Returning starters bolster prospects for Ocean View football team in new league

Ocean View players take the field for a game last season. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman).

Ocean View High School’s football team made great strides last season under first-year coach Daniel Hernandez, finishing 6-6 overall and winning the first CIF playoff game for the program since 2011. The Seahawks defeated Bolsa Grande in the opening round of the CIF Division 14 playoffs before losing to Bell Gardens in the second round.

The Seahawks are looking to continue progressing this year under Hernandez.

“We are looking to build on our success from last season,” he said. “We are returning nine starters offensively and hope we can continue to grow. On the defensive side of the ball we return eight starters so we are looking for them to improve from last year as they are in their second year with defensive coordinator Vince Perry.

“We will have some young talent that we hope to contribute early on.”

Players to watch include Gaige Prichard, fullback-linebacker, senior; Ivan Ortiz, wide receiver, defensive back, kicker, senior; Chris Vincent, wide receiver defensive back, junior; Devyn Jenkins, safety, junior; Isaac Young, quarterback, sophomore; Gregory Gates, safety, sophomore; Darrin Hernandez, junior, wide receiver, defensive back (son of Coach Hernandez); Pedro Maldonado, offensive and defensive lineman, senior; Zack Wojtaszek, offensive and defensive lineman, senior; Elijah Armenta, offensive lineman, junior; and Randy Leal, offensive and defensive lineman, junior.

Ocean View will compete in the new Sigma League as part of a major re-leaguing plan for most Orange County programs. Other teams in the league are Estancia, Rancho Alamitos, Santa Ana Valley, Calvary Chapel and Los Amigos.

“With the new leagues I really like where we were placed,” Hernandez said. “The league is very competitive and I think everyone has a chance to win it. We as a program are looking forward to the upcoming season. This off-season we focused on lifting and getting stronger and I am pleased with where we are.” 

2024 SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 23, (H) Fountain Valley

Friday, Aug. 30 (H) Anaheim

Friday, Sept. 6 (H) Gahr

Friday, Sept. 13, at Artesia

Friday, Sept. 20 at Bolsa Grande

League

Friday, Oct. 4, (H) Los Amigos

Friday, Oct. 11 (H) Santa Ana Valley

Friday, Oct. 18, at Estancia

Friday, Oct. 25, at Calvary Chapel (Segerstrom)

Friday, Nov. 1, (H), Rancho Alamitos

(Third in a summer series of football updates)

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