Free wheelin’

Mike Sciacca

Forget, for the moment, that Jake Wheeler is one of the top-rated

receivers in Orange County.

He is, listed at No. 2 on the county receiving ledger with 739

yards and 44 receptions, and tied for the top spot in touchdown

receptions with nine.

Dismiss, too, the fact that the varsity standout could easily find

his way into several categories in the Laguna Beach High football

record books as a wide receiver.

If the speedy, sure-handed Wheeler maintains the form he’s had in

the first six games of the season, he just might become the school’s

all-time receiving leader in touchdown receptions in a single season

and career, and receptions and receiving yards in a single season.

The numbers are great and the accolades are appreciated, the

6-foot-3, 190-pound, 17-year-old senior will tell you, but they are

not what he will take with him when he plays his final game as a

Breaker sometime in November.

It’s the little things, the behind-the-scenes work, seen only by

those on the practice and playing field, that mean the most to him.

“It’s really hard to sum up my experience playing football here at

Laguna Beach High but when it comes down to it, I’ve just had a

blast,” the well-spoken Wheeler said well after Tuesday’s practice,

as he took a break from studying for college entrance exams.

“My awesome coaches and teammates and all those involved with the

program, have made my high school football experience very

memorable.”

Spoken like a true politician which is exactly what Wheeler is:

he’s the president of the Associated Student Body for the current

school year.

But unlike some politicians, there is strong sincerity and

conviction behind Wheeler’s words, and a firm belief, too, that his

decision to first try playing team football as a freshman, has been

more than worthwhile.

He had watched his older brother, Bill, a 1998 Laguna Beach

graduate and current defensive line coach for the Breakers, play and

earn the distinction of being named the first member of the football

program’s distinguished “Black Watch.”

“I had only played soccer prior to high school but thought I’d

give football a try at Laguna,” Wheeler said. “I had watched my

brother play and thought it was exciting watching him play on Friday

nights, for his school. High school football was his first football

experience, too, and I saw what a great time he had. I told myself

that I wanted to experience that, too.”

Interestingly enough, when Wheeler first went out for football at

Laguna, he vied for the starting quarterback position on the freshman

team with Alex Wilson, the current varsity starting quarterback.

The two had a friendly rivalry early on and have grown to become

best friends, “like brothers,” Wheeler said. Like Wheeler, Wilson

also serves on the ASB cabinet, as vice president.

Although they traded the starting quarterback job as freshmen, by

the time the two had become juniors, Wheeler started on defense at

safety and Wilson filled the role of quarterback.

During last week’s Pacific Coast League opener against Corona del

Mar, though, it seemed like old times for the two.

In the game’s second quarter, the Wilson-Wheeler pass-catch

combination hooked up on a 30-yard touchdown play. But Wilson

suffered a knee sprain in the game, and Wheeler filled in for him at

quarterback.

In the fourth quarter, Wheeler teamed up with Brett O’Connor on a

20-yard touchdown pass.

“My thought has always been that I will play a position that’s

best for the team,” Wheeler said. “It felt strange but great to play

at quarterback again. It took me a little bit to get going but once I

did, it felt great out there.”

Although he ended the game at quarterback, Wheeler had 107 yards

on nine receptions against the Sea Kings.

Wheeler, without a doubt, has become Wilson’s favorite target.

“They’re a great combination and compliment each other really

well,” Laguna Beach coach Dave Holland said. “Alex has a great arm

and knows the offense real well, and Jake’s an impact player. He

would play the guard position, if you asked him to. He’s just an

outstanding young man.”

When asked what single memory on the football field stands out

most to him, Wheeler didn’t opt for a long touchdown reception, nor

the time this season that he ran back two interceptions for

touchdowns in a Sept. 13 victory over La Quinta.

No, with sincerity and a bit of sentiment, it was a particular

scene that contained more meaning.

“The other day, at the end of practice, as the team gathered

around before we left, I just looked at the guys and coaches, and

soaked it all in. The sun was going down, and it created a great

scene for me. I was just out there with the guys, my teammates, a

small group of guys who have worked hard all summer and this season.

“That moment made me realize I’ve had so much fun with all of this

and that I am really thankful for having the chance to play high

school football at Laguna Beach.”