Previews of Prep Football Teams; Poly Picked to Lead the Pack Again

Here is a preview of Southeast/Long Beach area high school football teams. The predicted order of finish in each league is based on information supplied by coaches.

MOORE LEAGUE

Poly High of Long Beach appears to be in a class by itself and should finish on top again. Wilson probably will be the strongest challenger.

1. POLY--The Jackrabbits, expected to be one of the best prep teams in the nation, brim with talent. The defense, led by 6-foot-5, 275-pound all-CIF tackle Marcellous Elder, includes all-league tackle Earl Oliver, all-league linebacker Michael Wall and junior Jason Jones, who Co-Head Coach Jerry Jaso says will be “one of the great free safeties.” Three-year starters returning on offense are quarterback Michael Carter and lineman Michael Loyola. Capable of breaking a game open with their speed are wide receiver Troy Jones and running back Andre Green.

2. WILSON--The Bruins, 4-1 in league and 6-4 overall last year, have 11 starters returning. “We hope we can come in second,” said John Brennan, who succeeds Al Taylor as coach. Among top players back are defensive standout Wendell Valentine, a 6-3, 225-pound senior end; wingback Patrick Scott, who ran for 1,100 yards last year; offensive guard Lon Grothen; and junior linebacker Jack Holt. A big force will be 6-5, 260-pound tackle Scott Hamby. The quarterback will be Tim Williams, who will pass to sophomore Michael Stewart and senior Nick Smith.

3. MILLIKAN--Uncharacteristically, the Rams were 3-5-1 last season, displeasing Coach Dave Radford. “We’re very young and inexperienced but have good, coachable talent,” Radford said. For the team record to improve, he said three players must have a great season: center Craig Peterson, fullback/linebacker Chris Kemker and John Fierro, who takes over for graduated Bob Crane at quarterback. “Fierro runs well, throws well and has an attitude of 10,” Radford said. Among those coming up from a great sophomore team is running back Jeremy Jones.

4. LAKEWOOD--Tim Miltenberger, who was an assistant at Lakewood High before going to Warren High last year, succeeds Gene Melvin as coach. The Lancers, who have suffered through lean years recently, are inexperienced but aggressive. All-league defensive tackle Chris Sestito returns but will play linebacker as well as offensive guard. Mitch Hammond, a 6-2, 200-pound transfer from Riverside Poly, will play offensive guard and defensive tackle. The Lancers also are counting on tailback Fred Maxwell. The big question: who will play quarterback?

5. JORDAN--Mike Ono’s Panthers were 2-7 last year but finished ahead of last-place Compton. The team’s strength should be offense, where there is experience with junior quarterback Ted Ramirez, running back Johnny Robinson and tight end Luis Felix. Tackle Chris Thomas and cornerback Marcus Jenkins are the only returning starters on defense.

6. COMPTON--Raymond Denham, a longtime assistant coach at Compton College, takes over the Tarbabes, who were 1-9 in 1987. Denham, who is trying to build discipline and motivation, said, “I want to win now, so that we will bring kids (football players) back into the community who are leaving.” Top players are quarterback Terrance Adams, lineman Ernest Webb, wide receiver Willie Billingsley, defensive back Donta Abron and sophomore running back Tony Collins. Denham is also counting on 217-pound running back Eric Thornton and 278-pound tackle Marcus Ayers.

SUBURBAN LEAGUE

Artesia is a slight favorite over La Mirada, with the rest of the league close behind. Norwalk Coach Phil Vala said: “The haves have always been La Mirada and Artesia with the rest of the league the have-nots. This year, I think the have-nots have closed the gap.”

1. ARTESIA--The Pioneers have new co-head coaches Norm Flowers and Scott Sandie. They succeed Vince La Rosa, who stepped down after three great years but will stay on to coach linebackers and offensive linemen. Artesia is picked for first place because of its lines. Returning all-league starters on defense are end Tony Clark (6-1, 195) and tackle David Howey (6-1, 215). The top offensive lineman is tight end Morris Taylor (6-2, 215). The biggest question will be inexperience at running back. With the graduation of tailbacks Tyrone Vickers and Damon Davis, the team will look to juniors Robert Matos and Mike Peters.

2. LA MIRADA--After 33 years of coaching, Ray Mooshagian has retired. New Coach John Mele, who had been the defensive coordinator, has 11 starters returning, seven of them on defense. The top defenders will be 6-4, 275-pound all-league tackle Mickey Jackson and linebacker Chris McHenry. With the loss of quarterback Eric Brooks, Mele is hoping Chad Drown, last year’s “super sophomore,” can take over. “If we can get an offense, we will be tough,” Mele said.

