BEVERLY HILLS, CRENSHAW LOOK LIKE BEST : Santa Monica, Culver City and University Rated Top Grid Challengers

The question at the start of each prep football season on the Westside is “Who Is Number One?” The answer is always more difficult than the question.

But if you answer Beverly Hills or Crenshaw you won’t be far afield. Both figure to be strong.

Beverly Hills returns all-everything running back Willie Crawford along with improved passing. Crenshaw, as usual, has speed to burn and a large offensive line.

If either of these teams falters, waiting to grab the top spot could be traditionally strong Santa Monica or Culver City. Or University could sneak in.

Here is a look, alphabetically, at the Westside 16 teams, nine of them in the Los Angeles City section and seven in various divisions of the CIF Southern Section.

Beverly Hills Normans

(CIF-Southern Section, Southern Conference)

COACH: Bill Stansbury and Dick Billingsley, fourth year as co-coaches

LAST YEAR: 8-2-1 overall; 4-0-1,tied for first with Santa Monica in Ocean League

FIRST GAME: Sept. 11, North

Torrance, 3 p.m.

Strengths: Senior RB-LB Willie Crawford (6-1, 190), the Ocean League’s most valuable player, who gained 1,151 yards rushing and scored 16 touchdowns and was in on 74 tackles, 34 unassisted. Considered one of nation’s top preps. All-league senior OT Erez Gottlieb (6-4, 245) broke weight-lifting record at El Camino Sports Festival with 340 pounds for bench press, 740 pounds for leg press, 275 pounds for power clean. Passing game should be better. Senior QB Jason Goldberg said to be much improved, as is senior TE Brad Amman (6-1, 205). Two sprinters from track team who will be wide receivers: senior Monroe Gorden (6-1 1/2), whose best time in the 100 meters is 11.1, and junior Damon Greene (6-1, 165), an 11.4 in the 100. Stansbury said the offensive line has more strength and size than any other in his 15 years at school, with everyone up front over 200 pounds. He said entire team is stronger and has 13 players over 200, compared to just three who weighed that much last year.

Problem areas: Offensive line, largely inexperienced. Finding adequate replacements for three graduates: FB-LB Memo Kahan, P-LB Alan Glazer, PK Gary Melnik.

Offensive and defensive sets: Pro style, multiple sets. Split six, i.e., 6-2-3.

Players to watch: All of the above plus senior OT Galo Medina (6-4, 230), transfer from Daniel Murphy, and two returning starters, senior defensive tackles Josh Haims (6-1, 205), an all-leaguer, and David Shuman (5-11, 195).

Brentwood Eagles

(CIF-Southern Section, Eight-Man (Large) Conference) LAST YEAR: 5-4 overall; 1-2, third in Delphic league.

COACH: Pat Brown, seventh year.

FIRST GAME: Sept. 12 at Big Pine, 1:30 p.m.

Strengths: A weak league and talent at most skill positions has Brown saying: “If we don’t win it this year, I’ll be surprised.”

Dropback passer Ian Dalsemer, a 6-1, 155 senior, was “the only one we had who could play that position last year,” Brown said, and with his experience Dalsemer, second-team all-league in 1986, returns as the one Eagle the rest of the team wants to protect because he’s so valuable. Dalsemer poses no running threat, but senior TB-FB Freddie Kim (5-10, 195) and junior TB Jay Langan (6-2, 170) will pick up the slack. Kim, “a run right-over-the-top type,” according to Brown, started on varsity as a sophomore but did not play last year when he transferred to a private school in Santa Barbara. Langan, who Brown said is second fastest on the team, earned MVP honors last season on junior varsity squad.

Junior TE Matt Hatten (6-5, 205) gives Brentwood one of the biggest passing threats in the league. After transferring from Daniel Murphy, Hatten played on junior varsity club last season and should become “the best receiver we’ve ever had at this school,” Brown said.

Senior TE-WR Bobby Ahn (5-9, 160) “has the best hands on the team and a knack for finding the open area,” said Brown.

Offensive line returns Brentwood’s 1986 MVP, senior C Andy Barash (6-1, 185). The captain garnered the most votes of any offensive lineman when he was named first team all-league last year. Senior G Steve Ross (6-0, 205), a victim of chronic injuries, should be another force if he can stay healthy.

Although the Eagles are somewhat inexperienced, newcomers carry undefeated 1986 junior varsity season up to varsity. “Rarely have we had an explosive team,” Brown said, “but this year we’re gonna change that.”

