Bravehearts

Patrick Laverty

Situated in between the defensive line and the secondary, the

linebackers are often considered the glorious position on defense.

Able to stuff the run and drop back into pass coverage on

consecutive plays, it’s often the linebackers that can key a

defense’s success.

The linebackers at Corona del Mar High will be looking to make

just such a charge Thursday in a first-place showdown against

Northwood.

Coming off consecutive victories over Laguna Beach and Calvary

Chapel, they appear ready for the challenge.

The Sea Kings’ linebacking corps is led by inside ‘backers Shaun

Mohler (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) and John Shanahan (5-8, 177). On the

outside are two versatile players that often line up against opposing

receivers, Austin Brawner (6-0, 170) and Mordy Ornguze (6-0, 195).

A mixture of youth and experience -- Mohler is a sophomore,

Shanahan and Brawner are juniors and Ornguze is a senior -- the

linebackers have helped CdM limit its first two league opponents to

14 points per game in Pacific Coast League play.

Last week against Calvary Chapel, the Sea Kings didn’t allow a

score in the first half and limited Calvary to 190 yards of offense.

Aided by junior Tyler Lance (6-1, 207), who is also in the

rotation, Corona del Mar’s linebackers will look to lead a similar

effort against the Timberwolves on Thursday.