FOOTBALL ’93 : It Could Be 1 of Those Seasons for Hawthorne High : Preview: Defending Division III champion Cougars return 14 starters and have added some notable transfers.

It was a 38-year wait between Hawthorne High’s first Southern Section football title in 1954 and its second last season. Coach Dan Robbins wouldn’t be surprised if a third championship comes much sooner.

“We probably have more skill than we’ve ever had at the school,” Robbins said. “I honestly believe we should do well, unless the kids blow it in the classroom or I blow it on the field.”

It would seemingly take an epidemic of academic problems and coaching blunders to keep Hawthorne from a successful season. The Cougars return 14 starters from a 12-2 team and have added several talented transfers, one of whom will start at tailback.

Talent alone, though, might not get the job done. During Hawthorne’s run through the 1992 Division III playoffs, Robbins learned that many intangibles contribute to a championship.

“There’s so much that goes into winning,” he said. “It’s not like it’s all skill and hard work. That’s part of it, but there’s also luck that goes with it. And certain people have to step up.”

Among the players Hawthorne must replace is running back-linebacker Tevita Moala, an emotional leader who played the last six games of 1992 with a separated shoulder. Moala, now at Brigham Young University, was The Times’ 1992 South Bay Back of the Year.

Also gone are offensive tackle Mostafa Sobhi and tight end-safety Ronnie Morrissette, two all-section players. Sobhi is at Washington, Morrissette at Fresno State.

“I could never imagine having that quality of leadership again,” said Robbins, starting his third season with a 21-5 record. “Moala, Morrissette and Sobhi, all of them were significant.”

Some of the names have changed, but Robbins expects similar results from this year’s team. Hawthorne is ranked No. 1 in The Times’ South Bay and Division III preseason ratings.

“I think our kids are mad because they know people are coming after them,” Robbins said. “But they’re like protective mothers. The seniors feel this is their team, and they want to do well. They don’t spend any time talking about last year’s championship.”

Other area teams expected to do well include City Section powers Carson, San Pedro, Banning and Peninsula, Hawthorne’s main competition in the Bay League.

Peninsula kicks off the season tonight at 7 with a nonleague game at Lakewood. Most other area teams begin play Friday night. Hawthorne opens Saturday night against Loyola at Glendale High.

Here is a rundown of The Times’ South Bay top 10:

1. Hawthorne 1992 record: 12-2 League finish: Tied for first (Bay) Returning starters: 14

Strengths: The Cougars boast a deep roster of skill-position players that includes All-Bay League quarterback Kenji Tatum and wide receiver-defensive back Justin Stallings, a preseason All-American. Tatum completed more than 60% of his passes in 1992 for 1,486 yards and 20 touchdowns, and was intercepted only five times. Four starters are back on the offensive line, led by tackles David Camacho (6-foot-7, 295 pounds) and his brother, Ricardo (6-3, 265).

All-league tackle Daniel Dorsey (6-0, 265) anchors a solid defensive line that adds promising junior Alex Maimot (6-1, 305). The secondary returns three starters. Cornerback Kelvin Hunter and Stallings, who moves from cornerback to strong safety, combined for seven interceptions in 1992. Robbins calls Omarr Morgan, who had 44 tackles in the last five games of 1992, “the best high school free safety I’ve ever seen.”

Weaknesses: The linebackers lack experience, although Robbins says junior Ka’vika Purcell (6-1, 220) could develop into a dominating player. The offensive linemen are not as fast as Robbins would like.

Key newcomers: Tailback Eric Chaney, Stallings’ cousin, transferred from Bishop Montgomery, where he was named All-Mission League after leading the Knights in rushing as a junior. Wide receiver-defensive back Monjero Jones transferred from Leuzinger.

Fast fact: Stallings was the Cougars’ best leaper until Jones joined the team. “Justin can get his forearm above the (basketball) rim,” Robbins said. “Monjero makes that look inadequate.” Both players are 6-2.

2. Carson 1992 record: 9-4-1 League finish: First (Pacific) Returning starters: 11

Strengths: As usual, the Colts have an abundance of skilled athletes. Running backs John Houston and Robert Johnson combined for 1,109 yards rushing in 1992, and should get more carries in a more balanced scheme under first-year Coach David Williams. Taking over at quarterback is Tony Harvey, a 6-4 senior who played wide receiver last season after quarterbacking the B team to a 10-0 record as a sophomore.

