FOOTBALL ’92 : Different Yardsticks to Measure Success : Community colleges: West Los Angeles is hopeful of a winning record, but Santa Monica is seeking an undefeated season.

The definition of success takes a different meaning for the West Los Angeles and Santa Monica College football teams.

For West L.A., which was 3-7 in 1991, success would be measured solely by a winning season. At Santa Monica, which enters 1992 after finishing 9-2 last season, success would probably require something akin to an undefeated season and a top 10 state ranking or better.

Although both teams’ goals will be difficult to achieve, they are considered attainable.

It won’t take Santa Monica long to find out where it stands. The Corsairs open Saturday at home against Saddleback, which was fourth ranked in the state last year and has many talented returnees.

“We’re going to find out pretty fast how good a football team we have,” Santa Monica College Coach Owen Hahn said.

The Corsairs are expected to be led by sophomore quarterback Dion Bergeron, a former St. Monica High player who was an All-Western State Conference selection in 1991.

He is regarded by Hahn as a model of consistency and efficiency. After becoming the starter in the fourth game last season, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound Bergeron finished with 91 completions in 137 attempts for 1,456 yards, 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

Hahn said his most heavily recruited major college prospect is defensive back Derrick Stewart, a 5-11, 185-pound sophomore from Granada Hills High. He was an all-conference selection in 1991 after intercepting five passes.

“He’s a bona fide All-American candidate and has 4.35 speed (in the 40),” Hahn said.

Hahn is also excited about returning all-conference nose guard Paul Hatter (6-2, 265), fullback Brett Washington (6-1, 240) and two offensive linemen, transfers Jesus Moreno (6-5, 335) from Northern Arizona and Shayne Stevenson (6-5, 290) from Cal State Fullerton.

Another returnee is tight end Danny White (6-5, 220) from Westchester. Hahn said White is “a terrific blocker who catches the ball well.”

Big contributions are expected from two newcomers. They are fullback Jason Patterson of Bishop Amat, who was Southern Section Division I defensive player of the year in 1990 but did not play last season, and receiver Montres Gords (5-9, 155) of Morningside.

Hahn is optimistic entering the season but said, “We have a tough schedule and most of our critical games are on the road.”

From a historical standpoint, it would be difficult to be an optimist at West L.A., a school that not long ago lost 21 consecutive games. Nonetheless, Oiler Coach Rob Hager is confident about his team’s chances.

Hager is starting his third season at West L.A. His first team finished 4-6.

“I want to get this program turned in a winning direction,” said Hager, who has a two-year record of 7-13. “I know that most people outside don’t give this team much of a chance, but I’m encouraged by what I see.

“Last year, we had really good talent, but we didn’t get it together as a team. This year, I see a lot of zeal, resolve, chemistry and determination.”

The team will need to be at its best in the tough Western State Conference. The Oilers open at home against Chaffey College on Saturday.

West L.A.’s top returning players include the Clarkston brothers, Chris, a 6-4, 275-pound offensive lineman, and Joe, a 5-11, 260-pound defensive lineman.

Other key players are defensive backs Tod Townsend (5-10, 170), Chris Cook (6-1, 180), Devon Montgomery (5-9, 175) and Michael Avery (5-10, 175); inside linebacker Johnny Williams (6-2, 220) and running back Benny Thompson (5-9, 180).