Cal Lutheran College

COACH: Bob Shoup, 24th year, 166-54-6 LAST SEASON: 5-4-1 record as an NAIA independent PLAYERS TO WATCH: Defense traditionally has been the strength of the Kingsmen--and 1985 will be no exception. Middle linebacker Earl Bentancourt is a converted defensive end who led the team with 19 sacks last year. Opponents ran away from his side but won’t be able to now that he’s in the middle. Chris Heintz, Ken Wood, Tom Gabriel and Robert Jackson are other fine linebackers. Cornerback Chris Hutcherson, who intercepted seven passes last season, heads a secondary that also includes Mike Duffy and Mark Taggatz. Shawn Tippit, Ruben Solorio, Brian Parham, Matt Dann and Jim Buffo will see action on the defensive line. The Cal Lutheran offense was anemic at times last season, especially on the ground. The top three running backs--Leo Briones, Tracy Downs and Noel Hicks--return, but none gained more than 250 yards. Wide Receiver Joe Fuca and split end Greg Harris, Cal Lutheran’s top receiver last season, return. Darren Gottschalk and Jeff Krabiel are expected to divide duty at tight end. Scrambling sophomore Tom Bonds has beaten out Vic Wilson at quarterback, although Shoup says both will see action. Scott Innis is the lone returner on the offensive line, and he has moved from tackle to guard. The rest of the linemen--Tim McClelland, Eric Riegert, Jim Mesa, and Dave Breck--are small by WFC standards. All-American punter Bill Turner and kicker Joe Haynoski, who graduated, have been replaced by Kent Sullivan. OUTLOOK: The Kingsmen, in saying hello to the NCAA and the WFC, have said goodby to Claremont-Mudd, San Diego, and Western State--teams they routinely scheduled--and defeated. “We are the youngest and the smallest in the WFC, but consider joining a great opportunity,” Shoup said. “We will be competitive.”