3. GLENN--Second-year Coach Willie Norman has 19 seniors and is looking to a big offensive line and a good corps of running backs to lead Glenn to the playoffs. Juan Enriquez, a 5-9, 220-pound offensive guard, anchors a line that should open holes for senior running back Vaea Ahoia, who gained more than 500 yards last year. Travis Carter, junior wide receiver and a transfer from St. John Bosco, will help complement a strong running game.

4. NORWALK--The Lancers have seven starters returning from last year’s 6-4 team. There is a lack of experience, especially in the line. Robert Grider, who was all-league both at wide receiver and cornerback, is back, as is 270-pound offensive tackle Dan Sanchez. A player to watch is sophomore quarterback Chuck Stafford. Senior rover back Vince Pluma is out with a broken collarbone.

5. BELLFLOWER--New Coach Mike Harrington inherits a team that has gone 6-14-1 the last two years but is expected to improve. Shawn Jones, a 6-2, 180-pound running back who gained 1,050 yards last year, is returning. On defense, the Bucs will look to returners Kevin Lazard and Robert MacPherson. Newcomers include quarterback Mike Simmons, who, Harrington says, has a strong arm, and offensive tackle Tony Volkman.

6. MAYFAIR--Coach Leon Ward is optimistic that the Monsoons can improve on last year’s 1-7-1 record. Two all-league players, linebacker Dennis Heath and defensive end Chris Kearney, are returning. On offense, the best players are running back/track star Eric Mitchell, quarterback David Partin and fullback Marvin Morton.

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY LEAGUE

Every team in the league except Gahr is given a chance to challenge for the top.

1. DOMINGUEZ--The Dons are striving to repeat as league champions, although only six starters are back. Top players are Bruce Walker, a 6-4, 230-pound middle linebacker/fullback, and junior all-league wide receiver William Johnson, who as a sophomore scored nine TDs and caught passes for more than 700 yards. “He has no moves but gets open,” Coach Willie Donerson said. Other key Dons: Malcolm Hunt, who moves from linebacker to free safety, tailback Kenneth Barnes and offensive lineman Nephi Aiono. Isaac Walker will switch from running back to quarterback.

2. PARAMOUNT--”We were terrible,” Coach Ken Sutch said of last season’s 5-5 team. The talented, speedy Pirates should challenge for the league title, although Sutch is not sure about the quality of his lines. Top players include tailback Clarence Chaney, who gained 500 yards last year; tight ends Laauli Toomalatai and Sal Larios; receivers Cliff Parks and Gene Boyd, and receiver-free safety Ismael Lopez, the league’s sprint champion. The quarterback will be Jack Manu, who, Sutch said, “throws well and runs like a fullback.”

3. LYNWOOD--”Not too good, it’s a rebuilding year. We lost 21 seniors,” said Coach Joe Hembrick about the outlook for the perennial power, which had a 7-4 overall record, was 5-3 in the league last season and finished behind champion Dominguez. But the Knights will have their usual share of stars, led by wide receivers Travon Young and Roger Turner, strong safety Roger Outley, linebacker Kali Williams, defensive tackle Brian Campbell and quarterback Charles Levy.

4. CERRITOS--The Dons are a veteran team coming off an 8-4 season and a 35-0 playoff victory over Beverly Hills High. “Our first group is pretty good, but after that we drop off,” Coach Wayne Manzo said. Returning starters include tailback/defensive back Brian Porter, who had five interceptions a year ago; Louie DaRosa, a 6-3, 240-pound two-way lineman; wide receiver/cornerback Ray White; linebacker Jeremy Nunno; quarterback Mark McDaniel and D.J. Barker, the league’s top kicker.

5. WARREN--Although star fullback Darius Turner has graduated, Coach John Hennigan still expects the Bears to be good. Hennigan is happy with his offensive line: tackles Chris Andersen (6-6, 270) and Marco Morales (6-3, 235), guards Elzie Young (6-4, 240) and John Susank (6-0, 190) and center Ed Huffman (5-7, 170). The new fullback is junior Marcus Carter. Warren was 7-3 overall last year.

6. DOWNEY--Most of the Vikings from last year’s 3-7 team are back, and Coach Mark Karges said they are bigger, stronger and faster. Top players include linebacker/tailback Jose Soto, who gained 1,200 all-purpose yards; Joey Rothenberger, a 263-pound all-league offensive guard; nose guard Roger Bryan; center Steve Rhodes and linebacker Alfie Aguilar. The quarterback is veteran Mike Berg.

