Player to watch: Only a sophomore, Mitch Leigber making big plays on both sides for Laguna Hills football

Mitch Leigber is making big contributions for the Laguna Hills football team. (Photo courtesy Laguna Hills football)

Mitch Leigber is having quite a year offensively and defensively for the Laguna Hills football team and his accomplishments are especially remarkable considering he is just a sophomore.

“Mitch is the best sophomore in the county. He is a Laguna Hills kid,” said Coach Mike Maceranka. “He chose to play with the kids he grew up with and (where) his parents went to high school.

“His impact on Laguna Hills football is important, proof it’s not where you go to school; it’s what you put on video and the talent which will get you recruited. He averages 30 yards per kick return, has one punt return for a touchdown and several big returns.

“As a receiver the first five games he had 34 receptions for 453 yards and seven touchdowns (13 yard average).”

Leigber has been moved to running back the last three games and he has produced and has been instrumental in the Hawks jumping out to a 2-0 Sea View League record.

“As a staff we had to get him more touches per game and it is working,” Maceranka said. “He has carried the ball 53 times for 367 yards (7 yard average) and five touchdowns.”

Leigber has also produced big-time on defense.

“On defense he has 44 tackles and one interception.” Maceranka said. “His physicality on defense is what sets him apart. He is explosive to the ball and brings the hammer on his tackles. He is football savvy and can read the offense and be in the right place at the right time.”

Maceranka applauds the Leigber family for keeping their son in the area he has grown up in.

“His family chose to have him be a student athlete who can make a huge impact on his local school,” he said. “He is a rare breed in today’s day in age of high school football.”

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