The North squad, led by John Barnes and the Los Alamitos coaching staff, continued preparation Thursday night for the July 10 O.C. All-Star Game.

What: North football practice

Where: Los Alamitos High

Three questions with John Barnes

What are your thoughts on the first week of practice?

We have a bunch of great kids. Great character kids. We've put in everything we wanted and they've polished it fast in four days. We still have a couple of things to drop in, but they've handled everything ...I like it.

Thoughts on the defense?

Our linebackers are a lot better coverage guys than I thought they would be and so our are secondary, so I'm excited. Mike Arakelian (Orange Lutheran) makes a lot of plays. He only knows one speed and that's full speed.

Has anything surprised you?

Kane Wilson (El Dorado, QB) is a big-time guy. Ronnie Hillman (La Habra, RB) is a special player. He's going to be a great college player. Not many guys can run like him. The offensive line is better than in most all-star games....(Servite's Zach) Burge is real good, (Western's Daniel) Jamokha is good ...They're all good, I like them.

Up next: The North has four practices remaining. Thursday is a walk-through.

Related:

• O.C. 30 best football all-stars
• Football poll: Pick your offensive player of the game
• Football poll: Pick your defensive player of the game
• North insider: Anaheim boys Cruz, Portis reunite
• North practice insider: offense makes plays
• South insider: Tustin's Chris Robinson ready for Friday
• South insider: Nik Abele is just scary
• Checking out the North All-Star team
• Football: Checking in on the South all-stars (Wed practice)
• Band of football brothers heading to West Point
• Barnes at ease in job at Tesoro

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