La Habra Highlanders: 2019 Division 3 Southern Section high school football preview

La Habra has the best player in Division 3 in DB/WR Clark Phillips. Here's an inside look at the 2019 Highlanders.

Links: La Habra team page | 2019 schedule

2018 IN REVIEW

7-4 Freeway League champions, Division 2 playoffs first round (lost 41-34 to Notre Dame Sherman Oaks)

COACHING RESUME

Frank Mazzotta is entering his 22nd year at La Habra. His overall record is 196-66.

RETURNING STARTERS

Offense - 5. Defense - 6.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS

QB Ryan Zanelli - Sr. 6-2 195

WR Kris Koontz - Sr. 5-11 170

WR Clark Phillips - Sr. 5-11 178

TE Mason West – Sr. 6-4 225

C David Sanchez - Jr. 5-11 240

RB Ryan Loudon - Sr. 5-10 185

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

DB Clark Phillips - Sr. 5-11 178

OLB Justin Brewer – Sr.

NG Dylan Casey - Sr. 5-9 225

ILB Isaiah Rosas - Sr. 6-0 215

DE Daniel Barrales - Sr. 6-1 260

DB Bryce Phillips – Jr. 5-10 165

THREE TO SEE

Clark Phillips – DB/WR

The best player in the division. Phillips caught 54 passes for 1,210 yards and 19 TDs last season. As a sophomore, he intercepted seven passes. Last year, QB’s rarely looked his way and he still picked off two balls. Phillips is committed to Ohio State.

Ryan Zanelli – QB

All-CIF selection last season. Threw for 3,180 yards and 42 TDs in 2018. Penn commit.

Mason West - TE

Caught 22 passes for 375 yards and five TDs last season. Washington commit.

OUTLOOK

The only question La Habra has in 2019 comes on the offensive line. The Highlanders are loaded at every other position. They are legitimate contenders in a stacked Division 3 field.

Last season, they lost a heartbreaker to Notre Dame in the playoffs. That loss will fuel them this season. Beginning the season with Upland is no easy task, but this group will be up for it.