CITY WESTERN LEAGUE : It’s Elementary: Watson Will Be One to Watch

Last year’s City Western League race ended in an unexpected tie. La Jolla, the worst team in the league in 1989, surged to 3-0-1, highlighted by a 7-7 tie with defending champion and league favorite Kearny.

This year the unexpected might be anything but a tie.

And not just a two-way deadlock. It could be a three-way tie. In fact, when the dust is settled in the West in 1991, the result could be this: Kearny 2-1-1; La Jolla 2-1-1; USDHS 2-1-1; University City 2-1-1.

The latter two teams have improved. The first two advanced deep into the section playoffs last year and haven’t lost much.

“Kearny’s the best team; or should I say us,” USDHS Coach Ron Hamamoto said. “If (E.J.) Watson gets 25-30 carries a game, La Jolla could win it. University City will be tough. . . .”

THE RACE

Top contenders: Kearny (11-2-1), La Jolla, (10-2-1), USDHS (4-6).

Could surprise: University City (4-6).

Hoping for improvement: Mission Bay (4-6).

Game of the year: Kearny at La Jolla, 7 p.m. Nov. 15. Last year these two had to go overtime to determine which got the higher playoff seeding, and the same could happen this year.

THE PLAYERS

The Man: E.J. Watson. It won’t take Sherlock Holmes to identify this player. He’ll be the La Jolla running back scoring touchdowns--he had 19 last year--or the defensive back intercepting passes and punishing both himself and the opposition with his full-tilt, self-sacrifice style. Watson, a 1990 Times’ All-County defender, will dominate if he stays healthy. Last year, he was bothered by numerous injuries--most of them caused by his fearless fashion. He might be the most exciting player in the county to watch.

“I have never coached one better in 25 years,” Viking Coach Dick Huddleston said. “I rate him right up there with Marcus Allen.”

Who will fill Darnay Scott’s shoes? The next candidate might be Scott’s former Kearny teammate: running back James Curtis. As a sophomore, he stepped in and anchored a ground attack that balanced the Komet offense. He gained nearly 1,000 yards.

USDHS running back Chris Lewis (5-feet-11, 200 pounds) could emerge as a top rusher behind an experienced line. Kearny quarterback Sam Page, a third-year starter, USDHS tight end Mike Hall (35 receptions in 1990) and Mission Bay quarterback Andy Guyader (with protection) could have big years. La Jolla defensive back John Zuanich may be league’s best defender.

Others to watch on offense: La Jolla linemen Arturo Garcia (6-0, 220) and Jose Ojeda (6-1, 245) and fullback Alex Brown; USDHS junior quarterback Mike Sexton and kicker Aaron Blair; University City linemen Mark Schweller (6-5, 250) and Jack Dailey (6-1, 210); Kearny running back Ted Mack and Mission Bay tight ends Neil Berkley and Paul Morris.

Other to watch on defense: Kearny linebackers Matt Whitcomb and Rashad Wright; La Jolla backs Tony Maggio and Chris Duncan; USDHS linemen Steve Balelo (6-3, 235) and Keith Miles (6-4, 260) and cornerback David Cesena.

THE INTANGIBLES

Lights and night games at its home field for the first time since 1973 could give La Jolla an emotional edge.