October 31, 2012
3 mins read

Dons football update 2012

LEADERS OF THE PACK:

— Three game-changing players.

NO. 3 — JOSHUA WEBB
Wide Receiver

NO. 24 — ARESEO LAKEY
Running Back

NO. 5 — HAYDEN GAVETT
Quarterback

In his sophomore season, Webb is the team’s No. 1 offensive weapon.He averaged 89 receiving yards per game through seven games played, scoring multiple touchdowns in four, and surpassed his 2011 totals of 30 receptions for a total of 461 yards and eight touchdowns.In his first season with the Dons, sophomore Areseo Lakey heads the multi-back set. Lakey has averaged about 100 yards rushing on 22 attempts. He has rushed for 130 or more yards in two of his six games played. In 2008, Lakey had a cameo for OCC, carrying the ball once for two yards.In his first season with the Dons, Gavett earned the role of Coach Jones’ primary game caller.His intangibles and athleticism are his key attributes, Jones said. Gavett is a dual threat quarterback who is capable of picking up a first down on the run or with his arm.
2012 SEASON STATS2012 SEASON STATS2012 SEASON STATS
31
Receptions for 623 yards
20
Average receiving yards per catch
12
Total touchdowns, including a 98 yard punt return
134
Total carries for 589 yards on the ground
4
Team leading rushing touchdowns
48
Longest yardage for carry
1152
Total passing yards on 131 attempts
11
Touchdown passes out of 75 completions
55
Carries for 230 yards rushing

COACH GEOFF JONES

Jones is in his 11th season as the head football coach of the Santa Ana College football team. In 2010, Jones led the Dons to their second bowl victory in three seasons, following the Dons 52-43 win over Grossmont College in the 2010 Beach Bowl. The former Don, who is the 15th head coach in Santa Ana College football history, spent six years as an assistant coach under Dave Ogas, who is now the team’s linebacker and special teams coach. During Jones’ tenure, 129 players have received a scholarship to continue their athletic and academic careers at a four-year university.

FRESHMAN LINEBACKER KEYS DONS’ DEFENSE

Player Profile: MARC MILLAN.

Redshirt chosen team captain after exhibiting strong leadership characteristics.

Before game-time, freshman linebacker Marc Millan howls in the middle of the team huddle, like an alpha wolf calling the pack to follow his lead.

“He is in the moment and he is dragging them up with him,” Head Coach Geoff Jones said.

Prior to the first snap, Marc is reading the quarterback, processing everything from his hours of film study, directing teammates on where to go and who to cover.

READ MORE:  Defense holds strong as Dons fend off Monarchs

Because of that approach, the Dons draws up its defense around Millan, Jones said.

“He plays within the structure of the defense, but sometimes that gives him a lot of leeway, leaving him to run and be the instinctive player that he is,” Jones said.

On the sideline, Marc continues to strategize with fellow defensive linebackers.

As a red shirt freshman, Marc has had time to understand some of the intricacies of college offensive schemes.

His experience is a trait his teammates and coaches observed. The players chose Marc as one of the two defensive captains.

“He is a little older and more mature than the other guys, who are mostly true freshman right out of high school,” said Mike Cobleigh, linebacker coach.

Marc is an athletic specimen. The 6-foot-1-inch, 215 pounder runs a 4.5 second 40-yard dash. Through seven games, Marc compiled 44 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks.

“He is fast and instinctive. He has one of the best motors you’ll ever see. He just never stops,” Jones said.

The Mission Viejo resident has piqued the interest of multiple universities, including D-1 powerhouse Ohio State, Arizona State and Eastern Michigan.

“He definitely has D-1 potential. It has to be the right system. He can play linebacker anywhere,” Jones said. “Who ever gets him is going to get one heck of a football player.”

The 20-year-old is a product of a broken home, but his parents worked to make it seem normal anyway. That has produced a well-adjusted but hyper-competitive child born to become a leader.

“They have been divorced for as long I can remember, but both are a big part of my life,” Millan said. “They never miss one of my football games and it makes me work that much more knowing that they are screaming for me.”

Marc takes his role of student-athlete seriously. In the classroom he is articulate, inquisitive and attentive.

“He is a B+ to an A- student. I had him in my sports and society class and I think he got the highest grade in there,” Jones said. “He only has one blemish on his whole transcript. He had an issue with a math class, other than that he has all A’s and B’s.”

BREAKING THROUGH: Running back Brett Hurley dives for the game-winning touchdown in overtime at Orange Coast College, Oct. 13.

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