Twelve starters return to lead Santa Ana football team under first-year head coach

Santa Ana players take the field for a game last season. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Santa Ana High School’s new football coach Rory Schoonmaker said this week he’s been pleased with the progress of his squad entering the season opener on Friday, Aug. 18.

Twelve starters return giving the new coach an optimistic outlook entering the season.

“The transition has gone about as smoothly as any transition can,” said Schoonmaker, who was offensive coordinator under former head coach Charlie TeGantvoort, now the coach at Marina.

“Though change is very rarely easy, the kids believe in what we are doing and have been extremely receptive and enthusiastic in regard to the program changes we have made. I really would not be in the position I am without the support of our former head coach Charlie TeGantvoort. Charlie is a good friend, probably the best I have in the coaching world right now.  We still speak on a weekly basis and he has been extremely supportive of me taking on the role here at Santa Ana.”

Schoonmaker is setting high goals for the Saints.

 “We have only vocalized one goal to our kids for the coming season, to win a CIF championship,” he said. “I feel often coaching staffs overload their players with too many goals, which is something I have definitely been guilty of in the past.

“While we would love to beat the teams we have developed strong rivalries with, win the Orange Coast League, and come out on top in each individual game on our regular season schedule, none of those accomplishments meet the level of success we have set for ourselves this coming season.”

The Saints begin the season with more experience on offense than last year.

“Offensively, we should be in a good position to improve on our level of efficiency from last season,”
the coach said.  “Going from two returning starters in 2022 to six returning starters in 2023, we will definitely lean more on our experienced group this season.”

Leading the way will be three-year starter Sergio Torres, a dual threat at quarterback who is entering his senior season.

“While Sergio is a phenomenal athlete, his 20 varsity starts over the last two years has really given him a PhD in the offensive scheme and structure,” Schoonmaker said.  “Through the off-season he has built on his strong rapport with our returning receivers Christian Ramos, Adrian Sanchez, and Anthony Acosta.  Our offensive line is highlighted by our left tackle Cristian Murillo, who is a team captain who has really embraced his leadership role on the field this off-season.”

There are also six returning starters on defense.

“Ignacio Marin will be a disruptive player at level one (the line) who can win with quickness and strength,” Schoonmaker said. “Our defense is really anchored at level two with our returning linebackers Jose (Junior) Martinez, Brian Sanchez, and Joshua Sandoval. 

“Our defensive secondary has benefitted this off-season from a great deal of competition.  Two players who have been positively affected by this are returning cornerbacks Anthony Fields and Luis Tlachi.  The competition has really allowed us to develop some depth and versatility in our secondary for the coming season.”

Santa Ana is also looking to some newcomers to contribute, including freshman defensive lineman Troy Alvarez, defensive back/wide receiver Ruben Guerrero, defensive back/running back Charles Hughes, defensive back/wide receiver Luis Lopez and offensive tackle Fabian Navarro.

Schoonmaker said he believes his team will be well prepared for the season.

“We have phenomenal group leadership,” he said.  “With 12 returning starters, we will be one of the more experienced teams we have had here at Santa Ana High School in recent memory.  Additionally, this is absolutely the best physically conditioned group as a whole that we have had in my time here.  The kids have been putting in hard work both in the weight room and on the field, and hopefully it keeps us healthy and ready for the long season our team goal demands.”

Santa Ana was 8-4 overall and finished second in Orange Coast League with a 5-1 mark last season. The Saints defeated Fillmore 14-7 in the opening round of the CIF Division 10 playoffs before losing to Palmdale 21-14 in the second round.

2023 SCHEDULE

Home games at Santa Ana Stadium

Friday, Aug. 18, at Paramount

Friday, Aug. 25, (H) vs. Laguna Hills

Friday, Sept. 1, (H) vs. Garden Grove

Friday, Sept. 8, at Laguna Beach

Thursday, Sept. 14, (H) vs. St. Margaret’s

Friday, Sept. 22, at Estancia

Friday, Sept. 29, at Calvary Chapel

Friday, Oct. 6, (H) vs. Costa Mesa

Friday, Oct. 13 (H) vs. Saddleback

Friday, Oct. 27, at Orange

For best view, click on the photo:

  

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