Week Zero kicks off football

By OC Tribune Staff on August 14, 2022 • ( Leave a comment )

ED “JUN” RAMOS (26) carried the ball for Pacifica against Tustin in an Empire League game last fall (Orange County Tribune photos by Jim Tortolano).

The 2022 high school football season kicks off this Week Zero, with seven area schools opening pre-league play on Friday.

The most interesting matchup looks to be Pacifica at Orange at Fred Kelly Stadium on the El Modena High campus.

Pacifica, which finished 8-3 last season and advanced to the CIF playoffs after finishing third in the Empire League will have a new look with a new coach and somewhat different array of stars.

Vinnie Lopez unexpectedly resigned as head coach just before practice began, and the top post was taken by assistant Randy Franzman.

After the departure of Darius Cowens and Jordan Ross to play at Warren High of Downey, the offensive leaders of this Mariner team looks to be running back Jun Ramos and quarterback Noah Salas.

The Panthers have Kobe Boykin, a top running back, and wide receivers Aaron White and Jonathan Smith. They were 7-4 last season and won the Orange Coast League title.

Also worthy of attention is an intersectional game in which Edison visits Venice High of Los Angeles. The Chargers were 8-4 last season and finished second in the Sunset League. The Gondoliers were 8-4 and took second in the Western League.

Here’s the schedule of games involving schools serving the West Orange County area of Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Stanton and Westminster. All games are planned for Friday at 7 p.m., but schedules are subject to change without notice.