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The suspension of Edison running back Julius Gillick for the CIF-SS Division 3 final against Simi Valley is one of the biggest storylines heading into the championships on Friday. Here’s what four Orange County coaches familiar with Simi Valley said about the Chargers’ chances to compete or win the section title without the 2,000-yard rusher:
Frank Mazzotta, La Habra (lost to Simi Valley 41-34 in playoffs)
“Edison is very well coached and they are physical. They have played and beaten a lot of good teams.”
Jeff Bailey, Yorba Linda (beat Simi Valley 38-21 last season in regular season)
“Well, it’s hard to say because I have not seen Simi Valley this year. But I’m sure Edison can compete because they have a quality team around the running back. And I’m sure their backup is pretty good. Next man up mentality. And their style of football would be conducive to keeping the game close and giving them a chance to win at the end. Big opportunity for a team win. Win on special teams, which they are good at.”
Rick Curtis, Crean Lutheran (lost to Simi Valley 27-7 last season in playoffs)
“Jeff Grady was my offensive coordinator while I was at Santa Margarita, so I am partial to my good friend. However, I was able to see Edison play North Torrance in the first round and I was impressed with their defense and with how Jeff’s quarterback (Sam Thomson) managed the game. During that game, Edison’s backup running back (Sam Edmisten) played, as Julius was nursing an injury. I believe he’s a sophomore and he impressed me. I haven’t seen Simi Valley play this year, but we saw them last year and as you know, Jim Benkert is a great coach. With Troy Thomas dialing up the defense and with Jeff’s creativity on offense, I think they have a good chance of bringing home the championship. I think it will be a great game. To me, Edison is a Division 2 team. Edison by 10 is my call.”
Brett Brown, Huntington Beach (lost to Simi Valley 32-29 last season in playoffs and lost to Edison 47-20 in regular season last season)
“Edison has played really well defensively all year and they have depth at RB. Obviously it is a big loss with Gillick being out, but I think they will definitely compete. Both teams are well coached, play hard, and it should be a really good game.”
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