A preview of the Southeast/Long Beach area high school football teams: : OLYMPIC LEAGUE

Valley Christian, which won league and Inland Conference titles last season, could be a slight favorite. Area coaches were undecided. Other teams are Ontario Christian, Orange Lutheran and Southern California Christian.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN--The Crusaders have 14 starting positions to fill, prompting Coach Mike Wunderley to declare this a rebuilding year. The strength is in the offensive backfield, where backup quarterback Lance Havel, who passed for 533 yards in five games last year, returns. Behind Havel is tailback Brian Templeman, who rushed for 1,200 yards in a backup role. Tackles Steve Van Diest and Tim Lack also return.

BRETHREN--Ed Cashman, last year’s junior varsity coach, takes over. Five starters return, including running backs Robert Traylor and Carlos Sidney. Wide receiver Kevin Mays will move to quarterback. Under Coach Mike Fitch, the Warriors passed 80% of the time, but Cashman plans a more balanced attack. He thinks Brethren will finish second to Valley Christian.

WHITTIER CHRISTIAN--Second-year Coach Phil Bravo said he has the most talented team at the school since 1984. Eleven starters return, but the Heralds will use a pair of sophomores at linebacker. Fullback Matt Eytchinson, guard Gary Espinosa, two-way tackle Shaine Timmons, safety/wide receiver Ben Curtis and all-purpose back Cary Sotello will be keys.