7. GAHR--The Gladiators are very inexperienced, according to new Coach Steve Silberman, who replaces Darrell Walsh, who resigned. Last year, the school won only one game--by forfeit. As many as 14 starters may be underclassmen. Key players include senior running back James Allen, junior running back/free safety Al Maguire and linebacker/tight end Robbie Carmen.

WHITMONT LEAGUE

Bell Gardens appears ready to reclaim first place, although many of the league coaches favor El Rancho. Santa Fe is on the rise.

1. BELL GARDENS--The Lancers were 7-4 last year, but that was an off season. “We’ve got to be luckier this year,” Coach Dave Newell said. “Injuries wiped us out last year.” As usual, there is a lot of talent. David Ramos, a 6-3, 250-pound offensive tackle, may be the league’s best lineman, Newell said. Other good linemen are John Stephens, Raul Sanchez and Mike Garcia, a 340-pound junior. The best skill player is Mike Gilliam, who caught 20 passes last year. Senior Alvaro Tomas probably will start ahead of junior Ivan Vargas at quarterback.

2. EL RANCHO--”We don’t have all the people everyone says we do,” said new Coach Dick Shelko, who succeeds Don Peterson, who moves to an administrative position at the school. Back from last year’s 10-2 team are all-league fullback Ralph De LaTorre, who scored 19 TDs; all-league halfback Jeff Blanco, and all-league safety Kelly Orozco.

3. SANTA FE--The Chiefs, who defeated Waimea High, 21-6, in Hawaii Saturday night, have 14 returning regulars and enough talent to allow Coach Mike Thomas to think about winning the league. Offensive stars include wide receiver Victor Salcedo, tailback Mike St. Jacques, fullback Elias Garcia and linemen Manual Cantu, Eric Neal and Marty Bonilla. Leading a strong defense will be safeties Luis Sanchez and Chris Sosa, linebacker Gabe Betanzos, nose guard Richard Brown and all-league tackle Dan Garcia.

4. MONTEBELLO--The Oilers were 13-1 last season, the best record in school history, and reached the playoff semifinals. Only two starters are back, tight end Mike Valenzuela and center Juan Torres. Coach Doug Rihn said success will depend largely on how well the offensive line protects pass-minded quarterback Ray Maldanado. Maldanado’s main targets will be Miguel Cortez and Jose Mesa. A promising defensive player is end Robert Parra.

5. PIONEER--Coach Tom Cruickshank likes Somhauk Nabong, who is only 5 feet, 5 inches tall, but packs a hard-hitting 180 pounds as a running back. Other players who will lead the Titans are quarterback Mike Trujillo, strong safety Dan Inouye, and tackles Ricardo Sanchez and Rene Quesada.

6. WHITTIER--Coming off a 2-8 season, Coach Mike Fitch told his players to “bring your hard hats and lunch pails and prepare to play hard-nosed football.” Among those with the hardest noses are linebackers Puna Peko, Tony Ruzika and Fred (Monster Man) Fimbres. The Cardinals have an impressive defensive end in 6-7, 205-pound Chris Emch, who had 75 tackles and 11 sacks last year. Javier Ayala is the new quarterback.

7. LA SERNA--The Lancers, 3-7 a year ago, are young, especially in the offensive line, but Coach Ron Moncrief said those linemen are big and athletic. Defense is where the experience is--6-4, 210-pound tackle Russ Boop, linebacker Tim Thomas and hard-hitting strong safety Manny Sanchez. Juan Martinez (6-1, 190) replaces all-Southern Section tailback Robbie Watkins, and sophomore Pate Garcia will be the quarterback.

8. CALIFORNIA--Ken LaVigne succeeds Bill Zylstra as coach and approaches the season with “tenative optimism.” The best of the Condors are quarterback Jeremy Sullivan, running back/defensive back Wayne Shelton, wide receiver/defensive back Dean Travers and junior linebacker Jeff Alfaro.

CAMINO REAL LEAGUE

St. Anthony of Long Beach and Pius X of Downey should contend with St. Bernard, Verbum Dei and Serra for the league title.

ST. ANTHONY--Most of the players from last year’s 9-3 team are back. The top Saint is 6-2, 180-pound all-Southern Section wide receiver Allan Aragon. “He’s amazing,” said Coach Michel Reisbig. “He goes up after any ball and usually comes down with it.” Operating behind an experienced offensive line will be returning running backs Mike Osorio and Hector Asoau, and a new quarterback, Juan Bevacqua.

