Palomar and Orange Coast, defending Mission Conference Central Division co-champions, finished one and two, respectively, in both annual preseason polls at Monday's football media day in Fullerton.

Saddleback and Santa Ana, garnered third and fourth place votes, followed by Fullerton and Golden West. The coaches' poll and media poll voters both ranked the same teams one through six.

"Palomar has to be the favorite, with the amount of experience and talent it has coming back this season," said Fullerton Coach Gene Murphy.

"They have built a fine program and should be expected to be a top contender for a state championship."

All six head coaches from the division spoke about their teams, highlighting several key players and areas of improvement.

Coaches also discussed bowl games and the new cross-scheduling format installed for the next two seasons.

"I think playing teams outside our conference can only help our schools," said Murphy, also the conference coaches' association president.

"We get to match-up against quality competition, increase more awareness of Mission Conference football, and take major steps in ranking postseason play."

Sophomore players Nick Higgs (QB, Orange Coast), Jason Whieldon (QB, Saddleback), Chad Kalilimoku (LB, Santa Ana) and Benny Mastropaolo (SS, Fullerton) were also on hand, taking questions from media members.

All four players are preseason candidates for either All-State or All-Mission Conference honors.

Media outlets present were the Orange County Register, The Daily Pilot (Los Angeles Times, Costa Mesa), Orange County NewsChannel, jcfootballnetwork.com, and several school newspapers.

Mission Conference President Richard Porter also attended.

Next season, Golden West is scheduled to host the event.

Coaches' Poll
1. Palomar
2. Orange Coast
3. Saddleback
4. Santa Ana
5. Fullerton
6. Golden West

Media Poll
1. Palomar
2. Orange Coast
3. Saddleback
4. Santa Ana
5. Fullerton
6. Golden West

Released by Eric Mendoza - Fullerton College Sports Information Director