that group. Damari will have an expanded role in offense this year as well.”
New players for the Trojans include Justin Tribble, Luke Emerich, Maxson Encheff and Adham Osman.
2024 SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29, (H) vs. Capo Valley Christian
Friday, Sept. 6, at Los Amigos
Thursday, Sept. 12, (H) vs. Estancia
Friday, Sept. 20, (H) vs. Garden Grove
Friday, Sept. 27, at Glenn
League
Friday, Oct. 4, (H) vs. Pacifica
Friday, Oct. 11, at Buena Park
Friday, Oct. 18, at Portola
Friday, Oct. 25, (H) vs. Woodbridge
Friday, Nov. 1, at Katella
For full view, click on the photo:
Photo courtesy University football
(Another in a series of high school football previews).
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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