Orange County is filled with talented high school football players capable of leading their team to a victory. But some of those players stand out among that group.
Those are the players that reporter Michael Huntley selects for The Huntley 11 — the top players to watch each week.
Here is The Huntley 11 for Week 4:
DJ Mitchell, La Habra: La Habra didn’t pass much in its 42-8 win over Orange last week, but the sophomore quarterback could be due for a big game Thursday against La Mirada. La Mirada has allowed at least 250 passing yards in three of its four games this season.
Nathan Aceves, Brea Olinda: Aceves has rushed for over 110 yards per game this season and already has 10 rushing touchdowns. Brea Olinda’s opponent, Fullerton, has allowed at least 200 yards rushing in each of its three games this season so Aceves should get a lot of carries this week.
Reily Walker, Capistrano Valley: Walker leads Capo Valley with nearly 11 tackles per game. The Cougars’ opponent, Foothill, has run the ball over 30 times per game through its first four games which should set up the senior linebacker for a lot of tackles.
Tae Falelaulii, Edison: Edison ran for 249 yards and three touchdowns in its win over rival Fountain Valley last season. Falelaulii leads Edison’s offensive line and I expect the Chargers’ line to lead a big rushing game this week.
Cole Hidalgo, Northwood: Northwood plays Portola this week and the Bulldogs have thrown six interceptions in four games this season. Hidalgo leads Northwood’s secondary and had a big interception against Pacifica two weeks ago. Northwood’s defense has the potential to force multiple turnovers this week.
Will Viola, St. Margaret’s: St. Margaret’s plays Capistrano Valley Christian this week in a battle between two of Orange County’s best small schools. CVC head coach Brandon Camarillo was St. Margaret’s offensive coordinator last season. Viola had 117 receiving yards with three touchdowns last season against CVC and is a tough matchup for the Eagles’ secondary.
Tomuhini Topui, Mater Dei: St. Frances of Maryland played Orange Lutheran two weeks ago and had a very hard time protecting its quarterback against the Lancers’ defensive line. Topui is one of the best pass rushing interior defensive linemen in the county and might get multiple sacks this week.
Isaac Sanchez, Katella: Sanchez had three rushing touchdowns last week for Katella in a win over Magnolia. Katella’s opponent, Whittier, allowed 242 yards with five touchdowns last week in a loss to El Monte so Sanchez may be due for more touchdowns this week.
Javari Nash, Crean Lutheran: Crean Lutheran this week plays La Serna, which has an offense that is much more balanced than it was in the past. Nash had 11 tackles last week from the safety position against San Juan Hills. The junior will have to make plays against the run and the pass for the Saints to beat La Serna.
Cooper Starnes, La Quinta: Starnes has rushed for 424 yards and nine touchdowns through three games. La Quinta’s opponent this week, Glenn of Norwalk, has a stout running defense but the Aztecs will give Starnes a lot of chances to find the end zone this week.
Sammy Stremick, Newport Harbor: Newport Harbor will be seeking its first win of the season this week against another winless team, St. Augustine. Stremick has been Newport Harbor’s best two-way player this season and I think he will help lead the Sailors to their first win.
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