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The summer 7-on-7 passing season for Orange County football continues Saturday with the South County Classic at Mission Viejo High.
Here are five storylines to follow for the tournament, which begins at 9 a.m.:
1. How will Crean Lutheran compete despite missing three key players?
The Saints enter the tournament with seven seniors committed to colleges and a spot in the Bravo League, one of Orange County’s top leagues for the fall. The expectations are high for Crean Lutheran but the team will be without wide receivers Troy Roberts and Braylen Ross (Arizona commit), and safety Aidan Smith on Saturday, coach Rick Curtis said.
Roberts, who was expected to also play safety, is visiting Cornell, Curtis said.
And while eyes will be on Arizona commits Caden Jones and Ty Johnson on offense, it will be interesting to observe how Crean Lutheran defends.
The Saints’ cornerbacks include seniors Evan Mack (Arizona), Jacob Whitehead and Damari Hall (North Texas), Curtis said.
Junior-to-be Kinley Victorian-Young, a transfer from Inglewood, is a safety to watch, Curtis added.
Crean Lutheran lost to Pacifica 27-24 in the quarterfinals of the Air Strike tournament at Dana Hills in mid-May.
The Saints face La Habra and defending champion Mission Viejo in their first two games.
2. Can Laguna Beach deliver a balanced effort to make a run?
The Breakers will make their debut at the tournament under coach John Shanahan with several experienced skill players. There’s quarterback Jack Hurst and wide receivers Brady Stringham (Air Force), Wyatt Bogdan and Will Kimball. All four are returning seniors.
But the test for Laguna Beach could be on defense. The Breakers’ cornerbacks will be Colter Steris and Dean Smith with Stringham and Kimball at safety, Shanahan said.
Laguna Beach lost to eventual champion San Juan Hills 24-18 in the semifinals of the Air Strike.
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On Saturday, they’re in a bracket with Santa Margarita, Mater Dei and Corona del Mar among others.
3. Can La Habra’s wide receivers step up without Bryce Vasquez?
The reigning CIF-SS Division 4 champion Highlanders return to Mission Viejo with quarterback DJ Mitchell Jr. (Cal Poly SLO) and wide receiver Blake Rogers (Southern Utah) but not slick wide out Bryce Vasquez.
Vasquez, who led La Habra in several receiving categories in 2025, will miss this season due to a knee injury suffered in the section final, Highlanders coach Frank Mazzotta said.
With Vasquez out, Ethan Raphiel and Kenny Marshall join Rogers as wide receivers to follow Saturday, Mazzotta said.
4. Can Mater Dei make a statement?
Mater Dei returns to the spotlight after going undefeated on the varsity and freshman levels at the Villa Park passing tournaments last month.
With the competition rising, the Monarchs’ new-look skill players will be challenged. The Trinity League school doesn’t return a starting quarterback or wide receiver from ’25.
The arrival of transfer quarterback Russell Sekona was a big offseason development.
Mater Dei opens against Santa Margarita at 9 a.m. on Field 5.
5. How will El Dorado’s rising skill players fare in a tough bracket?
The Golden Hawks feature a quarterback and wide receiver to watch as they compete at the South County tournament for the first time in several years.
Junior-to-be Hudson Shaddow is a returning quarterback and wide receiver Justin Karg is a rising senior-to-be.
Last season, Karg had 47 receptions for 638 yards and nine TDs.
El Dorado opens against Mission Viejo and close group play against Crean Lutheran and La Habra.
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