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Sports

Spring Football Preview: For Fountain Valley, It's Strength in Numbers

With many players having to take the field on both offense and defense last season, the Barons feature more depth as they begin their battle for a playoff berth from the rugged Sunset League.

Fountain Valley

2010 record: 3-6-1, 1-4. Fifth place in Sunset League

Postseason: Barons did not qualify for playoffs in 2010.

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Coach: John Shipp (8th year with Barons; 36-36-1 record)

Key Players Lost to Graduation: lineman Brandon Moss, linebacker Courtland Drummond and running back Montana Merhoff.

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Key Returning Players: senior Sean Myers (receiver, defensive back), junior Wyatt Christensen (receiver, linebacker), Mason Clevenger (tailback, linebacker), Cristian Calvillo (cornerback, tailback), Phillip Choi (linebacker).

Number of Returning Starters: 11, most all of whom played both ways.

Type of Offense: Spread, multiple formation.

Defensive Scheme: 3-3 stack

Notes: The defensive scheme of a 3-3 stack is a complicated defense to run, but with the many returning players, Shipp said they are much better at running it, so he sees potential for great improvement. In general the Barons are getting a lot of players who contributed as underclassmen or juniors and that experience could bode well.

“We feel we're a whole year better across the board,” Shipp said.

Still, the key questions for the Barons will be can they get what they need from an undersized line and will the young players mesh with the returners well enough to be effective. The Sunset League is traditionally a tough league and teams like Edison and Los Alamitos usually bring potent offenses. Five of the league's six teams were ranked among the Orange County Register’s Top 25 spring rankings. Fountain Valley (No. 21) was joined by Edison (No. 8), Los Alamitos (No. 9), Newport Harbor (No. 13) and Huntington Beach (No. 25).

Two junior transfers, Fale Asuega (Western High) and Anthony Davila (Estancia), are likely to see significant playing time for the Barons. Junior kicker Derek Huyen has a leg and could provide Fountain Valley an edge in field position and close games. Size on the line will be a question mark for the Barons heading into the season.

“Skill-wise, I like what we have,” Shipp said.

The Barons don’t have the number of players as many of their league counterparts, so the two-way play of many was more for necessity than design. This year that might change.

“We feel like we have a little more depth, so hopefully they don’t [have to play both ways]," Shipp said. "Maybe they get a little more rest, but it’s old-school football here.”

Fountain Valley's 2011 Varsity Football Schedule

Friday, Aug. 26 at Green Valley, Nevada, 7 p.m.

Thurday, Sept 8 vs. San Clemente at Westminster High, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16 at Corona, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 23 at Downey, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 30 vs. Trabuco Hills at Huntington Beach High, 7 p.m.

Friday Oct. 14 at Newport Harbor, 7 p.m. *

Thursday, Oct. 20 vs. Los Alamitos at Long Beach Veterans Stadium, 7 p.m. *

Friday Oct. 28 vs. Marina at Huntington Beach High, 7 p.m. *

Friday, Nov. 4 vs. Edison at Orange Coast College, 7 p.m. *

Friday, Nov. 11 at Huntington Beach, 7 p.m. *

* Indicates a Sunset League game 

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