SUNSET LEAGUE FOOTBALL PREVIEW : Burying the Past Helps Huntington Beach Begin Again

If it were another day at another school, it might have been a routine football meeting.

Players filed into the physical education building, checked out equipment, said hello to teammates and coaches, then sat quietly in front of their lockers.

There was nothing unusual about that.

But before the Huntington Beach High School football team could begin the 1990 season, it had to bury the past one final time.

Each current player who was a member of the 1989 team stood and said a few words about what last season meant to him.

The players spoke of winning a share of the Sunset League championship, only the third for the school in 27 years, then having it taken away because the Oilers used an ineligible player.

Instead of a league co-championship, an 8-2 overall record and a berth in the Southern Section playoff berth, the Oilers made court appearances. They won Round 1, but ultimately a judge’s restraining order was overturned and the Oilers were thrown out of the playoffs again.

On Aug. 20, the first day the Southern Section allowed teams to practice, the Oilers talked about it one by one.

“OK, it’s over,” Huntington Beach Coach George Pascoe said when it was his turn. “That’s the last I want to hear about it.”

So it is that Huntington Beach, 8-2 overall and 4-1 in league play on the field last season, but 0-10, 0-5 in the standings, begins its season.

The Oilers play their long-awaited season opener against Corona del Mar, the defending Division VI champions, at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Orange Coast College.

Going against a Southern Section champion isn’t the way most coaches would like to begin their season, but Huntington Beach’s case is different. The Oilers want to get on with the business of playing football.

There is talk among Sunset League coaches that Huntington Beach again could challenge for the league championship. At the very least, the Oilers will contend with Edison, Ocean View and newcomer Santa Ana for playoff berths.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Pascoe said. “It’s a little premature. Let us play a few games, and then I might agree.”

Huntington Beach has 24 lettermen, including nine starters, back from last season’s team. Some league coaches believe the Oilers have something to prove this year.

“Huntington Beach is going to be tough this year,” Ocean View Coach Howard Isom said. “I think they’re on a mission. The kids have got to feel they have something to prove. It was kind of a shame. They were a good team.”

Huntington Beach had won only two league championships in 27 years when the Oilers ran onto Sheue Field for a nonleague opener against Corona del Mar last season.

Corona del Mar would go on to win the Division VI title. But that night the Oilers slugged their way to a 19-6 victory.

Pacifica, Newport Harbor and Long Beach Wilson also fell, and the Oilers took a 4-0 record into their final nonleague game, against Mater Dei.

Huntington Beach lost that game, but only lost one more and earned a share of the Sunset League championship.

The celebration didn’t last long, though. The day after the final league game, league principals ruled that Huntington Beach must forfeit all eight victories, the league co-championship and its berth in the playoffs because the Oilers used an ineligible player all season. The player was ruled ineligible for failing to fulfill residency requirements.

Three days later, Judge Thomas Thrasher issued a restraining order against the Southern Section, which restored the eight victories, the co-championship and the playoff berth.

Newspaper reporters and TV crews crowded around the players and coaches and their family and friends as they left the courthouse.

But two days later the Southern Section won the final court battle. Once again, the Oilers were out of the playoffs. This time for good.

“You can never take away the record those kids had,” Pascoe said. “In their hearts it was taken away. I told the kids, ‘I have a lot of fond memories from last year too. But that’s the last I want to hear about it.’ ”

But now the Oilers have a chance to erase those memories.

“It’s been a great two (now three) weeks of practice,” said Pascoe, who sounded relieved the new season was at hand.

Tomorrow: Small schools.

PREP FOOTBALL ‘90: THE SUNSET LEAGUE Edison

Coach: Dave White (fifth year)

1989 record: 10-3, 5-0

Returning lettermen: 10

Returning starters: one on offense, six on defense

Top returnees: Chip Anderson, DE, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Keith Burke, DB, 6-0, 179, Sr.; Scott Boslow, NG, 5-8, 166, Sr.; Mike Cunningham, WR-DB, 6-0, 174, Sr.; Brent Hanson, K-P, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Mike Hawks, DB, 5-11, 176, Sr.; Greg Schnabel, OT, 6-3, 236, Sr.