Problem areas: Defense always has size problem, and 1987 is no exception. Many players are small, quick and hitters, including senior MLB Tommy Burr (5-10, 175), a first-team all-league and honorable mention all-CIF player in 1986. Senior Tray Gardner (5-8, 210), “a real fireplug,” Brown said, returns to defensive line, but Brown hopes new players can form stable unit.

Punting and kicking also are problems as Eagles lost starter. “Defense and finding a punter and a guy who can kick” is what Brown worries about, he said.

Players to watch: Senior FB Geronimo Jones (5-11, 160) “plays wherever we need someone badly,” Brown said, making Jones the Eagles’ all-purpose back. He’ll see plenty of time on offense and defense. “Crazy Man” Marc Renner (5-10, 165) is solid against the run but has trouble with the pass now and then “because he is so intense,” Brown said. Renner counteracts size liability with dedication and aggressiveness. Junior WR Derek Woodard (5-10, 165) runs a 4.7 40 and offers a deep threat. “We try to get him in as many one-on-one situations as possible,” Brown said.

Crenshaw Cougars

(CIF-City Section, 4-A Division) LAST YEAR: 5-4 overall; 2-3, tied for third with Dorsey and Gardena in Pacific League.

COACH: David Frierson, 12th year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 25 at Kennedy,

8 p.m.

Strengths: Powering Cougars are 12 returning starters, including a muscle-heavy offensive line and strong, swift backfield.

Last season’s starting FS Dan Robinson (5-11, 170) will take over at quarterback, after serving as backup QB in 1986. Robinson, a senior, “reads defenses well, is very smart and very versatile,” Frierson said. WR-CB Michael Williams (5-10, 170) runs a 4.4 40, can jump high and “pull just about anything down,” said Frierson, who sees Robinson and Williams as keys to Crenshaw’s success because they “run the team, and how they play sets the tempo for us.”

Senior OG Anthony McClellan (6-3, 265) and senior OT Michael Grimble (6-3, 320) are three-year starters and clearly keys to an overpowering running attack. Two-year starting C Dan Plain, a 6-2, 265 senior, complements McClellan and Grimble.

Fullback Jerry Blackshire, a 5-11, 215 senior who runs a 4.6 40, is sturdy and strong. He scored six touchdowns against City champion Carson last year. Teamed with Blackshire will be senior TB Karry Auguster (5-9, 165), an all-around athlete who also returns kickoffs and punts, and senior TB Kevin Pratte (5-9, 160), a 4.4 sprinter “who can really fly and has great hands,” said Frierson.

Linebacking corps is filled with “good, quick and smart hitters” Frierson said. Senior ILB Dwayne Hayforth (5-9, 180), nicknamed “Coast-to-Coast” for his ability to cover the whole field, led Cougars in tackles last season. Others have key game experience.

Secondary is supported by offensive stars--Robinson at safety and Williams at cornerback. Senior CB Anthony Easter (6-0, 170) is “steady and definitely a strong point,” Frierson said.

Problem areas: major question marks in defensive line with many players yet to prove themselves. Frierson said sophomore John Wilson (6-4, 265) has lots of potential but is untested. Junior DG Elliot Edwards (6-2, 225) surpasses Wilson but still leaves coaches unsure.

New coaching staff may also be a liability. Three new assistants, who played at Crenshaw, will begin work in the fall. Said Frierson: “My problem is getting my staff together. Sometimes if your coaches don’t blend together, your athletes won’t blend at all.”

Offensive and defensive sets: I and split formations; 5-2-4, 4-3-4, 4-2-5

Players to watch: Junior TB Shon Ellerbee (5-9, 160), a varsity sprinter as a sophomore on Frierson’s track squad, has enough speed to get around corners and may push Auguster for starting spot. Offensive RT Russ Neely, a 6-1, 265 sophomore, has shown progress in spring and summer and is expected to start and also see time at defensive tackle. Senior TE Pat Johnson (6-3, 220) bulked up with weights during summer and “looks extremely promising,” Frierson said.

Culver City Centaurs

(CIF-Southern Section, Southern Conference) LAST YEAR: 7-4 overall; 2-3, fourth in Ocean League

COACH: Fred Fuller, ninth year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 11, St. Bernard, 7:30 p.m.

Strengths: Offensive line and running game with senior TB John Price (6-0, 190). Key offensive linemen are seniors Bob DeLarossa (5-11, 230), Derrick Deese (6-5, 248) and Gerardo Jaramillo (5-7, 200), who will probably see defensive action as well. Price was Westside’s third-leading rusher, gaining 945 yards and scoring five touchdowns.

