Landrigan Gives Cougars Division I Trio in Football

Capistrano Valley’s Charlie Landrigan became the third Cougar football player to earn a Division I scholarship this year when he orally committed to USC.

Landrigan, a first-team Times all-county linebacker, will join teammate Malaefou MacKenzie, who committed to USC last week. Capistrano Valley Coach Dave Brown said USC discovered Landrigan while recruiting MacKenzie.

“They were looking at another fullback, but when he dropped out they got Landrigan,” Brown said. “They knew he was a good quality player and they just got him.”

Landrigan picked USC over Army, Rice and Pittsburgh. MacKenzie, a Parade All-American who rushed for 1,320 yards last season, chose USC over Ohio State. He also had considered Colorado, UCLA and California.

“He was very relieved to get it over with,” Brown said of MacKenzie. “It got to the point where he was screening his calls.”

Brown’s other Division I recruit is quarterback Austin Moherman, who orally committed to Ohio State.

“It’s really amazing to have three Division I kids,” Brown said. “Maybe someday they’ll meet in the Rose Bowl.”

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Zack LaMonda and Steve Ward of Servite have made college commitments. LaMonda, an offensive lineman, orally committed San Diego State. Ward, a wide receiver, orally committed to attend Villanova.

LaMonda, a Times first-team all-county selection, helped Servite (11-2) reach the section semifinals with one of the county’s most prolific offenses.

Ward caught 72 catches for 1,570 yards on his way to becoming a Times first-team all-county pick.

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San Clemente’s Ryan Davis, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound running back who rushed for 1,021 yards last season, has decided to attend the Naval Academy. Davis said he was also considering the Air Force Academy.

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Aliso Niguel running back/defensive back Scott Nemeth, who rushed for 1,568 yards and 32 touchdowns, has orally committed to Colorado, booster club president Steve Burt said. Nemeth, 6-2, 220, is expected to play outside linebacker for the Buffaloes. Nemeth also considered Stanford, Cal, UCLA and USC.