Top newcomers: Kenny Chalabian, DB, 5-8, 159, Sr.; Ryan Blanchard, WR, 6-2, 177, Sr.; Josh Gingrich, QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Mark Lamson, DL, 5-9, 169, Jr.; J.R. Schusterick, RB, 5-10, 190, Sr.

Outlook: Edison’s defense figured to carry the team this season. So far they’ve reinforced that notion. In a 12-0 victory over Honolulu Iolani Friday, the Chargers allowed only 25 yards rushing. Six starters return on defense, including Cunningham and Hawks, making this a veteran defensive unit. Cunningham showed his versatility last week, returning five punts for 81 yards, catching six passes for 77 and also getting an interception. Gingrich, who completed 11 of 20 passes for 128 yards, has led the Chargers to Sunset League titles on the freshman, sophomore and junior varsity levels. However, the Chargers must replace 13 all-league players, including quarterback Donnie Smith and running back Shane Sherman, from a team that advanced to the Division I semifinals last year.

Fountain Valley

Coach: Mike Milner (12th year)

1989 record: 4-7, 2-3

Returning lettermen: 16

Returning starters: two on offense, two on defense

Top returnees: Randy Cowell, DE, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Dave Dardis, DB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Karl Schroller, OT, 6-7, 280, Sr.; Brian Williams, TB, 6-1, 190, Sr.

Top newcomers: Ryan Bertoni, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Derek Capps, OL-DL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Marcos Diaz, QB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Todd Gordon, P-WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Rocky Gubernick, WR-DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Craig Hurley, C, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Sean Mahony, RB-DE, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Tom Nix, K, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Mike Pecen, FB-LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Mike Reiley, OL-DL, 6-6, 250, Sr.; Zack Sheppard, WR-DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Bobby Smith, WR-DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.

Outlook: Gone are the days when Fountain Valley attracted 80 to 90 players to its varsity team. The Barons have fewer than 40 on the roster, the fewest in the 19 years Milner has been at the school. “Depth is going to be crucial,” Milner said. “If we don’t get anybody hurt we’re going to be a representative football team when league starts. (But) there are a lot of questions. Our biggest problems are we’re very young and inexperienced.” Two years ago, Fountain Valley won the Division I championship, 31-24, over Bishop Amat. But declining enrollment in the Huntington Beach Union High School District has hit Fountain Valley hard.

Huntington Beach

Coach: George Pascoe (seventh year)

1989 record: 0-10, 0-5

Returning lettermen: 24

Returning starters: five on offense, four on defense

Top returnees: Don Berger, OL-LB, 6-1, 208, Sr.; Jeff Brentlinger, OL-LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Adrian Brown, WR-DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Joe Contreras, TB-DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Robert Griffin, OL-DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Gabe Houston, FB-LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Gabe Stupin, TE-LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.

Top newcomers: Alan Arakaki, WR-DB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Mike Bolster, OL-DL, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Adam Bowermaster, RB-DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Mike Chavira, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jack Friend, QB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Scott Jansen, WR-DB, 6-5, 215, Sr.; James Mariett, RB-DB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Garrett Stinson, OL-LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.

Outlook: Offensively, the Oilers will run a balanced, passing and running attack. They have three of five offensive linemen back from last year’s team. “Defensively, we’ve got to rebuild,” Pascoe said. Last year, the Oilers allowed only four rushing touchdowns and yielded 108.4 yards rushing per game, a league low. Pascoe believes this team could be stingy too. “The defensive line stands out,” Pascoe said. “The linebackers are great. We’re really doing a good job in the secondary.” Where would Pascoe like to improve? “The kicking game,” he said. “We need to find a punter. That’s everyone’s quest. We’re going to have open tryouts.”

Marina

Coach: John Seeley (second year)

1989 record: 3-7, 1-4

Returning lettermen: 18

Returning starters: two on offense, four on defense

Top returnees: Dave Armstrong, K, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Chad Durand, LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Shawn Fulford, FB, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Mike Johnston, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Todd Lewis, LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Christin McLemore, QB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Frank Marvitz, DE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Axel Paner, DB, 5-3, 120, Sr.; Rick Rice, DT, 6-3, 260, Sr.

Top newcomers: Dave Anderson, WR, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Chris Della Crosce, DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Greg Escamilla, C, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Josh Housman, OL, 6-4, 235, Jr.; Steve Jackson, DB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; John McLoud, OL, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Bob Stewart, OL, 6-0, 215, Jr.