Problem areas: Coach Fuller said biggest problem could be that “we have too much of a one-dimensional offense.” Frank Dolce, considered by Fuller to be best quarterback he’s had at school, has graduated. He’ll be succeeded by brother Darrin (6-1, 185), a junior who played mostly tight end for sophomore team last year and whose passing arm hasn’t been tested much. Fuller said that, as usual, “we don’t have a great deal of depth,” with 34 players out for team.

Offensive and defensive sets: Slot I. 4-4-3.

Players to watch: Price will give Crawford of Beverly Hills stiff competition. You’ll want to watch senior SE Napoleon Banks, but you’ll have to keep an eye peeled; he’s fleet and tiny (5-3, 120). Fuller said Banks is “all heart and a good athlete with the best hands of our wide receivers.” At 5-5 and 150, senior WR Roberto Reyes doesn’t exactly tower over Banks, but also can catch the ball as well as kick field goals and play cornerback. Senior WR-DB Ken Shelton 6-1, 180 augments receiving corps that could score more than occasionally if Dolce develops as passer.

Daniel Murphy Nobles

(CIF-Southern Section, Northwestern Conference) LAST YEAR: 6-4-1 overall; 4-2-1, third in Camino Real League

COACH: John Finn, third year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 11 vs. Paramount at L.A. City College, 7:30 p.m.

Strengths: “Our biggest strength is our quickness at most positions,” said Finn, who returns five starters from last fall.

Senior RB Terence Kendricks (5-6, 165) rushed for more than 800 yards last year and “has lots of natural ability as a running back,” Finn said. He’ll see the ball often in Nobles one-back offense, as will senior slot-back Peter Vandenberg (5-8, 170), who will also start at linebacker and be the punter and place-kicker. Finn expects a big year from Vandenberg as he has significant varsity experience.

Returning starters Anthony Wills (5-6, 185) and Ben Abarro (5-6, 170), both seniors, have lots of experience and should stabilize an otherwise inexperienced offensive line. However, Finn said both guards will be pushed by up-and-coming juniors.

Three seniors may make Nobles’ secondary one of toughest in league. Howard McGee (5-9, 175), Jason Foster (5-9, 175) and Wayne Taylor (5-9, 160) are speedy, and will double as wide receivers.

Problem areas: Eight juniors on offense and six on defense may overshadow depth at many positions. Finn hopes inexperienced players get direction from seniors but said “right now, you’d have to figure we’ll finish near the bottom. This year we’re a young team in an older league.”

The interiors of offensive and defensive lines are weak, Finn said, leaving many possible holes on both sides of ball.

Offensive and defensive sets: Run-and-shoot; 4-6-2, 4-4-3.

Players to watch: With inexperienced team, many players could emerge after nameless beginning. Junior quarterback Ernie Naranjo (5-11, 175) has decent speed and good arm and will run and pass plenty in run-and-shoot attack. Junior SE Brock Mosely (5-9, 160) “has tremendous hands,” Finn said, and is expected to stand out. Junior Doug Toles (5-9, 175), the only sophomore on varsity last season, will see action at linebacker, running back and slot back. Senior OT Mark Johnson (6-5, 235) saw action last year, but not much. Size may make him a force. Versatile junior Jose Morales (5-8, 190) will play at center, on defensive line and at linebacker.

Dorsey Dons

(CIF- City Section, 4-A Division) LAST YEAR: 6-4 overall; 2-3, tied for third with Gardena and Crenshaw in Pacific League

COACHES: Paul Knox and Eugene McAdoo, third year as co-coaches

FIRST GAME: Sept. 25 at Locke, 3 p.m.

Strengths: Dons should shine at skill positions with Roman Foster (6-1, 175) calling signals and seniors Henri Spears (5-7, 150) and Damone Beckom (5-9, 160) at running back and wide receiver, respectively. Foster, a junior, started Dorsey’s last three games last season, and Knox said he’ll throw often in an offense that will use “lots of motion and lots of shifting.” Foster can play drop-back game but passes especially well on the run.

Beckom led Dorsey in receptions when he was injured in the fourth game of 1986, and the senior, if healthy, is a threat. His hands and ability to catch ball in the middle make him reliable target. Spears, who also runs track, will use above-average strength and speed to slash through defenses.

Knox said his best player anchors defense: Lodge Troutt, a 6-3, 210 middle linebacker. Strong safety Shawn Miller (5-10, 195), a junior, was “outstanding as a sophomore,” said Knox, and will be looked to for more productive defense.

