Sean Curtis: Head Coach

Coach Sean Curtis is entering his 17th coaching season in Orange County, and 8th season as the Head Coach at Capo Valley High School. The Cougars enter the season with a 42-29 overall record under his direction. He has produced two league championships and five playoff appearances. Coach Curtis currently ranks 4th all-time in wins amongst Head Coaches at Capo. He is a two-time Los Angeles Chargers Coach of the Week and was a finalist for Coach of the Year in 2023.

Coach Curtis began his coaching career as the offensive coordinator at Northwood High School. He moved on to spend 2 years at Santa Margarita Catholic High School as the Head of Football Operations and Varsity Wide Receivers coach. Coach Curtis then went on to spend three years at JSerra Catholic High School coaching varsity wide receivers and was the freshmen head coach.

As the son of current Crean Lutheran High School Head Coach Rick Curtis, Sean has grown up around High School football, and accredits his success and coaching philosophies to the time spent assisting his father. His other coaching mentors include Jim Hartigan, Pat Harlow, Scott McKnight, Jeff Grady and Sergio Muniz.

Sean graduated from Northwood High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from Arizona State University. He currently resides in Rancho Santa Margarita with his wife, Carly, and their two children, Bailey and Cooper.

Dan Selway: Varsity Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks/Youth Camp Director

Dan Selway is entering his 7th season with Capo Valley. He played QB at Northwood HS in Irvine from 2002-2005, helping Northwood win two league championships. All-League and All-CIF QB/DB as a Junior and Senior. Pacific Coast League MVP as a Senior and City of Irvine player of the year, and played in the OC All-Star game.

Dan was a 2 time All American QB (2007 and 2009) at the University of Redlands and conference player of the year twice.  The first four-year team captain in school history and had a 27-5 record as a starting QB. Passed for over 7500 yards and 77 touchdowns in his college career. Both were school records.

Dan was a Professional QB in Finland in 2011 (Finnish league player of the year, still holding the record for passing TDs, 57 in just 11 games ). Germany 2012 (League’s top QB rating ). Sweden 2013 (10-1 season and MVP).

Dan is passionate about spending time with his Family and Football. Training privately some of the top QBs and WRs here in Orange County, and he also spends time running youth football camps. Dan was an ALL CIF and ALL league basketball player as a junior and senior at Northwood HS and played college basketball at the University of Redlands. Dan resides in Lake Forest with his wife Andrea and their three sons, Brady, Tate, and Crew. 

Jacob Van Every: Varsity Defensive Assistant

Jacob Van Every is entering his 13th year coaching at Capistrano Valley High School. Jacob is a Capo Valley alumnus and started at outside linebacker for the 2011 CIF playoff team.

Jacob and his wife, Sara, reside in Rancho Santa Margarita with their beautiful daughters, Finley and Noa.

Steve Escamilla: Varsity Special Teams Assistant/Running Backs/Freshman Offensive Coordinator/Freshman SPT

Steve Escamilla enters his 9th season coaching at Capo Valley. He has coached running backs for seven seasons, special teams for five seasons, and is beginning his fifth year as the freshman offensive coordinator. A proud CAPO graduate of the Class of 2017, Coach Steve played football during his senior year and has remained involved with the program ever since—whether coaching or lending a helping hand wherever needed.

Currently residing in San Juan Capistrano, Coach Steve also works at CAPO, giving him the opportunity to connect with students daily both on and off the field—something he truly enjoys.

Scott Schepens: Varsity & Freshman Offensive Line / Freshman Head Coach

Coach Schepens starts his 13th season coaching at Capo Valley, working with the offensive line, and will also be coaching the freshman. In addition, he works as a social science teacher at Capo. In the Spring season, Coach Schepens serves as head track and field coach for the Cougars.

Prior to joining Capo, Coach Schepens spent five previous seasons coaching at Anaheim High School, where he worked in various coaching positions. He also served as the head varsity wrestling coach for two seasons.