Outlook: Last season, the Vikings just wanted to win. A 17-7 nonleague victory over Lakewood ended an 18-game losing streak. That accomplished, the Vikings are moving toward bigger goals this year. “We want to win some league games and make the playoffs,” Seeley said. The Vikings relied on the pass last year with quarterback David Schultz. This season, they’re going to the option with McLemore, who played wide receiver last year. Seeley believes the Vikings’ strength is its running and offensive line. Fulford, a linebacker who was moved to the backfield late in the season, and Lewis, a starter last season, will be the Viking running backs.

Ocean View

Coach: Howard Isom (second year)

1989 record: 7-4, 4-1

Returning lettermen: 22

Returning starters: two on offense, one on defense

Top returnees: Jeff Bush, WR-DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Albert Fanoga, WR, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Chad Godfirnon, OL-DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Randy Karliner, QB, 6-1 1/2, 200, Sr.

Top newcomers: Dennis Eichen, WR-DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Joe Fraser, FB-LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Chris Hooton, WR-DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Rich Jones, OL-LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Chris Muat, OL-DL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Peter Ohm, DB-WR, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Norris Perez, LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Robert Romine, OL-DL, 5-10, 217, Sr.; Bob Schiel, OL-DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Garrick Twedt, WR-DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.

Outlook: The Seahawks, league co-champions last season, have built their offense around two of the league’s top players. Karliner, a three-year starter at quarterback, threw for 1,622 yards and 17 touchdowns as the Seahawks made their first Southern Section playoff appearance. Fanoga caught 21 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns. But Isom said the Seahawks’ success will hinge on their young offensive and defensive lines. “It’ll boil down to the guys in the trenches,” Isom said. Of Karliner, Isom said, “He’s one of those guys that’s fun to sit and watch.”

Santa Ana

Coach: Dick Hill (seventh year)

1989 record: 9-3, 4-1

Returning lettermen: 20

Returning starters: four on offense, three on defense

Top returnees: Jesse Gomez, OL-DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Tommy Gray, OL, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Efen Nava, DE-TE, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Albert Perez, QB-DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Gus Plasencia, K-P, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Al Rivas, RB-DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; George Salazar, OL-DL, 6-1, 265, Sr.

Top newcomers: Rene Cadena, RB-DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Marco Contreras, QB, 5-11, 180, Sr.

Outlook: The Saints have been called a favorite and a playoff contender, and then there are the words of one coach, who said, “I have no idea how they’ll do.” Over the past few years, Santa Ana’s great team speed and physical ability have produced one of the county’s most consistent programs. The Saints left the Century League having won or shared four consecutive league titles. This year’s team will miss defender Oscar Wilson, a three-time all-county selection by The Times, running back Garner Hicks and quarterback Jesse Rosas. Plasencia is one of the most accurate kickers in the county and could give the Saints added scoring punch. Rivas showed his potential at running back, gaining 104 yards in 17 carries in a 38-21 victory over Canyon when Hicks couldn’t start because of a leg injury. However, he is academically ineligible for the first half of the season.

Westminster

Coach: Stan Clark (second year)

1989 record: 2-8, 2-3

Returning lettermen: 15

Returning starters: five on offense, nine on defense

Top returnees: Jeff Lancaster, OL-DL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Christian Moore, WR-DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Ross Rodriguez, RB-DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Vance Senteno, RB-LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Eric Wilkins, TE-LB, 6-3, 195, Sr.

Top newcomers: Matt Bailey, QB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Gabriel Blevins, RB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Kirk Pierce, QB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Myong Kim, DL, 5-10, 170, Sr.

Outlook: The Lions missed the playoffs last year for the first time in five seasons. It’s likely that, barring a string of luck and some unexpected performances, the Lions will again miss the playoffs. They started this season with a sluggish, 14-7, loss to Robert E. Lee of Springfield, Va., last Thursday, giving up the game-winning touchdown in the final minute. Pierce was five for nine for 42 yards in his debut at quarterback. Last season, he was the understudy to starter John Shipp. Bailey also played in the Lee game as Clark searched for some consistency in his offense. Clark, who was co-coach with Jack Bowman for two seasons, never found it, however. Senteno, the Lions best player and an all-league linebacker, led the team in tackles last season. He also is the leading rusher and receiver back from last season’s team.