Grossmont League : 3-A Preview : Granite Hills May Be Even Better This Time Around

Last year, Granite Hills High surprised the rest of the Grossmont League 3-A teams. In its second game, the Eagles went to a wishbone offense. This season, the league probably won’t see too many surprises from the Eagles. They don’t need any.

The Eagles return their entire backfield, all seniors. Granite Hills utilized a wishbone attack, enabling Coach Paul Wargo to utilize four solid players.

But this Eagles team may be even better than last year’s team that went 11-0 before losing in the semifinals of the San Diego Section playoffs.

“They know what it’s about,” said Wargo. “And they’re bigger, stronger and faster than last year.”

Said Tom Vardell, a returning running back: “As juniors we were the underdogs and weren’t sure what varsity football was all about.”

Wargo said quarterback Donnie Carroll will use more play-action passes this season. “I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks we’ve ever had,” said Wargo.

Also expect a more wide-open offense from the Eagles. Wargo has installed the option as part of the wishbone attack this season.

Defensively, linebackers Scott Weber, a second team all-league selection, and Aaron Crecy are back. Both had said they were transferring out of the district.”They really solidified the defense,” said Wargo. “We were trying to move people around to cover the linebackers.”

Granite Hills

Last season’s record: 4-0, 11-1

Finish: First Coach: Paul Wargo

Key Personnel: Tom Vardell (6-2, 205), RB; Robert Padillo (6-0, 187), RB; Donnie Carroll (5-11, 175), QB, and Donovan Delmare (6-4, 251), T.

Top Newcomer: None

Outlook: Granite Hills returns the entire backfield that led the Eagles to the playoffs for the first time in five seasons last year. Leading the way are running backs Robert Padillo, tops in the league in rushing, and Tom Vardell, the league’s No. 2 rusher. Padillo gained 1,162 yards and scored nine touchdowns on 201 carries and Vardell had 1,125 yards and 12 touchdowns on 168 carries. The Eagles gained 2,938 yards on the ground. Also returning to the backfield are senior fullback Rick Stauffer and quarterback Donnie Carroll, a left-hander who threw for 979 yards on just 41 completions. The outlook is not as bright on defense after losing two all-leaguers, including Player of the Year Mike Garrow. A potent wishbone attack will give the Eagles a solid chance at repeating as conference champions. But an unproven offensive line and lack of a quality wide receiver, such as the graduated Todd Parker, may make it a tougher road than last year.

Helix

Last season’s record: 3-1, 11-2

Finish: Second Coach: Jim Arnaiz

Top Personnel: Kerry Barr (6-0, 193), RB; Sidney Baxter (5-10, 175), TB; Mark Raab (6-4, 225), T, and Derek Lobbins (6-1, 180), CB.

Top Newcomers: Tim Zeddies (6-0, 180), QB, and Danny Tiumalu (6-0, 170), RB/DB.

Outlook: It may be a rare rebuilding year for the Highlanders with only five starters returning from last year’s team that reached the San Diego Section championship game. Coach Jim Arnaiz has one of the youngest teams in the league and no quarterback the caliber of former Helix quarterbacks Jim Plum or Jeff Hammerschmidt. In fact, Helix does not have a quarterback who has thrown a varsity pass. The Highlanders’ strength is in the backfield with Kerry Barr, 984 yards and 14 touchdowns on 201 carries, and Sidney Baxter, who had 39 carries for 288 yards rushing and 18 catches for 195 yards. The offensive line returns just one player, tackle Mark Raab. On defense, the secondary should be solid with all-league selection Derek Lobbins at cornerback. With untested arms at quarterback and strength in the backfield, the Highlanders may stay on the ground more this year. But if the Highlanders can hang in until the offensive and defensive lines jell, they could reach the playoffs.

Monte Vista

Last season’s record: 2-2, 7-3

Finish: Third

Coach: Larry Shepard

Key Personnel: Thaddeus Laffitte (6-0, 175), DB/TB; Mike Asury (6-5, 205), T, and Robbie Krebs (5-10, 210), DL.

Top Newcomer: James Fraser (6-0, 165), WR/CB.

Outlook: Only one all-league player, Robbie Krebs, returns on defense. The Monarchs were probably the best team in the county to not make the playoffs last year. Monte Vista’s three losses were to playoff teams--Granite Hills, Helix and Mira Mesa. The ranks are a bit thinner this season and Coach Larry Shepard will have a lot of key personnel playing on both sides of the ball. Monte Vista has solid anchors in the offensive line with Mike Asbury and Wes Morris at the tackles, but it will have to find some quality backs. Tailback Thaddeus Laffitte will be counted on to provide some of that quality. The Monarchs have a major rebuilding task ahead, but Shepard always manages to put together a well-disciplined team that keeps itself in games.

Mount Miguel

Last season’s record: 1-3, 4-6

Finish: Fourth

Coach: Gary Cooper

Key Personnel: Anthony Rivera (5-11, 175), QB, and Gus Lopez (5-10, 185) LB/OL.

Top Newcomer: Alvin Duncan (6-4, 185), TE.

Outlook: Now that second-year Coach Gary Cooper is settled in, the Matadors should be on the road back to their previous stature. Mount Miguel has won five league titles and made playoff appearances six times. But now that the players have had a season to get used to Cooper’s system, Mount Miguel should be well prepared. As usual, the Matadors have the league’s best speed. Mount Miguel will be small, but will try to make up the difference with speed and quickness. Back is quarterback Anthony Rivera, who was impressive as a sophomore. Rivera, who also started at guard for last year’s basketball team that qualified for the playoffs, is a definite running threat. There will be new faces in the backfield, led by Ray High, who rushed for 316 yards on 51 carries last season. The Matadors could be better than last year, but speed alone probably won’t be enough to get them in the playoffs.

Santana

Last season’s record: 0-4, 1-9

Finish: Fifth

Coach: Bill Homik

Key Personnel: Billy Reed (6-0, 200), RB/DB, and Bruce Moutaw (5-10, 160), QB.

Top newcomer: Tim Barry (6-2, 155), QB/DB.

Outlook: Coach Bill Homik and the Sultans will try to rebound from the worst season in Santana High history. The Sultans managed just one victory last year and that was a tough battle over winless El Cajon Valley, 19-6. Offensively, the Sultans should be improved with the return of running back Billy Reed and quarterback Bruce Moutaw. Reed rushed for 430 yards on 94 carries and caught 24 passes for 381 yards. Reed, who also leads the defense, had a team-high three interceptions a year ago. Moutaw was inconsistent most of last season, completing 87 passes in 194 attempts and had 17 interceptions. Another strength for Santana will be its offensive line, which is the biggest since Homik took over three years ago, with junior Troy Neuenswander (6-5, 220) and senior Scott Smith (6-3, 245) at the tackles; senior Doug Sampson (5-10, 205 and junior Phil Jones (5-11, 210) at the guards and senior Dave Gauthier (6-1, 190) at center. Santana should be improved, but it will be tough to move out of the cellar.