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

Verbum Dei and Serra, which tied for the league title a year ago, are the coaches’ favorites to repeat. Murphy, St. Monica and Mary Star also are in this league.

PIUS X--Second-year Coach Clark Bruner has 28 lettermen and 17 starters returning, one of the strongest contingents the Warriors have had in recent years. “We want to be better than last year and make the playoffs,” he said. In its first year in the league last season, Pius X finished fourth with a 4-3 record. Defensive back/tight end Lamont Hollinquest, an all-Northwestern Conference choice, will move to quarterback.

CANTWELL--The Eagles were 4-6 overall a year ago, their best record since 1978. Third-year Coach Doug South figures on improvement with 19 starters returning. “I think we can win at least seven games,” he said. Joey Gonzalez, an all-league quarterback, returns, as does lineman Jerrod Andrade, a two-time Times All-City selection.

ST. ANTHONY--Coaching turmoil continues to haunt the Saints. Jim Gasso, a disciple of hard-hitting L.A. Banning High football, was to be the school’s fourth coach in as many years but resigned abruptly two weeks ago after a disagreement with the school’s administration. Athletic Director Michael Reisbig, son of Cal State Long Beach Coach Larry Reisbig, replaces Gasso. Michael Reisbig said the change won’t affect the team. Gasso had indicated that the team would run more. Quarterback Danny O’Shea and tight end/linebacker John Jasso are key players back.