Mira Costa Football to 'Open Offense'

An experienced offensive line and a talented class of juniors are two reasons Mira Costa coach Don Morrow is excited about the upcoming football campaign.

"We like this team a lot, especially the kids upfront," he said. Morrow is entering his 19th season as the Mustangs’ head coach.

"I think the experience we have upfront will be the biggest strength of our team. Last year, we had to play some sophomores on the offensive line, but that experience was great for them and now we have some veteran lineman," Morrow said.

Center Ryan Daly, tackles Joe Markus and R.J. Coleman and guard Mike Ruppert are among the line’s top returnees. So are tackle Quincy Brown and guard Cory Sanicky, who played well last season as a sophomore but now is coming off shoulder surgery.

Morrow though thinks Sanicky will be ready when the Mustangs kick off the season Sept. 2 against Loyola at L.A. Valley College. And Junior Alex Cuevas is being tapped as the starting quarterback. Though he’s inexperienced, Morrow said Cuevas has the tools to be a success.

"He’s had a real good summer," Morrow said. "He has a tremendous throwing arm. We just need to rein him in and make sure he throws it to our people instead of the opposition."

Morrow said he’ll give Cuevas—and senior backup Chase Caprio, if Cuevas struggles—the opportunity to open up the offense more this season. Though the Mustangs have frequently relied on a strong running attack, Morrow said they will pass more.

"We’ve always been a running team," he said. "I think us throwing more will make us a more balanced team."

While Cuevas’ development will be crucial to the Mustangs offensively, so will the team’s receiving corps. Senior Alec Weaver, who made some valuable plays last season, and senior Christian Rogers, a converted quarterback, are expected to be two of Cuevas’ main targets.

Junior Dylan Chen also could become a factor. And, junior receiver Rafael Lawson-Gayle could make the biggest impact, Morrow said.

"This kid gives us a definite breakaway guy," Morrow said. "He can really go. He hasn’t played any varsity ball, but I’m anticipating him to be a good deep threat guy."

Much is also expected of senior Stephen Giavati, who gets a nod as the starting tailback. Senior Tank Goldman and junior Jessie Harvey will handle the duties at fullback.

Defensively, All-Bay League linebacker Trey Tamura, a senior, is among the returnees. But Morrow seemed just as giddy about the possible emergence of linebacker Joe Buege, another senior.

"We’re really excited about him because we think he’s finally figured it out," Morrow said. "He is one of those kids that could be really good for us."

The secondary will be tested, but Morrow has confidence in safeties Zach Primm, and Ryan Sweigart and cornerbacks Maalik McClain and Rogers. Goldman and Coleman will anchor the team’s defensive line.

"We like our defense a lot," Morrow said.

The Mustangs, who finished 7-4 overall and 5-0 in league, have dominated league play for the past three seasons. They haven’t dropped a league game since 2007, winning 15 in a row since losing a 27-21 decision to Redondo in their final game of the season four years ago.

"The kids have a very blue-collar attitude here. They come in and work hard," Morrow said. "The continuity of the coaching staff is important. We get tremendous support from the school and the community. But the No. 1 thing is the kids are willing to listen and play hard. These kids try hard."

The Mustangs will open practice Aug. 16. They will host North Torrance in a scrimmage on Aug. 26.

After its opener against Loyola, Mira Costa will play nonleague contests against Inglewood (Sept. 9), Serra (Sept. 16), Chaminade (Sept. 30) and Newport Harbor (Oct. 6) before opening Bay League play against West Torrance on Oct. 14.