From the first practice to the last, Braiden McKenna was the true leader of Los Alamitos’ offensive live. It was his job to help a young group in its first season of starting to develop with each game.
McKenna led the way, playing center and helping guide a line that consistently opened lanes for running backs Lenny Ibarra and Kamden Tillis, both of whom reached 1,000 yards rushing during a 12-3 season. It was a key part for the Griffins winning the Southern Section Division 2 championship, their first title since 2002.
The 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior has been selected The Times’ lineman of the year.
He was a three-year starter who was asked to make calls up front with his intelligence, vision and instincts.
Coach Ray Fenton said he graded out at 93% from a coaching staff that keeps high expectations for its blockers.
“He physically dominated the line of scrimmage,” Fenton said.
There was one opponent who said of McKenna: “You are crazy strong.”