Problem areas: Dons return only six starters, and both offensive and defensive lines look suspect. Three starters were lost to graduation on offensive line, so senior G Steven Echols (6-0, 250) and junior T Kenneth Fluellen (6-1, 240) will have to provide leadership.

Last year, Dons relied on defense as offense sputtered. But defensive line could be biggest problem this year with lack of depth. Knox said in early August that he’s still “searching for linemen” to help only returning starter, 6-4, 205 senior Chris Mimms.

Offensive and defensive sets: Pro set, double wings. 4-3-4.

Players to watch: Senior RB Desi Wells (5-9, 170) expected to step in right away and produce. Foster is quick with strong arm but will depend on development of offensive line.

Fairfax Colonials

(CIF- City Section, 3-A Division) LAST YEAR: 1-8 overall; 1-4, fifth in Crosstown League)

COACH: Denis Furlong, third year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 25 at Taft, 8 p.m.

Strengths: Furlong, who says you can never have too many quarterbacks, has two signal-callers returning. Senior James Malbrough (6-2, 165) broke his wrist in the opening game last season on the opening possession. He started as a sophomore. Replacing him was junior David Timmons (5-10, 180). Malbrough will get the nod this season, while Timmons will be ready to step in. “To have two kids back who have played quarterback is a big plus,” Furlong said.

The Colonials also have experience on the offensive and defensive lines. Back is senior Khalid Farah (6-0, 220), who Furlong says is his best lineman. Senior tackles Dan Keller (6-3, 245) and Bruno Naulls (6-4, 225) return to anchor the line with Farah.

Defensively, all four of Fairfax’s linebackers return, including junior Craig Pringle (6-0, 190), the leading tackler last season. He’ll be joined by seniors Keith Bryant (5-11, 170), Kenneth Finley (6-0, 190) and Charlie Maye (6-0, 180).

Farah and Keller are back on the defensive line and should be aided by senior Richard Saito (5-11, 200) at end.

After going 12-0 in 1985, the Colonials struggled last year at 1-8. But experience--the Colonials return 20 players--should give Fairfax more credibility.

Problem areas: Even with 20 veterans, Furlong says he lacks depth all around the field. Many players are going both ways and backups for them players are scarce. Must avoid injuries.

Offensive and defensive sets: I formation; 4-4-3.

Players to watch: Malbrough can throw to a good crop of receivers including senior SE Tzegai Hinson (5-10, 160) and tight ends Pringle and Maye. The Colonials were 31-4 in the passing league this summer and should continue to throw the ball well.

Hamilton Yankees

(CIF-City Section, 3-A Division) LAST YEAR: 5-4; 3-2, third in Crosstown League

COACH: Dave Lertzman, eighth year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 25 at Venice,

8 p.m.

Strengths: Lertzman likes what he’s got back at skill positions. Leading the returnees is senior QB Aaron Echols (5-9, 165), more a running threat than a passer. “He’s a good all-around athlete. He runs a 4.4 in the 40 and benches around 260 pounds,” said Lertzman. He’ll also have good running backs in senior FB Phillip Frazier (6-1, 225) and senior TB Charles McKenzie (5-9, 170). Frazier is a three-year starter, while McKenzie started his sophomore year and played mostly at outside linebacker last year.

With three quality backs, Lertzman is hoping to open his game a little. “Our most explosive back is Echols,” Lertzman said. “We want to establish him as a threat every time he rushes or throws it. Teams will be stacked up against him; that’s where we hope Frazier and McKenzie can step in and make a difference.”

Defensively, Frazier and McKenzie will stack up as inside linebackers. Senior Jeff Poje (5-11, 170), an All-Westside selection at outside linebacker and tight end last season, also returns.

Problem areas: Lertzman is concerned with a marked lack of depth on both the offensive and defensive line. Only three players, with limited varsity experience, return; the rest are coming up from junior varsity or have never played before. “We’ll see what happens,” said Lertzman. “Hopefully, our defense will keep us in the game.”

Offensive and defensive sets: multiple, 4-4-3.

Players to watch: Senior CB Travis Moore (5-10, 160) will back up Echols at quarterback. Moore has an outstanding arm. Poje has good hands and blocks well.

Hollywood Sheiks

(CIF-City Section, 2-A Division) LAST YEAR: 4-4-1 overall; 2-2-1, third in Northern League

COACH: Ray Kasparian, second year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 25 at North Hollywood, 7:30 p.m.

