It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Historic Occoneechee Speedway in Orange, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Orange, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped”
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate and dependable care for their loved ones. The team is caring, professional, and dedicated to making sure each resident receives the attention and support they deserve. They go above and beyond to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Their commitment to the well-being of seniors and their families truly makes a difference. It’s reassuring to know that there are care providers who treat every individual with dignity, kindness, and respect. Thank you for all that you do! Highly recommend this wonderful senior care provider! Thank you Cody Edwards!”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both of my parents in need of a asst living who are in their 90’s and he was able to place them and help me navigate the nightmare of paperwork, of moving out of state, and all the medical issues I recommend him for anyone who is going through this”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a difficult journey with a sick loved one. He worked very hard to help us in spite of challenges and setbacks. He has a great attitude, always positive and solution-oriented! Laurie Hopkins, Hickory NC”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance and knowledge made an extremely difficult situation easy. He was able to work with our schedule and set everything up. We thank you so much for all your help and for the follow up.”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in NC. Their internal staff is professional and efficient. They are always happy to answer any questions or concerns and they always respond in a very timely manner. ABC has quality sitters who will provide excellent care for your loved one with compassion, whether in a home or in a care facility. Always Best Care is appropriately named because they have “always” provided the “best care” to my mother-in-law, who has dementia. They have been helping her daily for the past three years. We are grateful for ABC’s help!”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate the meeting and tour. Loved working with her and look forward to our partnership in the future!!!!”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the well-being of those they serve. I highly recommend their services to anyone who may need them!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are met, means a lot to the community. Having care you can trust means the world to the families in need. From the first interaction over the phone to a smiling face that greets you at the door, this company is great for in home care!”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent living facilities. He contacted the facility and got all the needed information. He kept us well informed of what to expect. I appreciated his services. Cody is very caring.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He spent time talking with us to learn what my mom was looking for in a place to live during the next chapters of her life and shared a variety of options. He scheduled and accompanied us on the tours. Cody was thorough, patient, kind and answered all of our questions. Even though my mom chose not to pursue independent living at this time, we appreciated the time Cody spent working with us and he will be the first call we make when/if she decides to pursue this route in the future. Thank you Cody!!!!”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC. They were absolutley fabulous for our family.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s funny, lively, and full of great energy. I actually caught myself laughing during the call, which almost never happens when calling places. Just a genuinely positive person who makes the conversation easy and enjoyable. Loved the energy! -cora”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to help my mother and always follow their well-thought out care plan. Their program is very organized and they are great with communication. Our caregiver, Allison, is especially fabulous ... she is ABOVE and BEYOND. She is so thorough, creative, and thoughtful. We feel very lucky to be on her list!”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped my family and I find a caring, affordable, and beautiful assisted living facility for my mother. He was thorough and kind, keeping us updated with new finds and even helping me into one of the facilities we were touring with an umbrella against the pouring rain. He asked all the right questions, ensuring we found a good fit. After much searching, Cody ultimately discovered the place my mother is at now. Thanks for all the help, Cody!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Eisenhower Park in Orange, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Hobbit or visit James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Orange, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Orange, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Orange, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C — An Orange County senior spends much of her day volunteering to help other seniors.Juliaette Reynolds, 90, starts her day at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill with a game of dominoes and then gets to work greeting other seniors, taking donations and handing them tickets for the center’s lunch.Josephine Agusta, 94, is one of the regulars for lunch. She comes for a meal and some company.“Well, I'm a people person, and I love being with people. I play cards here with some of the seniors e...
CHAPEL HILL, N.C — An Orange County senior spends much of her day volunteering to help other seniors.
Juliaette Reynolds, 90, starts her day at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill with a game of dominoes and then gets to work greeting other seniors, taking donations and handing them tickets for the center’s lunch.
Josephine Agusta, 94, is one of the regulars for lunch. She comes for a meal and some company.
“Well, I'm a people person, and I love being with people. I play cards here with some of the seniors every Wednesday, and they have a delightful lunch,” she said.
Orange County serves about 100 meals a day at Seymour Center, according to staff. On any given day about 450 seniors visit the location.
The meal program is free for seniors, but they can donate money toward it.
Another 50 seniors usually eat every day at the county’s other senior center — the Passmore Center in Hillsborough. About 250 seniors come and go there each day.
"You hear the noise. It's so busy. I mean, you're preoccupied,” Reynolds said.
She said she’s volunteered at the Seymour Center for at least 15 years.
"That’s one of my favorite pastimes, is helping people,” Reynolds said.
"Well, it's just a sense of knowing that you're helping people. (It) gives you a good feeling. To me it does. Because I wouldn’t want somebody to help me and I not show some appreciation or smile, at least a smile. At least they give you a smile, you know,” she said.
Janice Tyler, the director of the Orange County Department on Aging, described Reynolds as a “great, all-around person, jolly person.”
"I think what's special is that you can come to a place, you feel welcome, you know that you're going to meet a friend, you're going to have a hot meal, and with social isolation being a major problem in our country, this is a wonderful place to come together and eat together with someone rather than eating alone at home," Tyler said.
