Ocean View players huddle up during a game this season. (Photo courtesy Ocean View football).
Ocean View High School’s football team, coached by Daniel Hernandez, has a bye this week before opening Sigma League play on Thursday, Oct. 2 vs. Los Amigos at Bolsa Grande.
The Seahawks made great strides in non-league play, going 4-1.
The Seahawks defeated Santiago 25-6 Friday night. Trevor Vaivao-Luapo had 10 carries for 88 yards and one rushing TD, Dylan Morales had 82 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, Isaac Young had one 70-yard receiving TD, Chris Vincent had seven receptions for 70 yards and quarterback Dean Northam completed 10 of 16 passes for 112 yards and one TD.
The week before, the Seahawks captured a 35-13 victory over Anaheim, led by Northam, who threw three touchdown passes.
Northam connected with Vincent on a 37-yard TD pass, a 65-yarder to Devyn Jenkins and and a 5-yard TD to Darrin Hernandez.
Freshman Elijah Stokely had an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and an 8-yard rushing TD, according to Coach Hernandez.
“Our early success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication from both our coaching staff and players,” the coach said. “The coaches have done an excellent job preparing this team not just in game strategy and execution, but by investing in the growth of each player, holding them accountable and believing in their potential.
“Equally, the players deserve a lot of credit for their commitment. Their willingness to show up every day, put in the work, and push each other to improve even when no one is watching, speaks volumes about their character and dedication.”
“We know the Sigma League will be a tough challenge. Every team has improved each week, and the coaches do a great job with game planning. Each game will feel like playoff football, and we look forward to competing at that level.”
Top players have included Vaivao-Luapo, a sophomore running back, who has 98 carries for 562 yards and five rushing touchdowns; Vincent, a senior wide receiver and defensive back, with 22 receptions for 261 yards, one receiving touchdown and three interceptions on defense; Armenta, a senior offensive and defensive lineman, who has nine tackles, two tackles for a loss and one interception; and Aidan Bond, a junior linebacker, who has recorded 39 tackles, seven tackles for a loss. and two pass breakups.
“I’m proud of how far this team has come and grateful to be part of a group that works so hard and supports each other every day,” Hernandez said. “There’s still a long season ahead, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
The coach said he’s looking forward to league competition beginning with the game against Los Amigos (3-1). The Lobos have a road game Friday vs. Eisenhower.
“We know the Sigma League will be a tough challenge,” Hernandez said. “Every team has improved each week, and the coaches do a great job with game planning. Each game will feel like playoff football, and we look forward to competing at that level.”
Ocean View has already surpassed last year’s win total when the Seahawks finished 3-7.
After losing its opening game to Fountain Valley, Ocean View responded with four straight wins: 16-0 over Bolsa Grande, 28-27 vs. Buena Park and victories over Anaheim and Santiago.
–Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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