Prep football: Big numbers, small bodies

Barry Faulkner

CORONA DEL MAR - The numbers are up, and down, at Corona del Mar

High, which began spring football practice May 15.

The upside is 73 bodies (combined varsity and junior varsity), which

Freeman believes may be unprecedented.

“That’s the most we’ve had in a long time. I don’t even think we had that

many when we two-platooned with big teams in 1980 and ‘81,” said Dick

Freeman, entering his sixth season as head coach after two separate

stints at CdM as an assistant.

The down side, however, is a lack of imposing size.

“I think we have two guys who weigh more than 300 pounds (Dave Richardson

and Thomas Scheck),” Freeman said. “From there, we drop off to a few guys

who are around 220.”

But Freeman, whose squad went 3-8, but shared the Pacific Coast League

title in its first crack at the circuit last fall, believes what the Sea

Kings lack in size, they may make up for in speed.

“We’re going to be athletic and we’ll have good team speed,” Freeman

said. “We’re going to more quick-hitting stuff on offense, because we

won’t be able to pound on people.”

Freeman has also been encouraged by this team’s work ethic, which he will

test this spring with a strong emphasis on fundamentals.

“These guys have had a pretty good attitude all year long,” Freeman said.

“We have some good leadership from our senior group and our young guys

are very entusiastic. I really like our group of sophomores. They’re hard

workers and they have decent ability. We’re going to have a real JV team

for the first time since I’ve been head coach.”

Freeman said the emphasis on fundamentals will lay the foundation for

more detailed offensive and defensive instruction in the summer and fall.

“We won’t implement a lot during spring,” he said. “We’ll have enough of

a passing game and a pass defense, so we can play a passing league game.”

Freeman singled out the senior leadership provided by decorated outside

linebackers Blake Hacker (All-PCL) and Nick Prosser (all-league and

All-Newport-Mesa District), as well as Tuamata Grey, who will be a senior

middle linebacker next fall.

Hacker, just 5-foot-7, 170 pounds, but a warrior in the weight room,

could also be a leader in the offensive backfield.

Quarterback, like most of the positions up front, is up for grabs.

Returning starters Evan Burden, a late arrival from volleyball, and Matt

Moore, as well as Fountain Valley transfer Dylan Hendy, who will be a

junior, are among those trying to impress.

Freeman said Richardson, 6-5, 320 as a junior, but working his way closer

to 300 and moving well, appears ready for a breakthrough campaign.

The Sea Kings are practicing three days a week, typically Monday, Tuesday

and Thursday, and lifting the other two. Freeman said they will conclude

spring drills with a June 17 seven-on-seven scrimmage.