OC high school re-leaguing plan includes big shake-up for Pacific Coast Conference
Most Orange County high school teams will be in newly reconfigured conferences and leagues for the 2024-25 athletic season starting in August. One of the conferences greatly affected is the Pacific Coast. In the past, it has been a conference for some sports such as football and volleyball and a Read More
Western football team preparing to compete in challenging Delta League
Western players head out onto the field for a game last season. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). Western High School football players and coaches are preparing for a new challenge this year as the Pioneers get ready to compete in the Delta League. Other teams in the Read More
Rusty Van Cleave named new head boys basketball coach at Beckman
Veteran Orange County coach Rusty Van Cleave has been named the new boys basketball coach at Beckman High School, according to Athletic Director Steve Fischel. Van Cleave replaces Lucas Armstrong, who has been the head coach the past two seasons. Fischel said that work commitments prevented Armstrong from continuing as Read More
Ed Carrera, who led Crean Lutheran boys to CIF title, resigns as water polo coach
Ed Carrera talks to his Crean Lutheran players during a match in November 2021 when the Saints won the CIF title. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs). Ed Carrera confirmed this week he has resigned as head boys and girls water polo coach at Crean Lutheran High School after three seasons Read More
Ben Owens returning to alma mater as Northwood’s new varsity baseball coach
Former Northwood player Ben Owens is the new baseball coach at the school. (Photo courtesy Owens family). After spending 10 years coaching baseball at Tustin High School, the last three as head coach, Ben Owens is returning to his alma mater at Northwood. Owens, 34, was named head varsity baseball Read More
Northwood football coach preparing team for competition in new Foxtrot League
Northwood players take the field for a game last season. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). Northwood High School football coach JC Clarke has a few goals for his team entering the 2024 season, which definitely has some new twists to it. “I’m hoping we stay healthy and Read More
Foothill football team counting on returning starters for another successful year
Foothill Coach Doug Case talks to his players during a game last season. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone). Coming off a successful 2023 season, Foothill High School football coach Doug Case said his team is looking to “reload.” “There are 42 seniors this season with 200 in Read More
Big first inning lifts Placentia past Santa Ana in Bronco 12-and-under sectional opener
Placentia starter Liam McMillan fires a pitch to Santa Ana’s Daniel Ochoa in Friday’s game. (Photos: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). Placentia Pony Bronco’s 12-and-under all-stars scored five runs in the first inning and went on to defeat Santa Ana 13-1 in the opening round of the sectional tournament Friday Read More
CIF commissioner outlines plans for inaugural girls flag football championships
Players from Woodbridge and University exchange handshakes after a flag football game last season. (Photo: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). It was the first season of girls flag football as a CIF-sanctioned sport last year. This fall, the sport is expected to grow in popularity and be highlighted by the Read More