The top storylines for the 2023 Canyon League high school football season
It might be Ventura County's closest-knit league, featuring coaches with longtime friendships and players who grew up together and now compete as neighborhood rivals.
The Canyon League showcases two of the area's most esteemed rivalries in Thousand Oaks vs. Newbury Park and Oak Park vs. Agoura.
Heck, two coaches — Ryan Huisenga of Moorpark and Ben McEnroe of Thousand Oaks — once lived together while they were at California Lutheran University.
Now the league is preparing for its final season in its current configuration.
Moorpark, Royal and Oak Park will still compete in the same circuit beginning in 2024. Same for Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks.
But they're breaking up that old gang of theirs.
Camarillo and Agoura are heading into new leagues. Current Canyon teams will be part of four leagues in 2024.
"Its been special to be a part of this league," said Oak Park coach Casey Webb. "The games have been so competitive and there's so much respect.
More: The top storylines for the 2023 Marmonte League high school football season
"We'll still play nonleague games with each other. There will always be a Kanan Bowl with us and Agoura. But it's definitely going to be different."
The league's farewell season figures to be loaded with intriguing storylines.
Meet the quarterbacks
Brady Smigiel already is a standout as one of the top quarterbacks in the state.
Last season, he set state records for a freshman in throwing for 3,479 yards and 46 touchdowns.
Now the Newbury Park sophomore owns another distinction: He’s the lone returning starting QB in the league.
All six other starters — with Moorpark and Camarillo still in the midst of position battles — will be making their varsity debuts.
For Smigiel, Year 2 will showcase his continuing development.
“You’ll see him take the next step this season,” said his head coach and father, Joe Smigiel. “He needs to get better at all the mental things, like reading defenses, adjusting plays at line of scrimmage and calling out protection.”
The 6-foot-5 Smigiel has muscled up to 205 pounds and looks forward to diversifying his game.
“I know I can get better at a long of things,” he said. “I need to make smarter decisions, cut down interceptions and improve at changing plays as I read defenses.”
Smigiel might not be the only sharp sophomore quarterback in the league.
Jackson Taylor takes over at Thousand Oaks and could be a star in the making.
He was at Oaks Christian as a freshman, but considered the logjam at quarterback for the Lions and opted to become a Lancer.
“I’ve always known about the tradition at Thousand Oaks and decided it was the best place for me,” said the 6-2, 185-pounder. “My teammates have made be feel so welcome. It’s been great working with Coach McEnroe. I can’t wait to get started.”
He knows he must showcase more than physical tools.
“I need to be a leader,” he said. “I need to prove that I’m willing to work hard and lead the way for the offense.”
Holden Heidt, the younger brother of graduated star Rowan Heidt, is the first-year starter at Oak Park.
He was virtually born to be an Eagle. Webb was his P.E. teacher in the second grade.
“He’s really the ideal quarterback for our system,” said Webb. “He can throw, he can run and he’s smart. It will be fun to see him develop.”
Heidt appreciates a challenge.
“I’m excited for the opportunity,” he said. “My brother has been a big motivator for me. He’s taught me a lot about being a varsity player and what it takes to be successful.”
Agoura will go with senior Harrison Novak, who steps into the program's glowing quarterback tradition that includes head coach Dustin Croick.
“He’ll be a big part of a group that’s really a close family,” said Croick. “Team chemistry will be a big factor for us. We know we’re under the radar, but we’ll grow together.”
Defense, defense
Jaden Mosley is the county’s own version of Aaron Donald.
The Oak Park senior defensive lineman, who measures in at 6-foot, 245 pounds, is quick, nimble, strong and disruptive.
A season ago, he piled up 87 tackles, including 73 solos, and 7.5 sacks.
“Always want to get better and help this team win games,” he said. “There’s always room for improvement and I’m looking forward to a fun season.”
The future college player spent much of the summer visiting schools and participating in camps in Atlanta, Boston and Rhode Island.
Among others, he visited Harvard, Brown and Morehouse College.
“I learned a lot and met so many good people,” he said. “It’s going to be a dream of mine to play college football.”
Mosley is joined by a slew of top-shelf defenders in the Canyon League.
Blake Lauritzen of Thousand Oaks played an integral role last fall in the Lancers' 10-0 regular season and league championship.
The 6-3, 225-pounder notched 14 sacks as a junior.
“It was an amazing season,” said Lauritzen, who recently picked up an offer from Cal Lutheran. “We came together and accomplished things no Thousand Oaks team had done before. I’m expecting more good things this year.
“Our defense should be very strong.”
Lauritzen will be joined by cornerback Silas Kemp and linebackers Dean Harrington and Cory McEnroe.
Newbury Park is going to score a ton of points, but senior middle linebacker Talon Gold knows what holds the key for the Panthers.
“It’s on us as the defense to play well and put our offense on the field,” he said. “If we do that, we’re going to win a lot of games.”
