Football: Lopez added to South roster

Richard Dunn

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Newport Harbor High offensive lineman Scott

Lopez, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound tackle, was added to the South All-Star

football roster Thursday morning and worked out with the squad for the

first time in the afternoon at Edison High.

Lopez, a Daily Pilot All-Newport-Mesa District Dream Teamer last fall

for the Sailors, becomes the fourth local product selected to play in the

Orange County All-Star Football Game July 13 at Orange Coast College,

joining Harbor teammates Chris Manderino and Alan Saenz and Corona del

Mar’s Charlie Alshuler on Edison Coach Dave White’s Rebel squad for the

42nd North-South summer showcase.

“It’s pretty short notice, but I’m excited to be here,” Lopez said

Thursday as he arrived at Edison. “I’m glad to be participating.”

Lopez, who will be a walk-on player at the University of Colorado in

the fall, transferred his senior year from Santa Margarita, filling in

nicely in Newport Coach Jeff Brinkley’s regime and helping to plug the

vacancies left by the graduation of the entire 1999 front wall.

“(Dana Hills offensive lineman) Walt Frazee (6-5, 235) said he

couldn’t commit to the team (and quit),” White said, “but that’s all

right. I’m sure Scott’s excited.”

Lopez, a first-team All-Sea View League and second-team All-Orange

County tackle in 2000, participated Thursday in the South’s fourth of 10

practices in a two-week span.

“We’re going every day (almost),” White said. “We practiced July 4

early and we’re going this Saturday. (The North is) practicing 12 times

in three weeks.”

Lopez said he was surprised with his Thursday morning wake-up call,

albeit a pleasant one. He’s also playing in the new Orange County-Los

Angeles County All-Star Game later this summer.

The North, which won last year’s game, leads the series, 21-17-3.