Coach Schepens is a graduate of Chapman University, where he played college football and received his B.A. in Liberal Studies. He then went on to Claremont Graduate University, where he received his M.A. in U.S. History. He finally finished his educational training by receiving a teaching credential from Cal State Long Beach.

Coach Schepens is a resident of San Juan Capistrano, where he lives with his lovely wife, Abby. When he is not busy coaching or grading papers, Coach Schepens enjoys being active with outdoor sports and weight lifting.

Carlos Escobar: Varsity and Freshman Defensive Line

Coach Escobar started his football career at Capistrano Valley in 2010 and has 11 years of experience playing defensive line. After graduating, he went on to play for Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. He went on to sign with Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, where he would graduate with his bachelor’s in political science Social Sciences.

Coach Escobar enters his sixth season with Capistrano Valley on the same mission to give back to the community and Football Program that started his love and passion for the sport that opened many opportunities that allowed him to live his dreams as a college athlete and pushed him to obtain his degree. Coach Escobar’s objective as a coach is to help build these athletes into great men on and off the field.

James Benedix: Varsity Defensive Coordinator/Strength Coordinator

Coach James Benedix enters his 9th consecutive year of coaching in Orange County as well as his sixth year teaching science at Capo Valley High School. He grew up in Mission Viejo and is a Capo Valley alumnus. During his CVHS football career, he was a 1st-team All Sea-View League Linebacker, Defensive MVP All Sea-View League, and voted captain of his team Jr & Senior year. After high school, He attended Humboldt State University to continue his athletic career and was named All Great Northwest Athletic Conference Linebacker. In addition, Coach Benedix is a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist. When Coach Benedix is not working or coaching, you can most likely find him out on the golf course with his beautiful wife, Emily.

Mike Acosta: JV Head Coach/JV Offensive Coordinator/ JV & Freshman Wide Receivers/Social Media Co-Coordinator

Coach Mike Acosta is entering his sixth year of coaching at Capo Valley High School. He spent his first year at Capo as freshman offensive coordinator and is going on his fifth season as JV Head Coach. Prior to joining Capo Valley, Coach Acosta spent the previous eight years coaching football at the youth level in South Orange County. He continues to coach youth football, enjoying coaching his youngest son, DJ.

Coach Acosta grew up in El Paso, TX, where his passion for football was ignited by his grandfather, who was an avid football fan. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. When not coaching, his time is spent as a federal employee supporting the Department of Homeland Security. He resides in Laguna Niguel with his wife, Monica, and 2 sons, Marco and DJ. His oldest son Tommy, a 2025 Capo graduate, is playing college football in Virginia at Washington & Lee University.

Scott McIntosh: JV Defensive Coordinator/JV Linebackers

“Coach Mac” is looking forward to returning to Capo Valley for his fifth season and serving as the Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator.

His career in coaching began in 2001 at his alma mater, Santa Margarita Catholic High School. He spent the next 18 years coaching at SMCHS on all three levels, with 12 of those years serving as the Head Freshman Coach. He is passionate about working with the young men at CVHS and watching the student-athletes develop on the field and in the classroom.

Coach Mac earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Fullerton in 1999 and currently resides in Mission Viejo with his amazing wife, Sarah, and sons, Xander (CVHS class of ’26) and Elliot (CVHS class of ’28).

Eric Hassett: Varsity & JV Receivers:

Coach Hassett is entering his second year at Capo. Before joining Capo Valley, he spent two years coaching varsity receivers and running backs at Trabuco Hills High School and eleven years coaching quarterbacks and receivers across multiple age levels with Santa Margarita Pop Warner.

Coach Hassett and his wife, Wendy, live in Mission Viejo with their two children. As a family, they enjoy swimming, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors.

