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The top passing tournament for summer football in Orange County returns Saturday with the Battle at the Beach at Edison.
Here’s seven storylines to follow:
1. How will Santa Margarita look in its first major passing tournament under Carson Palmer?
The Eagles step into the summer spotlight for the first time under new coach Carson Palmer.
They were expected to compete at Mission Viejo’s South County Classic on June 28 but withdrew because of the lack of available players.
The Battle at the Beach could provide an extended look at Santa Margarita quarterback Trace Johnson, a transfer from Florida who is committed to Tulane.
The Eagles open against Edison at 9 a.m. in Pool A.
2. Who will emerge as the playmakers for Edison?
The host Chargers reached the semifinals of the Battle at the Beach last summer behind the two-way contributions of wide receivers/defensive backs Jacob Martin and Jake Minter. Both players graduated so returning quarterback Sam Thomson will be throwing to a few emerging targets.
Edison’s top returning receiver is Ayden Degiacomo, who had 31 catches for almost 600 yards last season. The junior earned second-team All-Alpha League honors last season.
Chargers coach Jeff Grady said Teo Hampton is another wide receiver/defensive back to watch.
Edison, the reigning CIF State Division 1A champion, opens against Santa Margarita.
3. How will new Los Alamitos quarterback Colin Creason perform?
First-year starting quarterback Colin Creason has earned strong reviews from Griffins coach Ray Fenton.
“He’s the best-kept secret in Southern California,” Fenton said of Creason, a senior who didn’t play last season. “He throws a great ball and he’s better in 11-on-11 than 7-on-7.”
Creason’s top targets include Boise State committed tight end Beckham Hofland, Army committed running back Lenny Ibarra, Kamden Tillis, Ashton Gogue and Leo Swietlikowski.
Los Alamitos’ young secondary will be tested in Pool B. The Griffins’ strength on defense will be their line, Fenton said.
4. How will new JSerra quarterback Koa Smith-Mayall fare?
Junior Koa Smith-Mayall (5-11, 170) has emerged as the Lions’ QB1 following the transfer of Ryan Hopkins to Mater Dei.
Smith-Mayall was on the Lions’ radar last summer at the tournament but had a knee injury.
He has earned positive reviews this summer and has talented targets such as Columbia committed wide receiver Jarod Sersansie and Clark Cokley.
JSerra coach Victor Santa Cruz said sophomores Sam Fredericksen and Luca Deleon, and junior Dylan Brown are other receivers to watch.
JSerra opens against Palos Verdes and QB Ryan Rakowski at 9 a.m. in Pool B.
5. Can Servite improve on its performance at the Brave 8?
The Friars went 1-2 in pool play before falling to host St. John Bosco 37-14 in the quarterfinals of the Brave 8 on June 28.
In pool play, Servite lost to Carlsbad 30-15 and Serra 7-0.
The Friars are blending new quarterback Kale Murphy, a transfer from Mission Viejo, with a new-look wide receiving corps. The group includes standout sprinter Benjamin Harris.
Speedy Jorden Wells could play running back.
Servite opens against defending champion Mission Viejo at 9 a.m. in Pool D.
6. Can Mission Viejo complete a ‘Triple Crown’ of summer passing tournaments?
The Diablos won Millikan’s Tournament of Champions in May. And they captured the South County Classic in late June. A title at Edison’s Battle at the Beach would cap a “Triple Crown” of sorts for their summer passing season.
Mission Viejo edged St. John Bosco in the finals of the Edison tournament last year.
7. Will St. John Bosco continue to showcase its depth?
The Braves rotated numerous players on both sides of the ball in finishing second to San Clemente at the Brave 8.
St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro said he plans to continue the trend Saturday in an effort to establish culture and seek winning combinations for the season.
One position to watch is cornerback. St. John Bosco features several noteworthy players including USC commit Joshua Holland, Jashaun Shaffer, Jailen Hill, Jacob Whitehead, Dorian Franklin and freshmen Prentice Jones Jr. and Solomon Nash.
The Braves open against Cathedral of Los Angeles at 9 a.m. in Pool C.
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