PIUS X--The Warriors have two all-league players who Coach Clark Bruner said are highly recruited--fullback/defensive end John Brooks and center/nose guard Anthony Valentin. Fullback/linebacker Danny Drieslein is a three-year starter and tailback Jabbar Thomas is a promising sophomore.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE

This league looks like a three-way battle among Whittier Christian, Valley Christian and Ontario Christian.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN--The Crusaders were 4-7 last year, Mike Wunderley’s worst record as a coach. But considering the size, speed and depth of this year’s team, Wunderley expects to be a winner again. The top returning players are quarterback Chris Miller; three-year starter Steve Van Diest, a 6-4, 225-pound two-way lineman; center/middle linebacker Craig Bouma; and fullback Dean Aardema. Promising newcomers Mark Kortenhoven and Dan Lefler will rotate at tailback.

WHITTIER CHRISTIAN--The Heralds have 13 starters back from last year’s 9-4 team, but lack of depth worries Coach Phil Bravo. Top players back for the defending Olympic champions include quarterback Rich Earlywine, fullback Ron Papazian, defensive end Perfeto Esquibel, tackle Jon Caffrey and guard Derek Franco.

BRETHREN--Coach Ed Cashman hopes the Warriors, who were 3-7 last year, can get to .500. He will depend on quarterback Kevin Mays, running back Jaco Troskie, tight end/linebacker Gavin Edmundson and 6-4, 275-pound two-way lineman Theron Anderson.

OTHERS

These are previews of teams from leagues that do not include more than one Southeast area school.

ST. PAUL--The Swordsmen, 3-7 last year, have the best quarterback in the Angelus League in 6-6 Greg Willig. Willig’s fast receivers are Steven Corpus and Bruno Serrano. Running back Gene Valdez gained 555 yards in six games last season. The defense will depend on linebacker Chuck Ortega. St. Paul plays preseason games against Loyola (11-1 in 1987), Santa Monica (9-2) and Fontana (14-0).

ST. JOHN BOSCO--All 22 starters from last year’s 5-4-1 team are gone, and the Braves from Bellflower will start 10 juniors and four sophomores. “We’ll go as far as (quarterback Dean Grosfeld) takes us,” Coach Bill Friedrich said. Other top players are Rich Valdez, a 265-pound tackle, and linebacker Jeff Henderson.

SCHURR--Ken Davis begins his 17th season as coach of the Spartans, who must face a tough schedule with only five starters back from last year’s 3-7 team. Top players are center/defensive tackle Alex Sahagun, guard/defensive end Cesar Martinez, running back/linebacker Sean Rattray and running back/linebacker Cesar Burgueno.

CANTWELL--The Cardinals from Montebello move from the Camino Real League to the Santa Fe League and have a new coach, Mike Noonan. Noonan said his young team has an outstanding running back in Tony Ramos, who averaged 4.5 yards a carry last season, and solid two-way linemen in Joe Orrante and Jesus Reza.

CENTENNIAL--Houston Haynes takes over as coach for Tony Cruz, who was fired in June. “We’re starting from the ground floor,” Haynes said. “Our main goal is to be competitive and hustle.” The Apaches have a quality quarterback in Marcus Goodloe. Greg Washington and Raysaun Grimes are promising running backs. Centennial moves from the Pioneer League to the Ocean League.

LEFFINGWELL CHRISTIAN--The Lions are moving up from eight-man football, which displeases Coach John O’Shea. “We don’t have enough size to play at this level,” he said. But they have speed in sophomore running backs Albert Hubbard, Lester Royal and Allan LeCour. Jason Carpenter, who threw for 1,300 yards last year, returns at quarterback.

PIONEER BAPTIST--The Patriots, who won two games last season, have a young team headed by running back/defensive end Jack Dunagan, running back/linebacker Deron Coulson and lineman Kevin Ballinger.

LOS ANGELES CITY SCHOOLS

Three Southeast area teams compete in the new Southeastern Conference, along with Locke, Freemont, L.A. Jordan, Roosevelt, Garfield and Jefferson.

BELL--The Eagles return 18 starters. The offensive line will be the strength with returning starters Augie Flores (6-2, 265) at tackle and guards Ismael Ruvacalba and Ozzie Molina. Joining the line will be Raul Solis, a 6-3, 270-pound junior center. With 84 players, the Eagles should have the deepest bench in the league.

SOUTH GATE--The Rams look forward to a strong running attack led by junior Ivan Wilson (5-11, 160) and senior Jaime Cervantes (5-8, 160). The team is very inexperienced at quarterback, according to Coach Gary Cordray.

HUNTINGTON PARK--The Spartans will have 22 seniors returning. Leading the team will be an experienced offensive line that includes senior center Andy Rios. Running behind Rios will be two-year letterman Danny Calderon, the leading rusher last year. The defense will be young at linebacker and will have to replace Joel Gutierrez, who was an all-city selection last year.