Mustangs Counting On Strength Up Front

While many of Southern California high school football teams had to sweat out two-a-day practices in triple-digit heat, the Mira Costa High Mustangs are thankful their proximity to the beach made final preseason practices tolerable and are waiting eagerly to defend their CIF Western Division championship.

"Our goal is the same as always—we want to win a championship," senior J.R. Tavai said. "Expectations are high and we are excited to get out on the field and play our first game.''

The Mustangs opener is on Friday against Los Angeles Loyola and quarterback Jerry Neuheisel, son of UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel.

And though Mira Costa lost a number of key seniors to graduation, some important players on both lines return to provide a strong foundation for a run at a third consecutive Bay League championship.

''This team is not going to get outworked," offensive line coach Chuck Arrasmith said. "The kids have worked very hard and although we haven't played anyone yet, that first game is going to be a great chance for everyone to show what they're made of."

Arrasmith said he has been pleased with the progress on the offensive line with returning starters Jimmy Lee and Brent Darragh set to anchor the weak side—Darragh at guard and Lee at tackle.

"Mentally, we know where we need to be and what we're trying to accomplish," Darragh said. "The key for us will be how physical we are."

Ryan Daly steps in at center, making the line calls despite having no previous varsity experience. He will be flanked on the strong side by two newcomers, although the starters have not been announced.

The offensive line has been tested consistently by a defensive line that appears to be the strength of the team, specifically the interior lineman, a group led by Tavai, who is the reigning Western Division defensive player of the year.

"We think he's the best player in Southern California," Arrasmith said. "If there is a better one, we haven't seen him yet."

"It's a tremendous challenge lining up opposite J.R. he makes me a better player and having to go up against him all summer is great for me. When I went to camps I was always thinking 'these guys are nothing compared to him' Darragh said.

Tavai will receive help from talented sophomore R.J. Coleman, whose size and quickness should give opponents a headache. Junior Quinn Goldman at defensive tackle also is expected to play a key role.

"It's great to have big guys like them next to me," Tavai said. "If teams double me, it will open up some opportunities for the other guys and then you'll see the sparks fly."

Tavai who will be under the spotlight not only from opposing teams scheming to stop him, but also from colleges around the nation looking to recruit him. 

It is easy to pick out the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Tavai, as his dynamic playmaking ability is evident wherever he is on the field. He also will be deployed in the backfield as a tailback in short yardage situations and see time at fullback and tight end.

"J.R. loves the game and he doesn't care what position it is, he is ready to make a difference and compete no matter what is asked of him," Arrasmith said.

Another key player for the Mustangs will be the versatile Derek Largent, who will predominantly be used as a tight end on offense, and also has the size and skills to play on the defensive line, linebacker and even in the secondary.

"Derek has worked extremely hard and has added considerable strength from where he was last year," Coach Don Morrow said. "He's a completely different player physically and because he's so intelligent he's able to grasp all of our schemes. We have to be careful not to overuse him or have him do too many things."

In addition to Tavai and Largent, defensive backs Dante Bavis, Deon Morris and Tajes Mobley will see time at wide receiver and in the backfield at times to give the offense some added speed.

"We are fortunate in that we don't have to use guys on both sides of the ball all game," Morrow said. "But we have such talented players that it gives us flexibility to bring their strengths to both sides of the ball when needed."