FOOTBALL ’89 : FOOTHILL LEAGUE

Burbank

COACH: Randy Stage, 2nd year

LAST SEASON: 7-4; 2nd in league, 3-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Several running backs will share the load in the Bulldogs’ run-oriented, option offense. Gone is Tarin Cardenaz, who rushed for a school-record 1,302 yards last season. The new tailback is senior Maurice Randin (6-3, 220), who, oddly, doubles as a defensive tackle. “He’s the fastest guy on the team and he’s gigantic,” Stage said. Brother Nelson Randin (6-3, 210), also a speedster, will play fullback. Seniors Chris Pene (5-10, 160), Aaron Ridill (6-1, 210), Carl Shilvock (6-0, 190) and Steve Calzia (5-10, 180) also will share rushing duties. Senior Jeremy Sparks (6-0, 170) is the probable quarterback. Seniors Anthony Morelli (6-0, 230), Dave Murphy (6-3, 235) and guard Barry Stott (6-1, 220) all return as starting offensive linemen. Senior safety Erin Granata (6-2, 200), whose 25-yard interception return for a touchdown helped upset Hart last season, and senior cornerback Greg Blishak (6-0, 180) head an inexperienced secondary. Senior linebacker Mark Kyle (6-0, 220) was a second-team all-league selection last season. Adam Saldana, a senior, kicked three extra points as a backup last year.

OUTLOOK: Few, if any, blue-chip athletes can be found on this roster. But the Bulldogs always seem to emerge as overachievers. “The thing I like best is that (the players) keep saying that they like each other,” Stage said. “Everyone’s working hard and no one’s trying to get out of any work.” Their work certainly will be cut out for them once league play begins. Stage is depending heavily on the Randin brothers’ performance.

Burroughs

COACH: Butch McElwee, 3rd year

LAST SEASON: 6-4; 4th in league, 3-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Burly linemen never hurt any football team--especially if they are strong and fast. Seniors Brad Hudson (6-1, 278), an offensive tackle, and Hector Paz (6-1, 280), a defensive tackle, each bench press more than 350 pounds and are quick and agile. Senior nose guard Art Kalayjan (5-9, 235)--”We’re talking a beer keg here,” McElwee said--benches 395 and squats nearly 600. Senior quarterback Dennis Rodriguez (5-11, 165) has never thrown a pass in a varsity game. Senior Andre Banks (5-11, 160) rushed for 446 yards and four touchdowns in 121 carries last season. Senior Cliff Parker (6-2, 175, 20 receptions, 282 yards), a second-team all-league tight end, also had three 70-yard punts. Senior Jay Cornelison (6-3, 190), who underwent knee surgery after one game last year, and senior Joe Atwell, a special-teams player with the junior varsity, are the only other receivers. “We have a real good crop,” McElwee said. “There just aren’t very many.” Senior linebackers Lionel Portugal (5-10, 160) and Jimmy Padilla (5-9, 155), who also will play fullback, are returning starters. Senior cornerback Keith Reiter (5-9, 145), who intercepted one pass last year, and Brian Pam (6-0, 165), who moves to a starting role at strong safety, are the best of a thin and inexperienced secondary.

OUTLOOK: Defense should continue to be the Indians’ strength. Last year, opponents passed for an average of just 108 yards a game. This year’s secondary, however, may be a weak link. “If we can solidify that part of our defense--because Hart’s gonna throw the heck out of the ball--we’re gonna be real tough to beat,” McElwee said. “Our line and linebackers are fairly experienced.” Parker might be the league’s best receiver. But an injury in the receiving corps could sink Burroughs.

Hart

COACH: Mike Herrington, 1st year

LAST SEASON: 6-5; 3rd in league, 3-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Indians should continue their tradition as a passing team with senior quarterback Rob Westervelt (6-3, 200) calling the signals. Westervelt, an All-Southern Section selection last year, passed for 2,130 yards and 21 touchdowns, second among Valley-area quarterbacks. “He throws the ball real well and he’s gotten a lot stronger,” Herrington said. Senior wide receivers John DePaco (5-11, 175), who had 18 receptions for 266 yards last year, and Lance Migita (5-8, 165) are speedy targets. Senior Howard Blackwell (5-10, 175), who rushed for 850 yards and two touchdowns in 172 carries last season, is the team’s best tailback in three years. Senior Doug DeGroote (6-2, 230) returns at guard and brother Tim DeGroote (6-3, 240), a junior, is the center. “They both have good feet and are real quick,” Herrington said. Hard-hitting senior linebacker Scott Renfro is the defensive spearhead and also will be used as a fullback. Senior defensive linemen Steve Olhrich (6-2, 240) and Marty Petee (6-1, 225), a second-team all-league selection, both have good size and are quick. Senior Chad Miyata (5-10, 160) is the only experienced member of the secondary,. Senior Adam Barlow (6-0, 180) is the punter and a likely candidate to replace UCLA freshman Brian Allen at tight end.

OUTLOOK: “We’ll be the normal Hart team,” Herrington said. That means a wide-open air attack and high-scoring contests. With Blackwell, the Indians should find the balance Herrington is stressing. Defensively, the Indians are questionable. “Three kids are assured of a spot and the other eight positions are up for grabs,” Herrington said. No matter, Hart is capable of outscoring most opponents.