Lions have big names, bigger expectations

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers LISTEN, SON—Oaks Christian head football coach Bill Redell, left, offers junior quarterback Nick Montana a few words of advice prior to practice. Montana, a transfer from Concord De La Salle whose father, Joe, won four Super Bowls in San Francisco, will start. The Oaks Christian football program has gone through a roller coaster of emotions during the offseason.

In December, Lions head coach Bill Redell and his wife, Cheryl, were involved in a vicious automobile accident on the 10 Freeway that left each of them with compression fractures in their backs. Both are making full recoveries.

Once summer practices began, the team's field was turned into a paparazzi's dream as the sons of Wayne Gretzky (Trevor), Will Smith (Trey) and Joe Montana (Nick) all took the field at the same time.

Then there was the quarterback battle.

St. Bonaventure-transfer Tony Macarena was named the starter early in the summer, only to lose the job to Concord De La Salle transfer Nick Montana a week ago.

While the offseason was certainly turbulent, the Lions are looking forward to getting back to doing something they're very familiar with—winning ballgames.

Once again, OCHS is setting its goals high.

After capturing their recordtying fifth consecutive CIFFollow Southern Section title, the Lions expect nothing less than a CIF state championship in 2008.

"Our objective is to make the CIF playoffs," Redell said. "Winning league is also an objective, but you can make the playoffs without winning the Tri-Valley League.

"That being said, we want to do well in every game because we want to make the state championship."

To improve their chances of playing in a state title game, the Lions will face an extremely tough non-league schedule.

Oaks Christian's five opponents outside the Tri-Valley League— Bakersfield Christian, Muir, Diamond Ranch, Chaminade and Venice—had a combined record of 42-14 last season.

Left tackle Erik Kohler is ready for the challenge.

"We're looking great in practice," Kohler said. "We don't really think about winning streaks or consecutive section titles that much. We're just coming out every day and playing the game we love."

One reason Kohler is confident is because OCHS has arguably the best running back in Ventura County—junior Malcolm Jones.

Jones rushed for 2,025 yards and 25 touchdowns on 236 carries a year ago. He's already being courted by several Pac-10 programs.

"I've been working hard this year because I know how important my junior year is, with colleges starting to look at me," Jones said.

"Individually, I'd like to rush for around 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, but my main goal is to get back to the state championship and win it all."

Jones will certainly help take pressure off Montana, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior right-hander.

Redell said the decision to name Montana as the starter behind center was difficult.

"Both (Montana and Macarena) are great, but I believe what separates Montana right now is his height and the fact he's a little bit more mobile," Redell said. "Macarena probably has the stronger arm.

"I had a talk with Macarena about the decision and, yeah, he's still a little upset. But he's handled it very well under the circumstances he's been given. He'll still play a lot, but we're going to start games with Montana," the coach said.

Montana said he holds no ill will toward Macarena, and vice versa.

"I like having Tony here," Montana said.

"We're both helping each other to become better players, and we push ourselves harder because of the competition."

Macarena said he's becoming more familiar with Oaks Christian's offense.

"It's been a big adjustment for me since I've been here, but there are a lot of good people here. Not just the players, but the coaches, too."

Both signal-callers will have plenty of targets to throw to.

Senior Ryan Landseadel had 13 receptions for 210 yards and four touchdowns in '07. Senior tight end Chris Coyle, who's made a verbal commitment to Arizona State, caught 19 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns.

Other offensive weapons include senior wide receiver Peter Weber, junior wideout Brian Owusu and senior running back Jordan Morrison.

The offensive line is led by Cassius Marsh, Niall Padden, Tanner Maddux and Kohler.

While the offensive is explosive, the defense isn't too shabby, either.

In the Lions' final seven games a year ago, the defense only allowed 55 total points.

Defensive stars include cornerback Scott Arellano, linebacker Zac Stout, linemen Weston Denham and Alani Fua, as well as Jones, a linebacker, and Marsh, who also plays on the defensive line.

"At the beginning of the year the defense is going to be our greatest strength," Redell said. "The offense is good, but our defense is a little more experienced and has been tested in games before."

The team, which opens its season Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Bakersfield Christian, isn't living off past success.

"We know what our goals are, and we know what we're capable of doing," Montana said.

"We want to play our own game and make our own stamp on the Oaks Christian legacy."