Two-Sport Star Sam Darnold Named Orange County's Male Athlete of the Year

Building a bigger trophy case may need to be added to graduating senior Sam Darnold's to-do list before he heads off to play quarterback for USC in the fall. Culminating a storied high school career, Darnold was named Male Athlete of the Year by the Orange County Athletic Directors' Association.
   In basketball this year, Darnold was offensive player of the year for the Triton Varsity, co-MVP of the South Coast League (with teammate Nick Crankshaw), second team All-CIF and fourth team All-County. He also was named to the school's All-50 team. Head Coach Marc Popovich said, "He's not just one of of top 50. He's, in my opinion, one of the top five players in program history.
   In football this year, Darnold was named Brea Lions Orange County Player of the Year, OC Varsity Player of the Year and CIF Offensive Player of the Year. In July, he committed to play football for USC.
   Darnold is one of only three San Clemente basketball players to earn two varsity league championships during their playing careers. He was a starter on both of those teams and Sea View League MVP as a sophomore.

Triton Head Football Coach Jaime Ortiz, left, and Triton Head Basketball Coach Marc Popovich, right, join Sam Darnold to celebrate his being named Orange County Male Athlete of the Year.