OC Sports Zone Kickoff 2019: Estancia gets ready for this week’s opener against Loara

Estancia’s offense runs a play in practice in preparation for this week’s season opener. (Photo courtesy Estancia football)

Estancia High’s football team, coached by Mike Bargas, is preparing for its season opener Thursday night against Loara at Western High.

Estancia has four starters returning on offense and three on defense. The team finished 6-4 overall and was 3-2 in third place in the Orange Coast League.

Bargas said the team’s goals this year are to capture the league crown and earn a spot in the CIF playoffs and advance far in post season play.

He emphasizes that to accomplish those goals, the Eagles must “stay healthy and be lucky.

Estancia is counting on junior quarterback Kyle Blinn who Bargas said has shown “good potential.”

“(He must) make smart decisions and lead the team,” Bargas said.

Bargas added that he is also expecting a big year out of running back Beto Sotomayer, who Bargas said needs to carry the ball more than 30 times a game.

The key players on defense are linebackers Gannon Griffin, who is expected to lead the defense and Nathan Pacheco. Bargas said the Eagles also have high hopes for Jeremiah Davis, a talented transfer from Claremont, who will be used at running back.

Bargas added that wide receivers Jack Burns, a junior; and Trevor Thomas, a sophomore, are also expected to contribute to the team.

One of the keys will be the offensive line. “It must  play cohesive and get off the ball and work as a solid unit,” Bargas said.

Tentative offensive starters

Kyle Blinn, QB, junior, first year starter; Beto Sotomayor, RB, junior, played limited varsity football last year; FB, Mario Mondragon, senior was OL/DL last year LT Brian Agustin, junior, return starter; LG, Ethan Rodriguez, junior, up from JV last year; C, Margarito Olivera, senior, return starter; RG Jacob Potts, junior, limited play last year, played on JV and special teams on varsity; RT, Chris Pacheco, junior, mostly varsity special teams last year; TE Danny Arroyo, sophomore, up from the freshman team.

Tentative defensive starters

FS Kevin Henry, senior; SS, Jeremiah Davis, junior; CB, C Elijah Montoya, junior; CB, Beto Sotomayor. junior; OLB, Mario Mondragon, senior, OLB, Nathan Pacheco, return starter; ILB Nathan Zalpa; ILB Gannon Griffin, senior, return starter; NG, Margarito Olivera, senior; DE, Chris Pacheco, junior; DE, Cameron Rheuling, junior, return starter.

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