Strengths: Offensive backfield has lots of speed, making Sheiks dangerous. Senior Jeff Holmes (6-0, 165) will start at quarterback. He saw action last year when starter was injured, is quite mobile and runs a 4.5 40. Behind Holmes will be senior FB-HB Hutch Artuyunyan (5-10, 195). Artuyunyan, who moves up from the B team, has “really good blocking ability,” said assistant coach Steve Stewart. Junior Vic Maloymian (5-7, 170) will also start behind Holmes. This will be Maloymian’s first varsity season. Stewart said he is “extremely agile and hard hitting,” and Maloymian may use those assets on offensive line, “depending on whether we need it,” Stewart added.

Junior WR Kevin Lynn (5-7, 145) “has extremely good hands and knows where to go and how to get there,” Stewart said. Lynn pulled down several touchdown passes last season.

Offensive line will get boost from senior T Harout Naldzhyan (6-1, 240), whom Stewart called “hard-hitting and aggressive.”

Linebackers upgrade defense. Maloymian will see action there as will senior Paul Hernandez (5-11, 185), a second-string fullback. Senior C Moises Vasquez (5-7, 165) may also see action at linebacker.

Defensive line is traditionally strong. “Nobody was able to really run against us last year,” Stewart said, and he doesn’t expect that to change.

Problem areas: Biggest hole is in secondary, as usual. “Schooling defensive backs is really tough,” Stewart said, “because they are always slow to develop. When we got beat last year, we got beat at the corners. It’s really hard to find guys with natural ability at defensive back.”

Demographics could also be a hassle. Only 28 kids showed up to play last year, and Stewart thinks he’ll be lucky to get 30. Some schools get upwards of 100, Stewart said. In addition, Stewart said much of school population is Latino or Armenian and has more interest in soccer than football. Stewart and his colleagues may be forced to scan schoolyard for students who look like ballplayers and then try to convince then to play. Last year Sheiks pulled place-kicker from soccer team and, although he booted 45-yard field goals in practice, he missed every extra-point he attempted because, Stewart said, he never got used to lineman in his face.

Offensive and defensive sets: Pass-option sprint out; 4-3-4, 4-4-3.

Players to watch: Junior WR Matt Thammagno (5-8, 130) will move up to varsity to show why he earned most valuable player honors on B team last year. Naldzhyan will probably go both ways.

Palisades Dolphins

(CIF-City Section, 3-A Division) LAST YEAR: 7-4 overall; 4-1, second in Crosstown League

COACH: Jack Epstein, third year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 26 at Santa Monica, 7:30 p.m.

Strengths: Possible major college prospect at quarterback in junior Perry Klein (6-2 1/2, 175). “He’s got lots to prove,” said Epstein, “but he’s got a very strong arm.” Supporting Klein will be WR Harold Champlin and RB-WR Robert Scott (5-4, 140) in what Epstein said should be a big-play offense. Scott’s 4.45 40 was fastest at Stanford spring football camp.

Staving off defenses will be collection of bulky senior offensive linemen, including tackles Todd Specter, a 6-3, 240 returning starter, and Eric Thomas (6-3, 220) and 6-0, 195 G Chris Armes.

Senior LB Lou Randle (6-0, 210) made All-City first team in 1986 and will again be a force. Epstein said Randle has major college potential. Defensive guard Willie Bolton (5-10, 185), a 1986 All-League selection, gives line extreme quickness. Last year Dolphins were defense-oriented, following perennial pattern, but that could change as Klein matures.

Problem areas: “We have no depth in many areas, and size is really a problem. Quite a few little kids make us kind of a Mutt and Jeff team,” Epstein said with a chuckle. Problem is, he isn’t reading comics as he scans his roster. Scott, though quick, could take some punishment because of his size.

Klein might be boon and bust. His talent is striking, but his inexperience could make early part of season hectic. Last year, lacking a throwing quarterback, Dolphins ran ball often. Klein may change complexion.

League is problem. Epstein voiced displeasure with cross-town format in August, saying competition like Washington and Manual Arts breeds little fan interest. He claimed fewer than 30 people were in the stands for a game against Jordan last season, suggesting a potential motivation problem for Cross Town teams, including Palisades.

Dolphins play four 4A teams in preseason. Epstein said he expects his team to improve if it can stay healthy but added, “Our preseason schedule will either get us ready for the regular season or kill us.”

Offensive and defensive sets: Multiple sets, double wings; 4-4-3.

Players to watch: Senior OG Campala Manuel is developing into force. Randle and Bolton headed for all-everything acclaim. Scott’s speed may turn some heads. Klein is probably armed with much of Dolphins’ potential success.