Agusta said it's important to be around other people as a person gets older.
“It's very important to be with people when you get older. You stay by yourself, you vegetate. Mingling with people helps you to socialize, and I'm a social person,” Agusta said.
Reynolds is social as well.
"I think if this place gives you something to do, so that you don't sit at home all day and look at the wall,” she said.
“It gives me a sense of me, because nobody wants to do this but me,” Reynolds said.
"It gets me out of the house. It's like home away from home,” she said.
Orange County has about 350 volunteers, according to its Department on Aging
They help with things like teaching classes, a program where volunteers call people every morning to make sure they’re OK, a visitation program and help with information about insurance and income tax.
The county welcomes volunteers of all ages.
DELTA LEAGUE PREVIEWThe Delta League is a six-team league that includes Dana Hills, El Modena, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Troy and Western.DANA HILLSWhat to expect: The Dolphins have many starters with limited or zero varsity experience. They move up from the Foxtrot League, where they tied Laguna Beach for the league championship last season with a 4-1 league record. Dana Hills lost to Palos Verdes, 14-13, in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinals to finish...
DELTA LEAGUE PREVIEW
The Delta League is a six-team league that includes Dana Hills, El Modena, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Troy and Western.
DANA HILLS
What to expect: The Dolphins have many starters with limited or zero varsity experience. They move up from the Foxtrot League, where they tied Laguna Beach for the league championship last season with a 4-1 league record. Dana Hills lost to Palos Verdes, 14-13, in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinals to finish 10-2 overall. Graduation took 16 starters from that team, including nine of last season’s 10 leading tacklers. So the Dolphins might have to score a bunch of points, which they did last year when they averaged 38 points a game, including 44 points a game in the Foxtrot League. Maybe they can do so, thanks to having returning starting quarterback Carter Anderson, a junior who was all-league first team last season after he passed for 2.556 yards and 33 touchdowns. Senior receiver Jack Norman was second on the team in receptions last season with 33 for 845 yards and 12 touchdowns and was named to the All-Foxtrot League first team. Two starting offensive lineman are back, including senior tackle Logan Day (6-6, 270) who was the Foxtrot League’s offensive lineman of the year and has committed to San Diego State. Senior guard Issais Amaya (6-4, 320) was all-league last year and has an offer from UNLV. Senior safety Stephen Reda made all-league first team and had five interceptions in 2025. Dana Hills coach Tony Henney said the Dolphins have depth, an uncommon luxury in public school football.
EL MODENA
What to expect: El Modena is a home for dual-threat quarterbacks. The Vanguards have another good one. Ethan Sorenson passed for 1,450 yards and ran for team highs of 601 yards and 10 touchdowns as El Modena finished third in the Delta League with a 3-2 league record and went 5-6 overall. Sorenson was named all-league first team. He is one of six returning starters on offense, including senior running back Arnol Correa who rushed for 334 yards and four touchdowns last season. Correa was named all-league second team. El Modena’s defense has seven returning starters. Senior defensive lineman Mason Romo was named All-Delta second team last season when he was third on the team in total tackles with 48 including a team-leading five sacks. Senior cornerback Thomas Sheehan is another all-league second-team returnee. Sheehan led the Vanguards in interceptions with four last season. With so much varsity experience back for a program known for its grit and hard-hitting style, the Vanguards should be in the hunt for one of the league’s three automatic playoff berths.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
What to expect: The Oilers are another newcomer to the Epsilon League. They went 4-1 in the Epsilon League last season and finished second to Crean Lutheran. The Oilers finished 8-3 overall. Huntington Beach lost to Edison, 31-19, in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs. The Oilers’ two regular season losses were by a total of four points. Quarterback Brady Edmunds goes into his senior year with two All-Orange County seasons already on his resume and he is No. 2 in the Register’s Hot 150 ranking of county’s top football players. Edmunds (6-5, 230) last season completed 68 percent of his passes for 2,724 yards and 32 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He committed to Ohio State. Dylin Bruce, a senior, was the Oilers’ No. 3 receiver last season with 31 catches for 434 yards and six touchdowns. Bruce, who committed to Arizona State, also is a defensive back who had two interceptions last season, including one returned for a touchdown. Bruce also scored on a punt return. Another Edmunds target will be Skylar Robinson, who transferred from Chaminade last year but did not play at Huntington Beach last season because of injury. Robinson committed to North Carolina. Center Caden McNiven, a senior, was named all-league first team last season. Two other all-league first-team selections are safety Jimmel Champion, who committed to Wyoming, and cornerback Maxx Hopkins. Second-year head coach Matt Hatchette promises a balanced offensive attack. But with a quarterback like Edmunds taking the snaps, handoffs might be uncommon events for the Oilers who look like the best team in the league.
