FOOTBALL ’93 : The High Schools: City / Southern Section : NORTHWEST VALLEY CONFERENCE : MARMONTE LEAGUE

Agoura

1992: Lost in first round of playoffs

OVERALL: 6-5

LEAGUE: 4-3

PLACE: Tied for 3rd

COACH: Frank Greminger

YEAR: 24th

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 35-22-1

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Brian Burris, 6-4, 220 OL DL Sr. Ryan Correa, 6-0, 190 OL DL Sr. Damon Blechen, 6-4, 220 TE LB Sr. Billy Haywood, 5-11, 170 WR DB Sr. David Schaeffer, 5-11, 190 RB DL Sr. Kevin Sass, 5-11, 170 WR LB Sr. Troy Aguilera, 6-0, 185 OL LB Sr. Roger Liang, 5-10, 170 RB LB Jr. Ray Howden, 6-2, 180 QB -- Sr. Eric Fitzgerald, 5-11, 180 QB -- Jr. Rich Guevara, 5-9, 160 RB DB Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Mike Tabback, 6-1, 200 RB LB Sr. Tommy Kim, 5-10, 175 RB -- Jr. John Gibbs, 6-3, 215 OL LB Jr. John Diermijian, 5-10, 185 RB DL Jr.

FAST FACT

Agoura won the Frontier League title in 1987. Since moving to the Marmonte (1990), it has finished no higher than third.

OUTLOOK

Agoura surprised many observers last season with its best record since joining the league. Greminger, who might retire following this season, believes the Chargers will take another positive step. “I feel we should be in the running for a playoff spot this time,” he said. “We should have a pretty strong group.” Greminger’s optimism is based on team depth (35 varsity players return) and a strong running game led by Schaeffer, who rushed for 127 yards as a junior. Agoura might have some problems in the secondary.

Camarillo

1992: Lost in semifinals of playoffs

OVERALL: 9-4

LEAGUE: 5-2

PLACE: 2nd

COACH: Carl Thompson

YEAR: 9th

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 27-26

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Brad Rubin, 6-2, 270 OL DL Sr. Jay Nirenberg, 6-3, 185 QB -- Sr. Ethan Edmonds, 6-1, 240 -- DL Sr. Jake Spahr, 5-11, 175 -- DB Sr. Robert Smith, 5-8, 165 RB -- Sr. Jason Condiff, 6-3, 250 OL DL Sr. Brett Whitmeyer, 6-1, 215 TE DL Sr. Darren Hatch, 5-10, 195 RB LB Sr. Bennett Whitkey, 5-10, 160 -- DB Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Mike Muller, 6-3, 225 RB LB Jr. Ryan Joyce, 5-10, 165 WR -- Jr. Travis Zirkle, 6-0, 215 -- LB Sr. Brian Hale, 5-9, 180 K P Sr. Neil Cordes, 5-11, 170 WR DB Jr.

FAST FACT

Graduated tailback Fahali Campbell--The Times’ Ventura County back of the year--rushed for a county-record 2,285 yards.

OUTLOOK

Powered by Campbell’s legs, the Scorpions raced to the semifinals of the Division III playoffs last season. Campbell has moved on and the Scorpions must do the same. Thompson is confident Smith will provide Camarillo with another strong running game. “Smith is a great runner, but he didn’t get much work playing behind Fahali,” Thompson said. “He’s not the breakaway runner Fahali is, but he’s very smooth and quick.” Thompson is very concerned about his defense.

Channel Islands

1992: Did not make playoffs

OVERALL: 2-8

LEAGUE: 0-7

PLACE: 8th

COACH: Joel Gershon

YEAR: 19th

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 21-29

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Joshua Babauta, 6-0, 180 QB DB Sr. Mike Fisher, 5-11, 250 OL -- Sr. Taffy Aina, 6-4, 268 OL DL Sr. Ron Estrada, 5-10, 180 -- DB Sr. Tee Ferguson, 6-0, 155 WR -- Sr. Andrew Cristoso, 5-8, 240 OL -- Sr. Raul Raya, 5-10, 188 TE -- Sr. Brandon Dean, 5-9, 145 -- LB Sr. Damon Espinosa, 6-0, 200 -- LB Sr. Chris Peyton, 6-0, 200 -- LB Sr. Julio Sanchez, 5-8, 215 -- DL Sr. Abel Lomeli, 5-11, 170 K DB Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Donnell Washington, 6-2, 185 WR DB Jr. Robert Higgins, 6-2, 200 -- DB Jr.

FAST FACT

Gershon led the Raiders to consecutive league titles in 1987-88. Since then, Channel Islands has finished no higher than fifth.

