News Summary
The Corona del Mar High School football team made an impressive run at Edison’s Battle at the Beach seven-on-seven passing tournament, reaching the Gold Bracket semifinals. Initially viewed as underdogs, the Sea Kings surprised many by defeating strong teams such as Lincoln and Servite. Despite falling short against Mission Viejo in the semifinals, the tournament showcased the potential and competitive spirit of CdM, promising a brighter future as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Corona del Mar Football Shines at Edison’s Battle at the Beach Tournament
The Corona del Mar (CdM) High School football team made an unexpected mark at Edison’s Battle at the Beach seven-on-seven passing tournament, advancing to the Gold Bracket semifinals and showcasing their competitive spirit among a field of 20 teams. Initially regarded as underdogs, with star receiver Dorsett Stecker estimating CdM to be among the “bottom three” teams, the Sea Kings secured victories over formidable opponents, including the San Diego powerhouse Lincoln and Trinity League team Servite.
Despite their initial expectations, CdM impressed spectators and opponents alike by reaching the semifinals, where they faced Mission Viejo. The match highlighted the Sea Kings’ skills, although they ultimately fell short against the Penn State-bound quarterback Troy Huhn, who scored multiple touchdowns during the game.
Key Performances and Statistics
CdM concluded the tournament with a commendable 4-2 record in a format that featured all-pass, no-rush games. Senior quarterback Brady Annett, who threw over a dozen touchdown passes to Stecker, expressed confidence in the team’s abilities to compete against any opponent. Stecker’s performance was particularly noteworthy, earning him attention from college programs despite concerns surrounding his height, showcasing his skills as a key player.
In a significant matchup, CdM managed to surprise Lincoln, the previous year’s Division 1-AA Bowl champion, in a closely contested game that ended with a tiebreaker. The match was temporarily halted due to an injury sustained by Lincoln’s receiver Braylen Ross, drawing concern from both sides regarding player safety.
Coach Kevin Hettig emphasized that while the goal of seven-on-seven tournaments is not solely about winning, they are crucial for honing timing, improving route mechanics, and maintaining player safety. Annett highlighted the development of camaraderie among receivers, including Stecker, Garrett James, and David Soto, as an essential factor in their competitive performance.
Implications for the Future
The success at the tournament has significantly boosted the confidence of the CdM team, particularly following a disappointing previous season where they did not qualify for the playoffs. The experience gained during this tournament is anticipated to serve them well as they head into the preseason camp. Hettig believes that the training from such competitions is valuable for the overall development of the players.
Challenges for Edison High School
In contrast, Edison High School faced challenges during the tournament, ending with a 2-3 record and expressing disappointment after struggling against teams like Santa Margarita and Inglewood. Edison’s quarterback, Sam Thomson, acknowledged the need for improved chemistry with his new receiving corps, while Caden Lo led the defense throughout the tournament.
Tournament Highlights
Mission Viejo went on to win the Gold final, defeating Mission Hills 23-6, while Santa Margarita claimed the Silver title with a commanding 23-0 victory. The outcomes reflect the competitive nature of the tournament and highlight the areas where teams, including CdM and Edison, can focus on improvement in the upcoming season.
Field Safety Concerns
Separately, the Corona del Mar community is also addressing serious safety issues concerning their athletic fields. Former player Garcia recently settled for $31 million due to injuries sustained as a result of unsafe field conditions, which were previously reported as hazardous. Legal representatives indicated that the Newport-Mesa Unified School District had overlooked multiple warnings regarding these dangerous conditions.
In light of these events, Garcia has stressed the importance of safe playing environments for future athletes, prompting discussions about reforms and safety assessments within the district.
The recent achievements of the Corona del Mar football team stand out in contrast to the ongoing concerns surrounding field safety and the experiences of past players, emphasizing both their competitive resurgence and the need for a safer environment in school athletics.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Los Angeles Times
- KTLA News
- MaxPreps
- Los Angeles Times – Sports
- Wikipedia: High School Football
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