St. Monica Mariners

(CIF-Southern Section, Northwestern Conference) LAST YEAR: 0-9 overall, 0-7, eighth in Camino Real League

COACH: Andre Patterson, first year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 12, CETYS of San Ysidro, Mexico, at Palisades High, 7:30 p.m.

Strengths: Not many. Team has only nine lettermen, just 25 players and hasn’t had winning season in years. Coach Patterson, who is 6-2 and weighs 310 pounds, was an offensive lineman at University of Montana and said he probably has the biggest linemen in the league. But they are also slow, he added. Best may be senior G-LB Kai Kaluna (5-11, 230), a three-year letterman said to be strongest player on team. Patterson has had his linemen on a lifting and reducing program including Kaluna, who has dropped about 40 pounds, and senior C-DL Lalo Diaz (5-11, 220), who used to weigh about 280. Another top lineman is senior G-DL Al Sharp (6-2, 235).

Problem areas: Many. Patterson said biggest challenge for coaching staff is to “convince these kids they can win and show them how.” He said his task should be easier next year when the team goes back to the Santa Fe League where the competition is not as rough. Neither of quarterback candidates--Chad Canale, a 6-5, 205-pound senior, and Chris Leaton, a 6-0, 175-pound junior--has played a down at that position.

Offensive and defensive sets: Wing-T. 5-2-4.

Players to watch: Patterson said senior FB-LB Dan Bernard (6-1, 195) will be big factor in running game and that senior SE Andre Davis (6-1, 195), who hasn’t played since freshman year, is fastest player on team (4.45 in 40).

St. Bernard Vikings

(CIF-Southern Section, Northwestern Conference) LAST YEAR: 4-6 overall; 0-5, sixth in Angelus League

COACH: Duke Dulgarian, third year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 11 at Culver City, 7:30 p.m.

Strengths: Calvin Maspero (5-9, 180) got St. Bernard’s season off to great start last year with 96-yard return of opening kickoff against Culver City. But may have been omen on how rest of season would go when Vikings still lost to Culver. St. Bernard won just four games and none in league. Maspero, a senior who played mostly running back and defensive back and some quarterback last season, will be quarterback in new run-and-shoot offense that will attempt to capitalize on his speed and strong right (throwing) arm. He is said to have recovered from pinched nerve in right arm. Dulgarian said senior WR-FS Eric Nelson (6-5, 200) and senior TE-LB Marlon McBride (6-2, 226) will be other big factors on offense and are top college prospects. Offensive line should be strong in middle with seniors Ricky Curtis (6-1, 231) at center and Craig Bowens (6-1, 201) at one guard and junior Keith O’Donnell at other.

Problem areas: Only six returning starters and, though team has 27 lettermen, Dulgarian said most have “very little playing experience.” Could have some defensive weaknesses unless inexperienced players get experienced quickly.

Offensive and defensive sets: Run-and-shoot. 4-4-3, 4-3-4.

Players to watch: Maspero may be team’s best athlete, Nelson had 42 receptions last year and specializes in big catch, McBride should be tough to bring down once he gets ball. Senior WB Grant Pittman (6-0, 183) didn’t play much last year but should get ball more often, both on handoffs and passes. Junior RB Jamaal Wade (5-7, 163) is quick and “ a heckuva blocking back,” Dulgarian said.

Santa Monica Vikings

(CIF-Southern Section, Southern Conference) LAST YEAR: 7-2-1 overall; 4-0-1, tied for first with Beverly Hills in Ocean League

COACH: Tebb Kusserow, 14th year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 18 at St. Paul,

7:30 p.m.

Strengths: Will have some big people, many of them off sophomore team that was 7-2 overall and won Ocean League championship. Small nucleus of talented veterans, led by senior S Tate Nelson (6-2 1/2, 180), unanimous choice as all-league defensive back. Coaching of Kusserow, whose record is 97-38-3 and who has had one losing season in 14 years.

Problem areas: Inexperience. Lost 28 seniors to graduation. “We’ll be a young team,” said Kusserow. “If I look at our (projected) offensive line, there wouldn’t be a senior in it.” Could be problem at quarterback, where Kusserow will go with last year’s sophomore team quarterback, Steve Macko (6-1 1/2, 170), and/or senior Jim LaBrie (5-10, 150), who played nickel back on defense last year. All-everything LB Eric Davis, headed for Oregon State, will be tough to replace.

Offensive and defensive sets: Pro-I. 5-2-4.