OUTLOOK

Gershon believes defense is the Raiders’ strength. Sanchez was all-league as a junior and has improved. Gershon is especially pleased with his linebackers and defensive backs. Espinosa and Peyton should be strong against the run. Estrada and Lomeli possess good coverage skills. Washington and Higgins are expected to make solid contributions. On offense, the Raiders will run a multiple attack. Babauta is the Raiders’ leading returning rusher with 22 yards.

Newbury Park

1992: Lost in first round of playoffs

OVERALL: 8-3

LEAGUE: 6-1

PLACE: 1st

COACH: George Hurley

YEAR: 5th

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 22-19-2

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Keith Smith, 6-0, 175 QB -- Sr. Leodes Van Buren, 6-1, 190 WR DB Sr. Trevor Coville, 6-1, 180 WR DB Sr. Jason Tucker, 5-11, 180 WR DB Sr. Rich Adams, 5-10, 180 RB LB Sr. Eric Masaki, 6-0, 210 OL DL Sr. Tony Weak, 6-2, 225 OL DL Sr. Mark Davis, 6-3, 235 OL DL Sr. Justin Simo, 6-1, 200 OL LB Sr. Eric Crane, 6-1, 185 OL LB Sr. Albert Reddick, 5-7, 170 RB DBSr.

TOP NEWWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Stu McGugan, 6-2, 170 WR DB Sr. Brock Diediker, 6-2, 205 RB LB So. Brant Diediker, 6-2, 195 OL DL So. Tony Robertson, 5-7, 155 RB DB Jr.

FAST FACT

Van Buren--The Times’ Ventura County lineman of the year--had 79 catches for 1,331 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.

OUTLOOK

The Panthers are the coaches’ consensus pick to repeat as league champions--and with good reason. Led by Smith, Newbury Park is loaded at the skill positions. Smith was the second-leading passer in the state as a junior, completing 59.6% of his passes for 3,318 yards and 30 touchdowns. One longtime Marmonte coach believes Smith is “the best athlete in the league’s history.” If so, Van Buren runs a close second. Receiver Jason Tucker’s play should make the departure of graduated standout Jason Toohey easier to handle.

Royal

1992: Did not make playoffs

OVERALL: 3-7

LEAGUE: 2-5

PLACE: 7th

COACH: Gene Uebelhardt

YEAR: 5th

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 29-23-1

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Rommel Butler, 6-1, 185 WR DB Sr. Sheldon Griffith, 6-2, 220 RB LB Sr. Bryan Fernandez, 5-11, 180 -- DB Sr. Kevin Musser, 6-2, 220 -- LB Jr. Jesus Robles, 5-11, 195 -- LB Sr. Ty Russell, 6-2, 215 -- LB Jr. Steve Zirnite, 6-3, 250 -- DL Jr. Mike Fredericks, 6-1, 225 OL -- Sr. Mike Reddington, 5-7, 200 RB -- Jr. Matt Thompson, 6-0, 180 WR P Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Christian Broussard, 6-0, 180 RB DB So. Scott Nelson, 6-4, 210 TE -- Sr. Jermaine Smith, 5-11, 185 WR DB Jr. Wes Laggotta, 5-11, 170 QB -- Jr.

FAST FACT

Royal allowed the fewest yards passing (934) among the county’s large schools. Royal was second in total yards allowed (2,157).

OUTLOOK

The Highlanders, who had the league’s dominant defense last season and should again. Royal’s secondary is still the team’s biggest strength, despite the loss of standout Derek Newcomb to graduation. Butler--a member of The Times’ All-Ventura County team--was selected a preseason All-American by Reebok. Fernandez was an all-league selection as a junior and Uebelhardt expects Broussard to make a big contribution. If the offense averages 17 points a game, Uebelhardt believes the Highlanders should compete for the championship.

Simi Valley

1992: Lost in quarterfinals of playoffs

OVERALL: 7-5

LEAGUE: 4-3

PLACE: Tied for 3rd

COACH: Roger McCamy

YEAR: 1st

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 0-0

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Jevon Markarian, 6-0, 190 RB DB Sr. Nathan Simmons, 6-4, 190 WR DB Sr. Jeremie Watkins, 6-0, 190 QB -- Sr. Tim Bennett, 5-11, 175 QB -- Jr. Paul Boerem, 5-10, 175 WR DB Sr. Ken Huggins, 6-0, 175 WR DB Sr. Tim Wolleck, 6-0, 195 K P Yr. Tim Wilcox, 6-1, 185 TE LB Sr. Sam Spampinato, 5-10, 220 OL DL Sr. Ryan Campbell, 6-2, 240 OL DL Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Brian Kavanagh, 5-10, 180 OL DB Jr. J.J. Washington, 5-9, 160 WR DB Jr. Sean Ginnever, 6-1, 195 OL LB Jr. Chris Campagna, 5-7, 175 OL DL Jr.

