Whittier Christian QB Ryan Esslinger (left) should become best friends with Cody Bronkar (right) on the field in 2012
(For now we’ve left the Mid-Valley Division as is, several could be leaving to the Northwest. We’ll post a new revamped list when division alignments are official. Southeast newbies next week.)
In no particular order. Some were starters, some have had only a few reps, but because of compulsory issues concerning life, time, and space this is their moment to rise to the forefront. Don’t look for an Elffers or Heyworth, you already know who they are.
Patrick Avila, Valley Christian
NOTES: 5-8, 170—Senior: Became a starter last season, showed a good arm. Struggled with decision making early but got better. Threw 12 interceptions first six weeks of 2011, only two over the last five. He’s ready.
Brandon Jauregui, Arroyo
NOTES: 5-11, 155—Junior: Been hearing about him for years, so this is no surprise. Tough to get on the field with Steven Rivera ahead of you. A deluxe athlete who promises to be a headache for the rest of the MVL…Unless baseball takes him away.
Joey Harmon, South Pasadena
5-10, 160—Junior: Good sophomore year and has talent coming back behind him. Pretty good arm we should get to see more of as Tigers compete for playoff birth and second place in the Rio Hondo League.
Tristian Escobar, Bell Gardens
NOTES: 6-0, 175—Junior: We started honking for Escobar after seeing film on him in February. Looked terrific at four-way toss between BG, Alhambra, Arroyo, and Rosemead. Everyone loves a southpaw.
Jesse Hanckel, Village Christian
NOTES: Sophomore: Jay Schroeder has the quarterback he’s looking for and despite losing Amjed Aboul-hosn there is a lot of talent coming back for the Crusaders. Growing pains? Of course. Big payoff? Potentially. Big arm.
Dyran Adams, Duarte
NOTES: 5-11, 170—Senior: The Falcons have been off the football map since 2008 and even though they were solid in 2011 you probably haven’t heard of Adams. A load to bring down, more runner than thrower but he can still deliver the ball. Explosive, with explosive talent around him.
Ryan Esslinger, Whittier Christian
NOTES: 5-11, 165—Junior: Didn’t get many looks last year but has a lot of home run hitters around him. Start with Cody Bronkar and Noah Evans at receiver. There may be some early struggles but Sergio Gradilla’s offense is quarterback friendly and Esslinger will gunslinging freely by week six.
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