Edison’s season starts early

Edison High has found that surf and sand mix quite well with football.

For the eighth time in school history, the school’s football program will be playing in Hawaii. For the first time, however, the Chargers are traveling to play on the island of Maui.

They’ve been there for four days already, the flight from Orange County landing down in Maui on Monday.

Besides sight-seeing, the Chargers will be in earnest preparation for their season opener. They launch their season at 9 p.m. PDT Saturday against Lahainaluna at War Memorial Stadium.

Edison will be the first Southland school to play a football game in 2008.

“It’s always been a great experience in Hawaii,” Edison Coach Dave White said. “For most of these kids, it’ll be their first trip. It’s a great bonding experience. Coaches and family members make the trip and it’s a great time.

“It’s our opener and we want to put on a good show. I think everyone is tired of hitting each other in practice and wants to go out and play a game. We’re really excited about the trip.”

Edison went 8-5 last year, won a share of its third consecutive Sunset League championships and reached the quarterfinal round of the CIF Pac-5 Division.

Lahainaluna had an impressive 2007, as well. The Lunas went 9-2 and reached Hawaii’s Division II championship game, where it lost to Iolani, 28-21.

White said that Lahainaluna — which outscored opponents by a 36-10 margin last year — finished No. 9 in the Hawaii state rankings.

The Lunas return six starters on defense and four on offense from last year’s team.

Returning at quarterback is Jake Manning. A year ago, he completed just 36 of 63 passes for 557 yards and five touchdowns. Manning was a second-team all-league pick last year for Coach Bobby Watson’s offense, which favors the run.

A “run by committee” is spearheaded by last year’s rushing leader, Bryson Williams, who gained 217 yards and scored three times on 32 carries.

Among the key figures on the offensive line is first-team all-league player Peter Lino.

“They’ll definitely be a tough opponent,” White said. “They have some talent back from last year’s team that reached the division final and should be strong once again.”

White said that the Chargers for the most part are healthy heading into Saturday’s game.

One exception is senior defensive end Erick Loera (6-foot-1, 220), who’s vying for a starting spot but will miss the game due to a shoulder injury.

Junior Matt Viles (6-3, 180) will start at quarterback. Viles started for Edison in last year’s game against Los Angeles Jordan and again against Mater Dei when starting quarterback Nick Crissman (now at UCLA) was injured.

White also said that sophomore quarterback Davion Orphey (6-0, 180) is playing “really good football.” Orphey also plays receiver and defensive back.

He said that Viles is more of a passer and Orphey is known for his running ability.

Edison, which last played in Hawaii three years ago, has gone 5-2 in its previous seven trips to the islands. But after winning its first five games, the Chargers are 0-2 in their last two trips there.

How would White rate Hawaiian teams compared to those in Orange County?

“They have very good teams, very good players and have several strong programs,” he said.

“I think that the top four or five teams over there would definitely be in the top 10 in Orange County.

“We’re looking forward to the test and we’re hoping to get the season off to a great start. It’s going to be a lot of fun in Hawaii again. It’s a trip that’s well worth it.”

SEASON OPENER

WHO: Edison High vs. Lahainaluna High

WHERE: War Memorial Stadium in Hawaii

WHEN: 9 p.m. PDT Saturday

2007 RECORDS: Edison went 8-5, losing in CIF Pac-5 Division quarterfinals. Lahainaluna went 9-2, falling in Hawaii’s Division II championship game.

DID YOU KNOW? Edison won its first five games against Hawaii squads, but has lost the last two times, the most recent in 2005.

MIKE SCIACCA covers sports. He can be reached at (714) 966-4611 or by e-mail at [email protected].