FAST FACT

Markarian is the league’s leading returning rusher. He had 990 yards in 223 carries (a 4.43-yard average) with 10 TDs as a junior.

OUTLOOK

McCamy took over after Stan Quina was fired after his third season. He has installed his version of the run-and-shoot offense, which Watkins will run. McCamy believes Watkins, whom he refers to as “The Franchise,” will excel. As a junior, Watkins was the backup to graduated standout Eric Bennett. Watkins has thrown only two passes during his varsity career. “Watkins is the key for us,” McCamy said. Bennett, Eric’s brother, will back up Watkins. “People think we don’t have much talent,” McCamy said. “I think we’ll surprise them.”

Thousand Oaks

1992: Did not make playoffs

OVERALL: 4-5-

LEAGUE: 4-3

PLACE: Tied for 3rd

COACH: Bob Richards

YEAR: 11th

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 38-14-4

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Greg Aguilar, 6-0, 165 WR DB Sr. Matt Elam, 5-11, 165 WR DB Sr. Trevor Thompson, 6-4, 185 QB -- Sr. Josh Pace, 6-0, 175 WR DB Sr. Greg Johnson, 6-0, 175 RB -- Sr. Craig Bewley, 6-4, 245 OL -- Sr. Dean Beck, 5-9, 185 OL DL Sr. John Freed, 6-0, 185 OL DL Sr. Steve Weerts, 5-6, 175 -- DB Sr. George McGuire, 6-0, 215 -- LB Sr. Chris Casillas, 6-0, 185 -- LB Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Bill Tassio, 6-2, 210 -- DL Jr. Brandon Jackson, 5-9, 182 RB -- Jr.

FAST FACT

Richards has failed to lead Thousand Oaks to the playoffs only twice. The Lancers also did not qualify during Richards’ first season.

OUTLOOK

The Lancers, a perennial area power, have been suffering through a tumultuous year on and off the field. Two of Richards’ assistant coaches left to become assistants at Canyon and four players also transferred to the Santa Clarita Valley school. Richards is eager to get the focus of the Lancers’ program back on football. Thousand Oaks should possess one of the area’s top defensive backfields. Richards is extremely impressed with Aguilar and Elam. “We have the potential,” Richards said, “to grow into a good football team.”

Westlake

1992: Did not make playoffs

OVERALL: 3-7

LEAGUE: 3-4

PLACE: 6th

COACH: Jim Benkert

YEAR: 5th

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 19-22-2

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Billy Miller, 6-3, 205 WR DB Jr. Steve Merkel, 6-2, 275 OL -- Sr. Steve Sanchez, 6-2, 255 OL -- Sr. Jason LaBarthe, 6-3, 251 OL -- Sr. Craig Walendy, 6-2, 205 RB -- Jr. Jason Bedell, 5-9, 180 RB -- Sr. Jeremy Bunn, 6-0, 200 -- DL Sr. John Minitello, 6-2, 215 -- DL Sr. Brady Willmon, 6-2, 215 -- DL Sr. Mike Talbot, 6-1, 215 -- LB Sr. Mike Tetzlaff, 6-3, 215 -- LB Sr. B. Zimmerman, 5-11,175 -- DB Sr. Mike Davis, 5-10, 165 -- DB Sr. Billy Zaraka, 5-11, 160 -- DB Sr. Scott Morris, 5-10, 175 K P Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Mike Leibin, 5-10, 165 WR -- Jr. Kevin Crook, 6-3, 200 QB -- Sr. Simon Erickson, 5-10, 160 WR -- Sr. Mike Hays, 6-1, 200 OL -- Sr. Trevor Gillespie, 6-6, 200 TE -- Sr. Eric Gunenther, 6-3, 205 -- LB Jr. Pudge Fierro, 6-3, 250 OL -- Jr.

FAST FACT

Benkert was formerly the offensive coordinator at Crespi under Bill Redell. A running back named Russell White was one of his charges.

OUTLOOK

Westlake is on the rise. The Warriors are the league coaches’ consensus pick to finish second behind Newbury Park. Benkert expects that--and more. “I like to think we are in the top echelon of our league,” he said. “I can understand why people are looking at Westlake.” Depth is among Westlake’s strengths. The Warriors have six returning starters on offense and 10 on defense. Overall, 63 players are on the varsity. “We’ve got a lot of good kids behind starters,” Benkert said. “Most teams just don’t have this kind of depth.”