Armando Gonzalez: Varsity & JV WRs

Coach Gonzalez is entering his 8th season at Capo. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Capo football program. As a former head coach (22 years) at Franklin HS, Dana Hills HS, and JSerra, he has an overall record of 180 – 72 – 3. He averaged 8 wins per season, won 4 Los Angeles City/CIF Section Championships, 13 League Titles, and 19 playoff appearances. His achievements are a testament to his coaching ability, leadership, and a pioneer in the quick passing game during his tenure at Franklin HS. In his 50th season coaching, he has served as OC and DC, along with coaching just about every position. He resides in Laguna Niguel with his wife, Genevieve, and they enjoy spending time visiting their 3 sons & families in Denver, Idaho Falls, and San Diego. He enjoys & loves bonding with his 3 grandchildren, Brandon, McKayla, and Gabriel!

Pete Mitchell – Varsity Offensive Assistant

Coach Pete Mitchell attended Bakersfield High School, where he was a standout three-sport athlete in football, soccer, and baseball. He earned Second Team All-State honors in football during the 2007-08 season and was named Kern County, Channel 7 Hometown Sports, and Bakersfield Player of the Year in 2007. He also received the Mayor’s Award and the prestigious Jim Tyack Award as Kern County’s top athlete. As the quarterback at Bakersfield High, Coach Mitchell set five school records and led the program to two CIF Central Section Division I Championships. He was also an All-Area catcher and MVP in baseball, as well as the MVP of his soccer team. Following his championship performance against Clovis West, he was named the 2007 USA Today Old Spice “Red Zone Player of the Year.”

Coach Mitchell continued his athletic career at Whittier College, where he competed in both football and baseball. He served as captain of the football team and earned the Richard Nixon Award before beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant and quarterbacks coach at Whittier. He also coached baseball for two seasons before moving on to coach quarterbacks at Pasadena City College.

Coach Mitchell has built an impressive high school coaching career throughout Southern California. He has served as Offensive Coordinator at Laguna Beach High School, Running Backs Coach at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Offensive Coordinator at Northwood High School, and most recently spent seven seasons as the Offensive Coordinator at Aliso Niguel High School. In addition to coaching, Coach Mitchell teaches mathematics and is passionate about developing young men of character while building competitive, disciplined football programs.

Coach Mitchell lives in Mission Viejo with his wife, Kristyne, and their two children, Anastasia and PJ. When he is away from the field, he enjoys spending time with his family and supporting his children’s activities.

Allen Nichols: Varsity and JV Defensive Backs

Coach Fox, a native of Battle Creek, Michigan, and a veteran of the United States Navy, is in his 3rd consecutive and fourth (2012 season) overall year of coaching CAPO football. Coach Fox says he is often asked how much longer he is going to coach; his answer is always the same: “when it stops being fun”, and that doesn’t seem to be anytime soon. After coaching years of Flag, Pop Warner, and High School football, his passion for the sport is endless. Aside from his time serving in the military, Coach Fox says his time working in many youth organizations like Big Brothers of America, Boy Scouts of America, and coaching football has been the most rewarding time in his life. When not coaching, Coach Fox is semi-retired from his Safety, Health, & Environmental Consulting business, playing a lot of golf, and watching reruns of old black & white westerns.

Hayden Epstein

Hayden Epstein is a former football kicker and punter with a distinguished career in both college and professional football. Epstein first gained national attention at Torrey Pines High School, where he was an All-American, showcasing his exceptional talent as a kicker. This early success paved the way for his collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where he excelled as both a kicker and punter for the Wolverines.

At Michigan, Epstein earned All-Big Ten honors and was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, recognizing him as one of the top collegiate punters in the nation. His versatility on special teams made him a key player, known for his long field goals and precise punting.

In the 2002 NFL Draft, Epstein was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round. He went on to play for the Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe, and Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL. Despite facing injuries, including a significant ACL tear, Epstein continued to demonstrate his powerful leg and commitment to the game.

After his playing career, Epstein transitioned into coaching, where he applies his extensive experience in special teams to mentor and develop the next generation of football talent. His journey from a high school All-American to a professional football player and now a coach.