Gold, at 6-foot, 210 pounds, was outstanding last year in racking up 107 tackles.
Nicholas Andrade anchors the Moorpark defense as a sturdy 6-3, 255-pound nose tackle. Good luck negating the disruptive senior.
Turns out, football might not be his biggest accomplishment as a Musketeer.
He turned around his high school career by improving from zero to hero in the classroom.
“I don’t think there’s anyone I’m more proud of than Nicholas,” said Huisega. “He really struggled as a freshman, learned to buckle down, and is now a solid student.”
Andrade said he was duly inspired.
“I wanted to be able to play,” he said. “I knew I couldn’t do that unless I focused in the classroom. It became a big turning point for me.”
All in the gene pool
Veteran college coach McEnroe said there’s only one thing better than taking over the Thousand Oaks program and savoring the “Friday Night Lights.”
It’s coaching his own son.
“It’s the coolest thing ever,” he said.
Cory McEnroe is a promising 6-2, 220-pound linebacker/tight end who could be an impact performer.
“It’s going to be fun watching him continue to develop,” said Ben. “I’m a proud father and coach.”
Cory said he’s going to savor the season.
“We have a chance to be special,” he said. “I’m ready to do my part. I’m glad he’s (Ben McEnroe) there for me.”
At that, the McEnroes are one of three father-sons subplots in the Canyon League.
Smigiel has twin sons Brady and Beau under his tutelage at Newbury Park.
Huisenga has twin sons and juniors Quinn and Tyler under his charge. Quinn plays running back; Tyler is a safety.
Joe Smigiel, himself a Newbury Park graduate and former offensive line standout, knows he juggles dual roles.
Beau returns this season after suffering a torn ACL as a freshman. He plays wide receiver.
“As a father and coach, I have high expectations for both of them,” said Joe. “I want both to become the best they can be.”
Philosophy matters
Camarillo has been among the county’s most consistent and steadiest programs, with a succession of deep playoff runs.
Will the winning continue after the departure of venerable coach Jack Willard?
Almost certainly.
Longtime assistant and former offensive coordinator Nathan Anderson takes over, which assures familiarity and consistency.
“Not much is going to change,” said Anderson. “I bring a younger perspective, so we might tweak a few things in regards to practices and preparations. But the players know me and I know them. We all know what to expect.”
The Scorpions graduated a number of key seniors, so position battles are likely in store through nonleague games. Including quarterback.
Backups threw just four passes last season, all by Nicholas Tostado.
Among the top returnees are running back Nathaniel Madrigal (920 yards, 14 TDs), linebacker Jackson Walea and defensive back Brayden Smith.
Madrigal said the expectations remain high.
“We know what it takes in terms of hard work, team chemistry,” he said. “We always expect to be competitive.”
Royal finished 4-6 overall last season and 1-5 in league. Second-year coach Michael Puopolo seeks to up the ante.
“Our emphasis this year has been on reinventing the culture,” said Puopolo. “I was hired late last year, and I brought in my assistants even later.
“This offseason we’ve worked on everything, including the way we prepare and practice. The gratifying thing is that the players have bought in completely. They’re focused on getting a little better every day, and that’s our focus.”
Two last-minute touchdowns, scored by league powers Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park, separated Moorpark from a playoff berth last season.
After finishing 1-9 in 2021, the Musketeers collected six wins last season and were about 60 seconds from two more.
You can guess what motivates Moorpark this season.
“We came a long way last season, but we didn’t achieve what we wanted to,” said senior WR/DB Jaden Buckles. “We definitely believe we’re a playoff team. We want to prove that this year.”
The Musketeers have talent, including running back Luke Cochran (863 yards, 10 TDs) and two-way starter Cooper Cronquist.
Three starters return on the offensive line, led by left tackle Mick Gradle. Senior Jaycob Olsen is part of a spirited duel for the starting quarterback nod.
In a turnaround season, Newbury Park finished 9-3 a year ago, reached the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and won its first postseason game since 2014.
None of that matters, said coach Smigiel.
“We start over,” he said. “Last year we relied on a strong senior class, which means we need to take the next step without them. We still expect to win, so a lot of guys need to step up. We have the guys to do that.”
There is talent aplenty, including wide receiver Shane Rosenthal, running back Noah McArthur and transfer tight end Blake Bryce.
Predicted order of finish
1. NEWBURY PARK: Brady Smigiel to Shane Rosenthal among most lethal combinations in CIF-SS.
2. THOUSAND OAKS: Ben McEnroe is coach who can take program to next level.
3. MOORPARK: Musketeers are motivated after near-miss on playoff berth last season.
4. CAMARILLO: New coach Nathan Anderson will keep winning tradition going.
5. OAK PARK: Jaden Mosley could be top defender in county.
6. AGOURA: Under-the-radar team counts on strong team chemistry.
7. ROYAL: Coach Michael Puopolo is rebuilding the culture.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: The top storylines for the Canyon League high school football season
