Todd new, but from the old school

The Laguna Beach High Breakers will be going old school in 2007.

They turned to one of their own, Jonathan Todd, to take over the football program this fall. Todd has been coaching football in some capacity at the school since 1994.

They’ll be wearing new home and away uniforms which Todd says, “think old school Penn State, but in maroon and white.”

No matter the look or changes, there’s a feeling of accomplishment after last year’s success ended 19 years of futility and frustration. Yet, it’s no time to rest on laurels. Laguna was just 5-6 overall last fall but more importantly, went 3-0 to win the inaugural Orange Coast League football race. It was the school’s first league championship since 1987.

What’s more, the Breakers played in their first CIF Southern Section playoff game since 2002 and hosted their first postseason game since winning league during that ’87 season.

“Since they were league champs last year, they definitely have [winning league] as one of their goals for this year,” said Todd, who was the school’s head freshman football coach between 1994 and 1999, then took on the role of varsity defensive coordinator in 2000 and switched the following year to become offensive coordinator.

“I’m excited at how much they’ve learned and how much they’ve improved in the weight room and on the field. It’s a very bright group of kids “” at least 10 of them have 4.0, or close to a 4.0 GPA “” who can handle a lot.”

Todd’s game plan includes a multiple formation on both offense and defense.

Of 14 returning starters, eight are on defense.

“This year will have a lot more dimension to our offense and defense,” Todd said. “We definitely will try to establish the run on offense. I think you’ll see a team that is goal-oriented and has a renewed fierceness. We believe we can compete with everyone on our schedule.”

Three all-league players return this fall, including the reigning Orange Coast MVP, quarterback Charley Bowman (6-0, 175, Sr.). He also was a member of the 2006 11-Man Football All-Amateur Athletic Foundation Southern Division team

Others earning all-league status were second-team picks Zach Smith (5-7, 185, Sr.) and Danny Panduro (6-0, 85, Sr.).

Smith will play both running back and linebacker, and Panduro will be at center and join Smith at linebacker.

Bowman can bedevil teams when he goes on the run, as he did to his advantage last year.

During the 2006 season, he rushed for 373 yards and eight touchdowns on 94 attempts. He passed for 1,158 yards and five touchdowns, completing 125 of 215 attempts to rank second among passers in the Orange Coast League.

“Having Charley back is key for us,” Todd said. “He is a smart, accurate passer who can also tuck the ball away and hurt you with his running ability. For us, his running ability will open up both our running and passing game. He’s a playmaker and a winner.

“Zach is a two-way player who is a powerful runner and hard tackler. Danny is our captain, another two-way starter and one of the team’s hardest hitters.”

Andrew Paddon (6-3, 190), who will play several positions, also will be used at quarterback.

The Breakers lost some size on the offensive line last year but filled that void with speed and quickness.

This year, they’ll have to find replacements to last year’s top receivers, Marshall Thomas and Max Hilburn, who graduated in June.

“Marshall Thomas and Max Hillburn were two good receivers, but some of the returners and newcomers look to step right into their places,” Todd said.

Juniors Paddon, Jason Colladay (6-0, 190) and John Snedegar (6-2, 190), are three players looking to make an impact at receiver.

The offensive line will be impacted by Alex Ronses (5-11, 190), Mitchel McMullin (6-2, 220), Kyle Jenkins (6-0, 175) and Luis Ocampo (6-0, 195) “” all juniors.

“Alex is a tremendously hard worker and best-conditioned on the team,” Todd said. “Mitchell is our biggest and strongest lineman, Kyle is very consistent and works hard, and Luis is our fastest lineman, and one of the strongest.”

Ronses, McMullin, Jenkins and Ocampo also will play on the defensive line.

In addition to playing offense, Colladay will see time at defensive back, Snedegar at linebacker and Paddon at free safety.

“Jason is both a possession and deep-threat receiver, John is a threat on both sides of the ball and Andrew has tremendous potential and great defensive vision,” Todd said of Colladay, Snedegar and Paddon.

Todd’s first team includes 32 players, a normal turn-out for Laguna football.

“My first challenge was to get the team stronger, and they have come tremendously far in that area,” he said. “The team’s work ethic has always been good.

“The key to our team’s success will lie in our belief in ourselves. Where we are smaller in size, we will make up for in quickness and intelligence. This group has worked hard together. It’s a cohesive group with the same goals.”

Laguna will know where how far it has come tonight, when it opens its season at home against Corona del Mar.

Kickoff at Guyer Field is 7 p.m.

La Quinta, Santiago, Segerstrom, University, Capistrano Valley and Notre Dame of Riverside, also make up the nonleague schedule.

Laguna begins defense of its Orange Coast League crown on Oct. 25 at home against Costa Mesa.