Weems Dreams of a Winning Season at Harbor College

An improved offense and strong finish last season has given second-year Harbor College football Coach Don Weems something to be optimistic about.

“We won three games last season and people seemed to think that we improved,” Weems said. “We have good players, not in tremendous numbers, but we are hoping that a few come through.”

Weems has five players returning from last season, many of whom played at the skill positions. Included in that group is quarterback Glenn Baham, who completed 48 of 142 passes for 556 yards and a touchdown.

“He has experience and he is fine athlete,” Weems said. “Last year he didn’t have great stats, but he didn’t have a supporting cast.”

Harbor’s top incoming players appear to be on the offensive line. Weems felt last year’s offensive line lacked size, so he recruited 6-foot-5, 328-pound guard Tyler Tuione and 6-6, 300-pound tackle Maurice Verdugo. At the other guard position is 6-3, 270-pound James Conlin, who was honorable mention All-Western State Conference at tackle. Also returning is tight end Mike Whitman, the team leader in receptions with 31.

The revamped line should also help sophomore tailbacks Cameron Pitcher and Bill Harris. The returning tailbacks provide Weems with a one-two punch in the backfield.

The 5-9, 200-pound Pitcher’s great balance made him difficult to tackle. He finished with 293 yards on 58 carries. Weems likes Pitcher’s quickness and low center of gravity.

The 6-2, 200-pound Harris will try to use his speed to outrun tacklers. Harris, a former member of Long Beach Poly High’s 4 x 100-meter relay team, finished with 667 yards on 141 carries.

“They both know they are going to play, it is a question of who is going to get the most glory,” Weems said.

Weems expects the Seahawks to be improved on defense.

“We are looking to build up the defense,” he said. “We’ve upgraded physically. Last year, we didn’t have the weight and the muscle. Teams kind of steamrolled over us.”

Harbor returns four defensive starters, and two of those returnees play in the secondary. Sophomore safeties Ricky Bradford and Casey Causy will anchor the defensive backfield and will be joined by newcomers Tyrone Futch and Vincent Gardner.

“I think we can have a good secondary,” said Weems, who was the defensive coordinator at the Nevada Las Vegas before coming to Harbor. “We will not be blessed up front with big lineman.”