No Miracles Expected at Harbor

Don Weems has realistic expectations for his young Harbor College football team, which opens the season at Victor Valley on Sept. 16.

The Seahawks’ first-year head coach isn’t predicting a miraculous turnaround for a club that has eight returning players and won three games in the last two seasons under former Coach Chris Ferragamo.

In addition, the Seahawks lost two of last season’s top freshmen, wide receiver Marcel Bridges and quarterback Grant Beachley, who opted to skip football.

Weems doesn’t seem overly concerned, however. The former defensive coordinator at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas says this will be a learning year for him and his players.

“I’m still just getting to know this team,” said Weems, who was hired in mid-February. “It’s too early to tell anything.”

His first priority is to eliminate the negative aura that he says hovers around the program. That’s why he’s virtually buried the memory of last season, when the Seahawks finished last in the Western State Conference with a 1-10 overall record.

“My goal?” Weems asked, smiling. “To change the attitude of things around here. I want to turn this into a positive place to play football. We have enough football talent in the surrounding area, but it just has to be organized and run properly, which obviously hasn’t been done in the past.”

Harbor seems to be better equipped offensively than defensively. Although their offensive line is inexperienced and lacks depth, the Seahawks have a pair of talented quarterbacks, a quick tailback and two experienced fullbacks.

Freshmen Glenn Baham (Serra High) and Mike Seward (San Pedro) are battling for the starting quarterback position, although Baham seems to have an edge. The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder has been more accurate in workouts.

“Glenn has the height,” Weems said, “and intelligence. He also has a very strong arm, and he’s very dedicated to the game.”

Baham or Seward will look to freshman wide receivers Christian Capper (Palos Verdes), Cedric Jenkins (Long Beach Poly) and John McKinley (San Pedro).

Freshman tailback Bill Harris (Long Beach Poly) is expected to use his agility and speed to move the ball on the ground, Weems said. The 6-1, 200-pound Harris was part of Poly’s state champion 400-meter relay team last year.

Fullbacks Corey Henry (6-0, 220) and Perris Clark (5-11, 210) will also play key roles in Harbor’s ground game.

“We’re going to have a multiple offense,” Weems said. “We’re going to run and throw, but we’re going to throw more than run. I call it a vertical passing game.”

The Seahawks’ offensive line will consist mainly of freshmen. Sophomore guards Bo Owens (5-11, 215) and El Camino transfer Robert Sawai (5-11, 225) are the only experienced players.

Harbor’s defense is in the same boat. The Seahawks need work and manpower in that area. Sophomore defensive lineman Kevin Johnson (6-3, 280), a first-team all-conference selection in 1988, is the only returning starter. Weems says Johnson will be accompanied by “untried freshmen that are going to learn.”

“We’re just going to have to play with a lot of enthusiasm,” Weems said. “We’re going to need lots of enthusiasm to win.”