Players to watch: Nelson, great athlete and top hurdler in track, may exceed his interception total of 5 last year. Junior all-league guard Kevin Kelley (6-3, 250). Senior RB-DB Glyn Milburn (5-10, 172), who may have to carry running load. Senior DE Nick Satriano (5-10, 175), team’s second-best tackler last year. Senior DL Mike Prabu (5-11, 185), who will probably shift from offensive line.

University Warriors

(CIF-City Section, 2-A Division) LAST YEAR: 10-2 overall; 6-1, champion in Pac-8 League

COACH: Brad Ratcliff, first year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 24 at Huntington Park, 8 p.m.

Strengths: Although he has not seen regular competition, senior QB Craig Perry (5-10, 160) helped Warriors to 25-0 practice victory last season and holds “an extensive knowledge of our offense,” Ratcliff said. Perry runs a 4.8 40, is an “excellent passing quarterback,” Ratcliff said, and should emerge with the help of senior WR-CB Todd May, (5-10, 160) and senior WR Raymond Pickett (6-0, 160). May, a Warriors captain, was only the fourth receiver last season, but the coach said “he’s improved in terms of catching the ball.” May might start at safety also. Pickett has “very good hands, and he can catch anything thrown to him,” said Ratcliff, who added that Pickett may get challenge for starting spot from junior WR Brian Townsley (6-0, 165).

Offensive backfield is rife with depth. Warriors are three-deep at halfback and fullback, and Ratcliff said toughest task is choosing starter at each position. Each back brings something different to position. Senior TB Reggie Moore (5-11, 185), a three-year varsity letterman, runs a 4.5 40, is best runner on team and poses a breakaway threat. Senior FB Ronnie Edwards (6-0, 170) offers best passing threat out of backfield. Junior TB Michael Jerry (5-9, 160) is probably the fastest on team from dead stop. “If the line can make a hole, he’s gonna hit it quicker than anybody,” Ratcliff said.

Mainstays on offensive line are senior C Noel Wax (6-1, 175), a strong snapper, and senior RT Bill Chuan (6-2, 195), both of whom will add stability.

Senior George Anderson (5-11, 190) was all-league last year on defensive line but will start at middle linebacker with standout OLB Sal Marino, a 6-1, 190 senior. Anderson may also start at fullback where his blocking is especially effective. Senior Chris Ayears (6-0, 185) “is an outstanding cornerback,” Ratcliff said, and should anchor the secondary, despite his inability to play last season due to eligibility problems.

Problem areas: May is only returning starter and lack of experience could outweigh talent. All starters from offensive line graduated, “so we’ll be hurting there,” Ratcliff said. Defensive line also has depth problems.

Offensive and defensive sets: Run-and-shoot. 4-3-4.

Players to watch: Townsley, who Ratcliff said “has really good hands and a knack for getting open,” is expected to get lots of playing time. Junior S Joe Gray (5-11, 180), who recently transferred from Florida, should be bright spot. Senior S-CB Tony McGlophlin (5-10, 155), though small and inexperienced, “gives every ounce he has, has lots of potential and may start at safety or cornerback,” Ratcliff said.

Venice Gondoliers

(CIF-City Section, 2-A Division) LAST YEAR: 5-3-1 overall; 4-2-1, third in Pac-8 League

COACH: Al Dellinger, 13th year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 25 vs. Hamilton at Venice, 8 p.m.

Strengths: Best athletes fill out receiving corps. Last season’s all-league TE Chris Stabe (5-11, 170), a senior, will move to wide receiver. “Stabe is as good a kid as we’ve got,” said Dellinger. Senior Chris Cook (6-5, 195) returns as other starting pass catcher, offering big-play threat with height and speed. Seniors Jason Marshall (6-0, 160) and Pete Connoy (6-1, 165) are capable fill-ins.

“We’ve got a good nucleus at receiver with all those seniors,” Dellinger said.

Throwing to that crop will be junior Eddie Sota (5-8, 155), whose brother Ernie passed for 2,400 yards as a two-year starter at Venice, earning him PAC-8 player of the year as a junior and All-City as a junior and senior. The elder Sota threw for 25 touchdowns in two years. Dellinger said Eddie, who throws and sprints well, is a carbon copy of his brother and made excellent progress in spring and summer.

Offensive line is small and inexperienced with everyone under 180 pounds, except junior OG T.J. Henderson (5-9, 210) and senior OT C.C. McGowan (6-4, 265), a major college prospect.

Senior FB Shawn Curt (6-2, 220), a two-year starter, offers experience and leadership, and will likely play linebacker also on a club known for its quick defense. Curt, a starter at defensive tackle in his sophomore year, is not overly fast. He split time between offense and defense last year, and Dellinger said he may have a future as very good student and solid small-college player.

