PREP FOOTBALL CITY PREVIEW : All Quirks Aside, Carson Appears Strong Again

If a quirky trend in Los Angeles City high school football continues, the 1990 season should mean another championship for Carson High Coach Gene Vollnogle.

The Colts have reached the City final the last nine seasons but have only won titles in the even-numbered years.

Last season, Carson lost to Dorsey in the final, 26-15, after winning the title in 1988. The Colts also won titles in 1982, ’84 and ‘86, alternating with championship game losses in 1981, ‘83, ’85 and ’87.

“I would have to rank Carson as the top team,” said Dorsey Co-Coach Paul Knox, whose team won its first City 4-A title last season. “They have a lot of people back.”

A look at The Times’ preseason top 10 City football teams:

1. CARSON

Southern League (4-A Division)

Last Season: 10-2

Vollnogle, who is calling this season his last after 37 years of coaching and 298 victories, has a talented, experienced team, bolstered by quarterback John Walsh, a transfer from West Torrance. “He seems like a natural for our offense,” Vollnogle said of the 6-foot-2 Walsh, who passed for exactly 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. “He is tall with a quick release and understands what is happening out there.”

In directing Carson’s one-back, wide-open offense, Walsh is assisted by returning fullback Jimmy Lincoln, versatile slotback Abdul Muhammed and junior wide receiver Theron Hill. Carson also has five offensive linemen who either started last season or played a lot, with Robert Sale and Ma’o Niko leading the way. On defense, the Colts are strong behind the leadership of returning All-City players Marcus Long, Bob Tuitau and Clayvand Thomas. The Colts’ secondary is led by returning safety Tarriel Hopper, helped by Shawn Parnell and Tyrone Coleman.

Carson will play a difficult nonconference schedule, beginning with La Puente Bishop Amat Friday. The Colts will then play at Lynwood and Rialto Eisenhower.

2. GRANADA HILLS

West Valley League (4-A Division)

Last Season: 11-1

A year ago, the Highlanders were riding high with an undefeated record before being upset in the second round of the playoffs by El Camino Real, 16-9. This season, Granada Hills should be even better. The Highlanders are led by a trio of outstanding players--quarterback Bryan Martin, who was a part-time starter last season; defensive back/tailback Derrick Stewart, and fullback/linebacker Brett Washington. Granada Hills does not have as tough a nonconference schedule as Carson, but the Highlanders will travel to Dorsey for a rare Saturday night game Sept. 22.

3. DORSEY

Pacific League (4-A Division)

Last Season: 10-3

During the last few seasons, the Dons have become one of the best teams in the area. With Lamont Warren, the City player of the year, returning, Dorsey is a strong threat to repeat as 4-A champion. Warren rushed for 1,271 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. In last year’s championship game, he rushed for 101 yards and caught passes for 110 more. Keyshawn Johnson, a transfer from Palisades, also figures to play a key role for the Dons, at both wide receiver and safety. He joins several other standout players--in tight end Cedrick White, who played offensive tackle last season; linebacker Ronnie Johnson, and quarterback Ronald Peebles. Dorsey’s other co-coach is Eugene McAdoo.

4. WILMINGTON BANNING

Pacific League (4-A Division)

Last Season: 6-4-1

Last season, the Pilots lost to Crenshaw in a tiebreaker, preventing them from playing in the playoffs for the first time since 1974. Third-year Coach Joe Dominguez hopes that transfer quarterback Anthony Nicholson from Compton Centennial can put them back into the playoffs. Nicholson teams with tailback Travis Davis in the Pilots’ veer-option offense. Heading the offensive line are Eric Battle and Art Donnell, along with tight end Lino Quintana. Banning has four defensive starters back, including linemen Jason Loyd, Nuno Galvez and Damon White. Cornerback Stefton Paige is a leader in the secondary.

5. WOODLAND HILLS TAFT

West Valley League (4-A Division)

Last Season: 5-5

The Toreadors are a team to watch, with several talented players returning. Junior quarterback Karlton Mack lead the offense, along with running backs Darnell Hendricks and Vance Swendell. On defense, Sam Hardy starts at middle linebacker and is supported by linemen Mario Alvarado and Willie Jackson, with Ruben Benitez in the secondary.

6. WESTCHESTER

Metro League (3-A Division)

Last Season: 8-3

The key player for the Comets is receiver/defensive back Albert Jones, a transfer from Santa Monica St. Monica. In 1989, Jones caught 32 passes and returned four punts for touchdowns. He also had four interceptions. The Comets, who have returning quarterback Bradley Freeman, won the 2-A title in 1987 and lost in the 3-A championship game in ’88. Last season, Westchester lost to South Gate in the quarterfinals.

7. GRANADA HILLS KENNEDY

North Valley League (4-A Division)

Last Season: 5-7

Running back Ontiwaun Carter led the Golden Cougars to the quarterfinals last season before they lost to Carson, but Carter is back for his senior season. Carter rushed for 1,598 yards last season, including a 219-yard outburst against Manual Arts in the playoffs and a 267-yard effort against Crenshaw during the regular season. Mike McMullen is at quarterback. There are eight returning starters on defense, led by tackle Jess Rodriguez.

8. LOCKE

Central League (3-A Division)

Last Season: 6-4-2

The Saints advanced to the 3-A Division semifinals, where they lost to Garfield. Leading the way are running back Antoine Redmond and junior middle linebacker Mark Thompson, who led the team in tackles and fumble recoveries. Other key returnees for the Saints are linemen George McGuire, Aaron Nash and Ken Stade and defensive back LaMorris Ester.

9. SAN FERNANDO

North Valley League (4-A Division)

Last Season: 5-6

After a disappointing finish last season, the Tigers feature a talented wishbone offense this season, led by LaKarlos Townsend, plus brothers Leonice and Tony Brown, who rushed for a total of 1,097 yards at Encino Crespi last season. Leonice had 913 yards, Tony 184. On defense, the Tigers have another pair of brothers starting, Keith and James Woods, along with linebacker Will Taylor.

10. SAN PEDRO

Southern League (3-A Division)

Last Season: 5-6

San Pedro is a team that many City coaches regard as a sleeper, with running backs Mario Chavez and Melvin Talor returning. Last season, San Pedro lost to Pacific League opponents Carson, Banning and Crenshaw by a combined score of 111-32, but defeated Southern League rivals Narbonne, Gardena and Washington by a margin of 86-35. San Pedro should be stronger on defense with Herb Whittaker leading the way in the secondary.