CONTACT US

Contact Form

    News Details

    Orange County football preview 2026: CVC, Whittier Christian and 8-man
    • August 19, 2026

    Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now


    SMALL SCHOOLS PREVIEW

    This is a look at Orange County’s small school teams in football including Capistrano Valley Christian, Whittier Christian, Sage Hill and Vista Meridian.

    CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN

    What to expect: The Eagles return to the Ironwood League after finishing 3-7 last season, including 1-4 in league. The six-team league consists of Aquinas, Heritage Christian, Valley Christian, Village Christian and Western Christian. The Eagles graduated two, under-the-radar college-bound players in lineman Benjamin Makelela (Iowa State) and defensive back Sam Brown (Kentucky). They feature three returning starters on offense and three on defense. Junior quarterback Dalton Hastings, a transfer last year from San Clemente, rises from the junior varsity level to team with some intriguing skill players. Wide receivers Gavin Gizzi and Luke Langdale, and tight end Ben Mannion are among the team’s top players. Gizzi and Mannion combined for 43 catches for 477 yards and four TDs. Running back Ezra Nyhan is another skill player to keep an eye on. “Our strength this year will be our skill players,” CVC coach Brandon Camarillo said. “Although we are young there, it is a very talented group that we are really excited about.” Gizzi (junior), Langdale (senior), Mannion (junior) and Nyhan (senior) also play defense. Junior Hudson Donnely is a two-way linemen. CVC opens against West Valley on Friday at Laguna Hills High.

    WHITTIER CHRISTIAN

    What to expect: The Heralds shift to the Cottonwood League after finishing 2-8 last season, including 1-4 in the Mesquite League. The six-team Cottonwood League includes Arrowhead Christian, Notre Dame of Riverside, Riverside Prep, Vasquez and Webb. Former NFL defensive back Keith McGill takes the coaching reins from James Harrison, who is now the defensive coordinator at Raymond in Mississippi. McGill served as Whittier Christian’s defensive coordinator last season and as an assistant in 2024. The former Raiders cornerback played collegiately at Utah and Cerritos College, and in high school at La Mirada and St. John Bosco. McGill took the helm in mid-June and said that Whittier Christian is rebuilding. He is focused on establishing a winning culture. “Keith has demonstrated a genuine commitment to our student-athletes and is passionate about developing them not only as football players, but as young men of character, discipline, and faith,” the school stated in announcing McGill’s hire. Whittier Christian opens at La Sierra on Saturday.

    SAGE HILL (8-MAN)

    What to expect: The Lightning return to the Tri-Valley League after finishing 4-5 overall last season. They placed third in the league and lost to Chadwick 58-49 in the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 8-man playoffs. The Tri-Valley expands to the six teams this fall and consists of Cate, Chadwick, Flintridge Prep, Pasadena Poly and Thacher. Sage Hill’s strength is at the skill positions, coach BJ Crabtree said. Running back Ashton Ataii and wide receiver Dylan Streiff have received recruiting interest from Division III schools. Adam Pirnazar and Caleb Kuo are other wide receivers to watch. Bryce Pruter plays running back and tight end, and is the team’s defensive leader at linebacker. Ataii, Streiff, Pirnazar and Kuo also are two-way players and form a core group of seniors with Pruter. Junior quarterback Gunner Hall is coming off a strong offseason, Crabtree said. Sage Hill opens by playing host to Trinity Classical Academy of Valencia on Saturday. “Our aspirations are climbing,” Crabtree said.

    VISTA MERIDIAN (8-MAN)

    What to expect: Vista Meridian returns to the Express League after finishing 3-5 overall last season. The league will consist of Avalon, Calvary Chapel of Downey, Legacy and Southlands Christian. Vista Meridian features eight returning players. The Eagles’ players to watch include quarterback Erick Osorio, tailback Jose Benitz and linebacker Jonathan Resendiz. “We should be competitive,” coach Bob Barone said. Vista Meridian opens Aug. 28 by playing host to Calvary Baptist of La Verne.

    Note: Magnolia Science Academy will not field an 8-man football team this season because of “low interest”, athletic director Spencer Solomon said.

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    News