CHARGER REVIEW : NOTEBOOK / T.J. SIMERS : Friesz Promises to Reclaim His Job

John Friesz has accepted his role as cheerleader for 1992, but he would like those who will replace him this season to understand what is going to happen in 1993.

“I hope whoever is in the game in my place has a great season and takes the Chargers all the way to the Super Bowl,” Friesz said in a telephone interview from his home in San Diego. “And then I want whoever does that to understand that I won’t let that be the situation next year. I’m coming back to get my job.”

Friesz suffered a season-ending knee injury a week ago in Phoenix and underwent reconstructive knee surgery Monday. He is still on crutches, but he said he can stand on two legs. “I’m just not ready to go out for a walk yet,” he said.

“It felt really good during the day (Thursday) so I thought I could stop taking the pain pills. But I had a rough time sleeping (Thursday night).”

The Chargers expect Friesz to undergo six to 12 months of rehabilitation before returning at full speed to the field.

“From everything they tell me, things went well with the surgery,” Friesz said. “It looks good, too. Not much swelling, so he must have gotten in there, done the job and gotten out.”

The Chargers started Bob Gagliano at quarterback against the Patriots, but they are expected to give Stan Humphries every opportunity to be the starting quarterback this season. The Chargers acquired Humphries from Washington, and he will arrive in San Diego today.

“I’ve never seen him play, but from everything I’ve heard he will be a good acquisition,” Friesz said. “I know what Bob Gagliano has been saying and I know that’s how he feels. He believes whoever plays the best will win the position.

“I know now that it’s not realistic for me to think I can come back this year, but I’m determined to win my job back from whoever gets it. I’ve come too far to let something like this take it away.”

*

Starting center Courtney Hall came up limping on the Chargers’ first offensive play of the game. Hall remained in the contest for the eight-play drive, but then was removed for X-rays on his lower left leg. He said he sustained a sprained ankle.

Guard Mike Zandofsky, who earned practice time at center in mini-camp while Hall was unsigned, assumed Hall’s position and then was forced from the game with a hamstring injury. Rookie Curtis Whitley then got the call.

Running back Eric Bieniemy established himself as a flashy punt and kickoff returner before spraining his left ankle.

*

David Pool, a sixth-round pick of the Chargers in 1990, is trying to make it with the Patriots.

Pool, who caught a glimpse of Marion Butts while practicing with the Chargers at UC San Diego two years ago, knew enough to get out of Butts way on a sweep around the right end in the first quarter. Pool dropped to the ground like a welcome mat, and Butts gained 10 yards.

*

One, two, three . . .

The Chargers’ defense had 12 men on the field in the fourth quarter, and the delay of game penalty wiped out a New England incomplete pass and set up a one-yard plunge for a Patriots’ first down.

On the following play quarterback Scott Zolak threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Ben Coates.