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

Three area teams compete in the 2-A Division of the CIF City Section. Also in the league are Roosevelt, Los Angeles and Jefferson high schools.

HUNTINGTON PARK--Coach Dwight Muskrath is “expecting a dog fight” in the league race. After finishing second last year with nearly all juniors, the Spartans figure to be more experienced. Seniors include Joe Gutierrez, an all-league strong safety/running back, quarterback Jose Quijas and linebacker Tony Woods. Top newcomers are Inzuna Gonzalo, a 6-0, 170-pound wide receiver, and running back Anthony Wilhite, a 5-10, 170-pound junior transfer from Tennessee.

BELL--”Fighting for the league title” is how new Coach Ray Galarze sees his first year with the Eagles. The loss of Juan Barajas, an all-city offensive lineman, may hurt, but with the return of senior offensive guard/defensive tackle Fred Reyna and two-way tackle Jaime Garcia, the line seems strong. Augustine Flores, a junior, will also add his 6-2, 260-pound frame to the offensive line. A big line should make an easy transition from all-league fullback to tailback for Marvin Bernard.

SOUTH GATE--Nine starters return for veteran Coach Gary Cordray. Even with 25 seniors, Cordray feels the players will be green early in the season. Top returners include quarterback Alex Avila and linebacker Hector Ruelas. There are seven lettermen and 25 players from last year’s undefeated B-team.