Tony Barrera: Kickers / JV Special Teams Coordinator

Coach Tony Barrera is entering his 6th season at Capo. He played his senior year in the 2019 season as a kicker. After graduating in 2020, he wanted to return to help and give back to the program for the 2020 season. He would come out to as many practices and games and help out wherever he could. Now, he is the kickers coach and the JV Special Teams Coordinator with the help of Coach Curtis and Coach Escamilla. Coach Tony currently works as a paraeducator at Capo Valley. He recently graduated from California Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and will start working on his teaching credential to become an adapted physical education teacher for students with special needs and disabilities.

Jack Gardner: JV Defensive Line

Coach Gardner just recently graduated in the class of 2024 at Capistrano Valley High School. This year will be his third year as a football coach. Coach Gardner is going to school to become a history teacher. Most of the players preferred to call Coach Gardner “Coach John Jack” because that was the nickname he was given as a freshman by his teammates. Coach Gardner earned his Varsity stripe in his sophomore year and always wanted to be the student of the game, to be able to help players as a coach. For this year, he plans to help the coaching staff by taking things off the coordinator’s plate. He wants to absorb any information from his peers as a coach. He will mainly work with the JV Defensive Line to help them get into Varsity shape and help them reach their dreams or goals as a player.

Jesse Medina JV Offense Line

Coach Medina after an amazing first year at Capo, Coach Medina gained a deeper understanding of what true culture means and what it takes to build a successful program. Working alongside an incredible coaching staff made the experience even more rewarding, providing opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Now returning for his second season at Capo, he is excited to continue developing student-athletes, building strong relationships, and helping the program reach new heights. With 12 years of coaching experience, he served across Southern California—spending four years at his alma mater, Warren High School in Downey (leading the Bears to three winning seasons), two years at Brea‑Olinda, four years at Ocean View, and four years at Legacy in Los Angeles, where as Defensive Coordinator alongside his cousin—the Chargers’ 2023 Coach of the Year—he helped Legacy’s Tigers reach their first-ever Division I postseason appearance.

He resides in Rancho Mission Viejo with his wife, Brooke, and their 11-year-old son, Myles. Off the field, He and Brooke co-own AR Workshop Orange County—a mobile DIY studio that brings hands-on creative group experiences throughout the County. From supporting Capo Valley’s offense to co-running AR Workshop Orange County, Coach Medina brings tenacity, creativity, and community spirit to the field, at home, and across our County.

Jens Forster: Equipment Manager

Jens Forster, a Capo Valley Football alumnus and 1996’s Most Improved Player, is entering his 29th year of coaching and 21st year here at Capo. After playing for the 1995 and 1996 teams, he started coaching the Cougars in 1998 at the freshman level. He helped the Cougars for 4 years before he took a hiatus from Capo. Coach Forster worked for Estancia, Tesoro, and Aliso Niguel before making a return home in 2010 as Equipment Manager and JV line coach. Coach Forster is using his history degree from Cal State Fullerton by becoming the historian of Capo Football, keeping and updating the records of the Cougars’ accomplishments. As equipment manager, Coach is behind the scenes helping make sure practice and game day run smoothly for the other coaches to coach up the boys. The best part of his job is seeing how the players improve year to year and watching the current Cougars leave their mark on Capo Football History.

Coach Forster resides in San Juan Capistrano. He keeps busy by traveling to the Midwest to visit family and to NASCAR races, participating in pub trivia around Orange County, and watching Liverpool FC dominate English and European Football (soccer) when he’s not at Capo working as the boys locker room attendant.

Emily Trebino: Video Director

Emily Trebino is in her 4th year of coaching. She is a certified hot yoga instructor and is a certified strength and conditioning coach (CSCS) through the NSCA. Emily is excited to be a part of Cougar football again this year as the Video Director. She is a master drone operator capturing practice film for the team to review.

Each year, Emily recruits film interns and teaches them how to properly film practices and games. It gives these high school students a great opportunity to learn the basics of sports videography and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. Emily is passionate about mentoring young students, helping them develop their technical skills and fostering a love for sports media. Her commitment to excellence and her dedication to the Cougar football team make her an invaluable asset to the program.