Bravehearts

Costa Mesa High football coach Dave Perkins has an offensive line

that most coaches can only dream of.

The Mustangs’ five starters along the offensive line are all 245

pounds or more. Among the five starters, there are two All-Golden

West League performers from a year ago and two others who have

started in the past.

That experience and size has paid big dividends for Costa Mesa’s

rushing game, as evidenced by the 466 rushing yards the Mustangs

compiled against Ocean View Friday in a 53-19 victory.

The primary benefactor of the offensive line’s prowess has been

tailback Omar Ruiz, who has gained 490 yards in the Mustangs’ last

two games.

“It’s been easy for me to read [my blockers],” Ruiz said. “I only

need a little hole and they’ve been giving me a big one.”

Leading the charge for Costa Mesa has been senior center Luke

Sapolu (5-foot-11, 250 pounds) and junior tackle Rodrigo Gutierrez

(6-4, 275), all-league selections last year.

Gutierrez missed the first two games of the season because of

injury, but when he returned in Week 3, the Mustangs running game

really took off.

Joining those two among the front five are senior guard David

Vernotico (6-0, 245), junior guard Bryce Carich (6-3, 255) and senior

tackle Zenri Kato (6-3, 285).