After Falling Just Short a Year Ago, Village Christian Vows to Improve : Alpha League

Village Christian Coach Mike Plaisance purchased 50 T-shirts for his players bearing a slogan that might best describe the outlook for the Alpha League team this season.

Plaisance’s message: “87-88, two yards too short. 88-89, will not be denied.” And, when the season ends, it likely will be Crusader gospel.

Last season, the Crusaders were third in league play with a 3-2 mark, losing both games by a total of five points. Village Christian dropped a 2-0 decision to Marshall when it failed to score after a first down at Marshall’s two-yard line.

The Crusaders will field a team that includes 15 starters from last year’s 5-5 team. Village Christian is a favorite, along with Montclair Prep and Western Christian, to win its first league championship.

“We were very small and very young last year, but I think we have a legitimate shot this year,” said Plaisance, in his eighth year at Village Christian.

The Crusaders also have Greg Lloyd, a 5-10 1/2, 180-pound senior whom Plaisance calls “one of the best receivers in 1-A football.” Lloyd, who caught 26 passes for 375 yards last season and holds the school record for passes caught in a game (9), has 4.7 speed at 40 yards. He also will play cornerback and return punts and kickoffs.

Montclair Prep and Western Christian offer difficult challenges. Montclair Prep, the defending league champion, has the best running back in the league in Michael Jones. The 6-1, 205-pound junior tailback rushed for 683 yards and averaged 5.5 yards a carry last season.

George Giannini returns to coach the Mounties after a six-year absence. He led Montclair Prep to nine league championships, including a 1976 Southern Section title, and compiled a record of 89-20 before leaving in 1982. He directed Aspen (Colo.) High to a 7-2 record last season and has a career winning percentage of .814.

Sixteen players graduated from last year’s Western Christian team that finished second in the league, including 10 on defense.

“Some people might call it a rebuilding year, but I call it a transition year,” Coach Dave Woods said.

Western Christian’s junior varsity was 9-1 and the Fighting Lancers will be blessed with speed and strength. They also will rely on tailback Bob Maddex.

Maranatha, Marshall Fundamental, and L. A. Baptist likely will wage a close battle for fourth place.

L. A. Baptist (5-4, 2-3) is led by Dan Shearin, an offensive guard and all-league linebacker.

Marshall Fundamental (1-4, 2-7) finished in the cellar last season, but the Eagles were 12-1 in summer passing games.

“We have some guys who can run,” Coach Lew Underwood said. “The test is whether our line can hold people out so we can throw to them.”

Maranatha (3-7, 1-4), under first-year Coach Dave Hogan, has 42 different offensive formations and will throw the ball 15 to 20 times a game, he said.

ALPHA LEAGUE Predicted Finish

1. Village Christian (8-2)

2. Montclair Prep (8-2)

3. Western Christian (7-3)

4. Marshall Fundamental (4-6)

5. L.A. Baptist (3-7)

6. Maranatha (2-8)

Predicted record in parentheses.