Backfield in transition

Mike Sciacca

The West Coast ball-control style of offense the Huntington Beach

Oilers ran in Mike Groscost’s maiden voyage as head coach last fall

figures to be the bread-and-butter for the 2003 team, as well.

The shoes the Oilers will need to fill, though, are big, as there

is no more Patrick Harrigan in the backfield.

Harrigan has graduated, taking with him the title of school

single-season rushing leader.

Harrigan accounted for 1,653 yards last season -- good for a 7.3

average -- en route to being named Sunset League Back of the Year, as

well as All-CIF Southern Section Division I.

He was part of a one-two backfield punch that included the

graduated Jimmy Niutapuai, who played fullback and linebacker.

Niutapuai was a first-team All-Sunset selection in 2002.

“The way we run our offense is to control the ball through our

rushing game and pair it with a high-percentage passing attack,”

Groscost said. “Patrick and Jimmy are no longer on this team, but we

feel our rushing attack will still be strong.”

For other strengths, check out this position-by-position

breakdown:

Quarterback: Rory Schoonmaker will get the starting call at

quarterback, with Eki Faagi in the backup spot.

“Both can play the position but Rory will get the start,” Groscost

said. Schoonmaker started six games last year.

“Rory is very reliable and Eki can make things happen on the

field.”

Running backs: Heading into fall practice, Groscost said the race

to fill the Oiler backfield was still up in the air.

“We really won’t know who the leader is until we get into pads,”

he said. “We have some pretty solid runners, though.”

The call at fullback and/or tailback could go to 5-foot-11,

180-pound junior Nick Howe, Groscost said.

Junior Rosny Daniel (5-8, 175), Chris Davidson and Justin Montes

will also vie for time in the backfield.

“Ball control is a key for us on offense,” Groscost said. “We need

to effectively run the ball and get protection up front.”

Receivers: One key target for both quarterbacks will be senior

Andrew Mahlmeister (6-3, 220), who was a second-team all-league

performer last year and will begin his third year as a varsity

starter.

The receivers corps also will include senior Matt Castillo.

Senior Mark Jaso (6-0, 170), a returning wide receiver and

defensive back, is out of action indefinitely. Groscost said he broke

his thumb and is recovering from mononucleosis.

Offensive line: The Oiler front wall features returning senior

starters Derek Escobedo (6-0, 270) and Robert Schneider (6-3, 230).

Escobdo was a second-team All-Sunset League pick in 2002 and is a

three-year varsity starter. He will serve as one of the team captains

in 2003.

Playing at one guard spot is Steve Saleski.

“[Saleski] is one of the strongest guys on our team and very

quick, too,” Groscost said.

“We don’t have a lot of depth and some of these guys will play

both ways,” Groscost said. “We’ll have to avoid injuries in order to

be successful.”

Defensive line: Escobedo and Schneider are among those who will be

asked to handle double duty, as they are both projected to help

anchor this unit, the first wave of a four-four scheme.

Linebackers: Elliot Guest, a second-team all-league honoree last

season, leaves one of four voids in the linebacking corps.

Daniel will also help out here, in addition to his running back

chores.

“He’s the captain of our defense,” said Dan Brummett, defensive

coordinator. “Rosny is a real leader out there.”

Junior Jarod Cipriano (5-10, 180) is a returning starter, while

Mahlmeister, one of the Oilers’ most athletic players, is expected to

contribute at outside ‘backer.

Secondary: Faagi yet another two-way performer at strong safety,

as is Howe, who is expected to man one cornerback spot. Castillo is

also expected to contribute along the last line of defense.

Senior Kyle Lodge (5-10, 170), a versatile player, has been moved

from strong safety to cornerback.