THE PREPS : Savanna Principal Will Recommend DePalma as Coach

Savanna High School Principal William Wong said Friday he will recommend to the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees that Fred DePalma be hired as the school’s football coach.

DePalma, who led Santiago to a playoff berth in 1985, has been an assistant coach at Valencia since 1987.

“I liked the fact that he was very organized and has worked in a successful program at Valencia,” Wong said. “We’re hoping he can bring some of that enthusiasm over here.”

Savanna is coming off a 1-9 season. Dana Coleman resigned as coach after the season ended.

Wong, who received 14 applications for the job, said he interviewed six candidates before deciding on DePalma. Wong said DePalma will teach in the physical education department. If approved by the school board, DePalma would take over on April 14.