Problem areas: “Our number one problem is tailback. We just don’t have anyone,” said Dellinger, who added he is toying with idea of moving Stabe to offensive backfield. Receivers make Gondoliers passing team, but without running attack, they may be too predictable.

Inexperience is also a problem, although Gondoliers won league two years ago despite similar experience pitfalls. Ten starters were supposed to return this fall, but at least four were lost for different reasons, including senior LB Dimitri Cooley, whose sister won the lottery precipitating a family move to Kennedy High area. Only 4 returning starters may make 1986 a rebuilding year, “if ever we have to have one,” Dellinger said.

Dellinger said up to 7 players will be forced to play offense and defense in preseason, and “hopefully by the first game, only 3 or 4.” McGowan, Curt, Stabe and senior LBs George Perez (5-10, 175) and Dylan Tucker (5-11, 170) probably will go both ways.

Bodies are not a Venice problem; untested bodies are.

Offensive and defensive sets: Multiple sets; 4-4-3, 4-3-4.

Players to watch: Dellinger said he’ll have a passing team unless a tailback emerges, leaving Sota, Stabe and other receivers in spotlight. Junior TE Steve Lopez (6-0, 160), who has not played football for Venice until this season, will replace Stabe. Dellinger said Lopez “really came out of nowhere and should be a pleasant surprise.” Junior TE Eric Ramirez (5-11, 175) might emerge as key blocker, Curt is an easily noticed “big horse,” the coach said, and McGowan could develop into team leader Gondoliers need to spell deficiencies in offensive line.

Westchester Comets

(CIF-City Section, 2-A Division) LAST YEAR: 4-4-1 overall; 3-3-1, tied North Hollywood for fourth in Pac-8 League

COACH: Larry Wein, sixth year

FIRST GAME: Sept. 25 at Jefferson, 2:30 p.m.

Strengths: Offensive and defensive lines are loaded with strength and agility. Senior Kevin Johnson (6-2, 270) “has the agility to be a major-college prospect,” Wein said. Johnson will see action at offensive and defensive tackle and may fill in at middle linebacker as “he can be very intimidating at his size,” Wein said. Senior letterman Xavier Atkins (6-4, 275) complements Johnson in size department at offensive tackle as does senior OG-DT Fred Rogers (6-1, 260), another returning starter. Atkins and Rogers do not have Johnson’s prowess, but “they can pass and run block,” Wein said, “and they move well for big men.”

Guard Issa Garebia, a 6-1, 210 senior, and senior DT Brian Smith (6-1, 200) return as starters. Most of linemen have plenty of game experience and many go both ways.

Defensive backfield is also a strong point. Senior letterman Tyrone Harris (6-0, 170) leads the safety postion. Senior DB Tedrick Miles (5-9, 160), up from the junior varsity, “looks like he’ll be one of the best ballplayers we have,” said Wein. Senior DB Chris Bonner (5-10, 165) has also looked good.

Four running backs will figure big in control-tailored attack, all of whom will see action at tailback and fullback. Senior HB Kevin Owen (5-10, 165), a returning starter, joins senior lettermen Russell Howells (5-9, 165) and Cory Henry (6-2, 190) in an offense expected to run often, Wein said.

Problem areas: Quarterback position may hamper Comets. Two-year starting QB Steve Kristy, an all-league selection in 1986, was lost to graduation, leaving signal-calling job up for grabs. Top competitors are junior Damien Smith (6-2, 185), who has “lots of tools,” Wein said, but no varsity experience, and senior Bart Dowlatshahi (6-2, 195). They looked even in early workouts. Inexperience at quarterback will likely make Westchester a ball-control team, unlike last year when Comets passed well and often and scored quickly. “We’ll have to use our good line and defense to control the ball,” Wein said. “We’ll throw only when we have to.”

When they do, senior returning starter Brian Bowers (5-10, 165) will mostly be on receiving end. Wein said Bowers is an excellent receiver, despite average speed, has good hands, goes to the ball well and will often take it away from quicker defensive backs. Large question marks remain at other receiver spots.

Offensive and defensive sets: Slot I, possible wing formation; 5-2-4, 4-3-4.

Players to watch: Senior C Damon Green (6-0, 200) played second string last year but should contribute to an already talented line. Sophomore RB Chris Baccus “has looked very impressive,” Wein said, and might shine in multi-substitution backfield. Linebackers Thomas Reese (5-9, 185), a junior, and senior Billy Mitchell (5-10, 190) are two strong points.