Breakers have fresh start in league

The Laguna Beach High football team opens the second half of its 2015 regular season Friday but in many ways, it will be a fresh start for the Breakers.

The new start is the opening of Orange Coast League play when the Breakers play host to Costa Mesa at 7 p.m. at Guyer Field.

The game marks the first step in Laguna’s attempt to reach its preseason goal: snag an automatic CIF playoff berth. Reaching that goal will be determined by how the Breakers play over the course of the next five weeks.

“We’re starting out fresh,” Laguna Coach Ted Clarke said. “Everyone in league is 0-0 at this point.

“What I told the kids is that if you finish in third place or above in league, you can reach CIF.”

Laguna had last week off, a bye week after a 2-3 record through nonleague play.

In lieu of a game last week, the Breakers held a team dinner and game night Oct. 2 at Guyer Field.

“The bye week gave the kids, even us, the coaches, the chance to catch our breath and the chance to get caught up on things,” Clarke said. “We had a great time during team night and the kids really seemed to enjoy themselves.”

Costa Mesa also was idle last week. The Mustangs head into Friday’s game sporting a 4-1 record, and a No. 8 ranking in the CIF Southern Section Southern Division poll. They are led on offense by sophomore quarterback Ben Swanson (612 passing yards, three touchdowns, four interceptions), running back Jonathan Brucales (373 yards, five touchdowns), and receiver Cameron Curet (300 yards, four touchdowns).

“I like their offense, they do some nice things,” Clarke said. “They have some good-looking kids and their offensive line is playing hard and playing well. They will keep us honest. They like to run the ball, spread you out. It’s a big challenge for our kids.”

Costa Mesa is the third (Cerritos Valley Christian and Westminster, the others) ranked opponent the Breakers will have faced in their first six games. The Mustangs are ranked No. 9 in the CIF Southern Section Southern Division.

“We have a goal to make the playoffs but we, literally, have been taking things one practice session at a time, one game at a time,” Clarke said. “We’re moving in a positive direction and if we continue to get better, and the stars align, then our goal is within reach.”

Clarke said Friday’s game is Senior Night for the Breakers who also will pay tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink armbands and hats.

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Football Season Log (2-3)

0...Valley Christian...50

16...Bolsa Grande...12

0...Segerstrom...45

18...Westminster...28

21...Sage Hill...17

Friday: *Costa Mesa, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16: at *Saddleback (Segerstrom High), 7 p.m.

Oct. 23: *Estancia (homecoming), 7 p.m.

Oct. 30: at *Calvary Chapel (Ocean View High), 7 p.m.

Nov. 6: at *Godinez (Segerstrom High), 7 p.m.

(*denotes Orange Coast League game)