LAGUNA BEACH
What to expect: The Breakers averaged 40 points a game last season when they were Foxtrot League co-champions with Dana Hills. They might do that again or something close, because of their returning skill position players. Senior quarterback Jack Hurst was a Foxtrot League co-MVP and All-Orange County third team selection last season when he threw a county-high 45 touchdown passes with only five interceptions and averaged 271 passing yards a game. Hurst is No. 19 in the Register’s Hot 150 rankings. Last season’s top three receivers are back too: Brady Stringham, Wyatt Bogdan and Will Kimball. Stringham is committed to Air Force and was a Foxtrot League co-offensive player of the year last season. He was the team leader with 55 receptions for 1,063 yards and 17 touchdowns. Bogdan, a starting linebacker and a Foxtrot League co-defensive player of the year last season, committed to Portland State. The defensive front is strong with all-league senior Xavier Brooks, Boise State-committed senior Grayson Kazmouz and Garrett Byerly, who was all-league first team last season as a freshman. Senior Bob Gardner was All-Foxtrot first team last season when Laguna Beach finished 4-1 in league and 9-2 overall. The Laguna Beach offensive line does not have any seniors. So while a repeat of 2025’s success might be difficult to attain, there is no doubt this will be an entertaining team to watch.
TROY
What to expect: The Warriors make the biggest move up of all Orange County football teams. According to the ratings system used to place teams into leagues, the Delta League is three leagues higher than the Iota League where Troy went 5-0 last season. Troy lost to eventual CIF-SS champion Rio Hondo Prep, 28-0, in the second round of the Division 5 playoffs. Much of last year’s success was built on Troy’s ground attack that featured All-Orange County first-team running back Ethan Mundt, who was a senior. It is likely that the Warriors will have a more balanced offensive scheme this season, led by all-league second-team quarterback Mason Mays. The running game still will be involved, led by junior running back Riley Billington. The Delta League has some outstanding quarterbacks, so a good passing defense is crucial. Troy might have that. Senior cornerback Noah Torosian was all-league first team last season when he had six interceptions. Senior safety Andrew Green also was all-league first team in ‘25 when he had five interceptions. Senior safety Luke Dolmat, another returning all-league first-team Warrior, was second on last year’s team with 66 tackles. There will be new faces at linebacker. Establishing an effective running game could be critical for Troy to finish among the top three in this solid league.
WESTERN
What to expect: Last year’s offensive star was quarterback Chance Thomas, who passed for 3,327 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2025. He transferred to Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman. Even so, the Pioneers again could have a big-play offense. Junior quarterback Ethan Esmailian (6-2, 195) is a college prospect who has a couple of standout receivers to target in senior Ayden Payne (Oregon State commit), who was an All-Delta League first team selection last season, and junior Tywon Nesby. Western uses its running backs in the passing game, too, so look for senior backs Johnathon Hardy and Kelton Strickland to come out of the back field to catch passes. Hardy, who committed to Utah Tech, also plays linebacker. The defense will be anchored by an incoming transfer for Los Alamitos, senior lineman Hunter Eligon (6-3, 290), who committed to Vanderbilt. Eligon was All-Alpha League first team last season and is No. 54 in the Register’s Hot 150 rankings. Western finished fourth in the Delta League last season with a 2-3 league record and went 6-5 overall. This appears to be a balanced league, so Western will contend for one of the six-team league’s three automatic berths in the playoffs.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of Orange County students are expected to return to class on Monday by walking or biking to campus, but the county is still short dozens of school crossing guards.Orange County needs 309 crossing guards to fill all posts across the county. There are currently 61 vacancies.Awilda Torres with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the county will rely on trainers, supervisors, deputies and field service officers to help cover gaps.“Our trainers will go out, supervisors wil...
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of Orange County students are expected to return to class on Monday by walking or biking to campus, but the county is still short dozens of school crossing guards.
Orange County needs 309 crossing guards to fill all posts across the county. There are currently 61 vacancies.
Awilda Torres with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the county will rely on trainers, supervisors, deputies and field service officers to help cover gaps.
“Our trainers will go out, supervisors will go out, and then we also notify the comms center where our deputies will go out and also our field service officers,” Torres said.
As for the crossing guards who will direct students across streets in the new school year, they recently completed final training. The training included reminders about changing road conditions, including self-driving vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters.
“Waymos — they are not leaving no time soon,” Torres said of the self-driving vehicles.
Crossing guards are preparing for students who arrive on e-bikes, e-scooters and regular bicycles. Guards are trained to ask students to get off those devices before crossing the street.
“Some parts are challenging, especially when they don’t want to dismount from their bikes or the scooter,” school crossing guard trainer Belinda Maldona said. “But I gained trust from the students, and they wind up doing it.”
Orange County Public Schools recently implemented a ban on micromobility devices for students who do not have a driver’s license or learner’s permit. Crossing guards will not enforce that policy.
“Parents should be more involved with the mobility and what is safe for their child. We only can do as much as we can,” Maldona said.
Maldona, who has worked as a crossing guard in Horizon West for two years, is now a trainer but is expected to continue working in crosswalks because of the shortage.
The job can be difficult to fill because crossing guards typically work one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.
“Please join our team,” Maldona said. “It is very important. If you want to do something for the community, join us. It is a wonderful job.”
The shortage is similar to previous years, but as Orange County grows and roads change, officials said finding the right fit has become more difficult.
Crossing guards in Orange County are paid $18.18 an hour.
For information on becoming a crossing guard in Orange County, click here.
336-654-5001