Returning receivers Nakia Wheeler (6-4, 215) and Shadeed Muhammad combined for 42 catches in 1992, but Muhammad has been slowed because of a strained knee. Another threat is junior wingback Joseph Redmond, most valuable player of the B team in 1992. The defensive line, led by All-Pacific League end Michael Carey (6-3, 215) and tackle Iosia Moeaveave (5-11, 220), is in good shape, as is the secondary, which features returning cornerbacks Daks Blanks and George Wilson.

Weaknesses: Inexperience at linebacker and offensive line concerns Williams.

Key newcomers: Although they are not new to the school, senior offensive linemen Ray Tuianna (6-3, 280), Brian Teofilo (6-1, 245) and Sam Paopao (6-4, 300) are eligible for the first time after being sidelined because of academic problems. Tuianna and Teofilo are starters.

Fast fact: Sonny Thompson (6-1, 220), a two-way starter at center and middle linebacker, is a straight-A student, Carson’s student body president and the nephew of former Washington State and Cincinnati Bengal quarterback Jack Thompson, the Throwin’ Samoan.

3. San Pedro 1992 record: 12-1-1 League finish: First (Southern) Returning starters: 10

Strengths: The defending City Section 3-A Division champions return seven offensive starters, including two-thirds of the backfield. Quarterback Chris Pappas passed for 836 yards and seven touchdowns, and tailback Jeff Williams rushed for 740 yards and 12 TDs in 1992. All-City guard Greg Cukrov (6-3, 255), who has been slowed because of a pulled groin, and tackle Vito Sanciardi (6-1, 280) anchor an experienced, physical offensive line. The defense has more holes to fill, but the return of linebacker Chris Asuega, safety Willie Birl and All-City cornerback Bryan Castaneda will make the transition smoother.

Weaknesses: The Pirates have no returning starters on the defensive line and will miss the big-play abilities of wide receiver-safety Bryant Thomas, a two-time All-City choice.

Key newcomers: Wide receiver-free safety Mike Lennox, a talented junior, and fullback-linebacker Gary Sloan transferred from neighboring Mary Star. Sloan, a senior, is expected to have his hardship appeal ruled on today by the Interscholastic Athletics Committee.

Fast fact: All-league kicker Mike DiMassa, who made four of six field goals in 1992, is being pushed for the starting job by Joey Danelo, son of former NFL kicker Joe Danelo. The younger Danelo, a junior, also plays running back and linebacker and was most valuable player on the B team last season.

4. Banning 1992 record: 7-4 League finish: Second (Pacific) Returning starters: 11

Strengths: The Pilots’ running game, featuring senior Melvin Blue, ranks among the most physical in the area. The 6-foot, 220-pound Blue, who started at fullback last season, switches to tailback and will become the focus of the offense. His fullback, at least part time, will be 6-1, 265-pound junior John Toavalu, an all-league defensive lineman. “(Toavalu) and Blue look awesome back there,” Coach Ed Paculba said. And they are not alone. The team boasts good depth at running back and has a big offensive line led by returning guards Andrew Lalau (6-1, 260) and Marcus Henry (5-10, 275) and tight end Eric Richardson (6-3, 235).

Weaknesses: With little experience at quarterback, the Pilots could have trouble establishing a passing game. Sophomore Ira McKenna and junior Gabriel Zuniga, who played tight end on the B team last season, are the top candidates. The secondary is also inexperienced.

Key newcomers: Running back Sean Turner transferred from Carson and running back-defensive back Eric Whitfield transferred from Gateway Christian in Harbor City, where he rushed for 966 yards and 17 TDs last season.

Fast fact: Dale Hirayama, who didn’t coach last season, has returned to the staff as offensive line coach. “I already notice an improvement on the line,” Paculba said. Hirayama was a member of Joe Dominguez’s staff at Banning and, before that, was the coach at Gardena.

5. Peninsula 1992 record: 9-3 League finish: Tied for first (Bay) Returning starters: 3

Strengths: With a big line and the return of All-South Bay tailback James Durroh, the Panthers should have one of the area’s most productive running attacks. Durroh, who rushed for 1,390 yards and 22 touchdowns in 1992, has been bothered by a sprained ankle--an injury that sidelined him for part of 1992--and might play a limited role in tonight’s opener against Lakewood. Tackle Matt Redman (6-8, 275), a preseason All-American, and highly touted guard John Wellbourn (6-6, 275) anchor the right side of the line. Other key players include tight end-defensive end Keith Harter (6-4, 220) and running back-linebacker Tony Persichina, the team’s co-captains.

Weaknesses: Areas of concern include inexperience and questionable speed on defense, and an unproven passing game. Also, there seems to be quite a drop-off at running back after Durroh.

Key newcomers: Casey Gourdine, a senior who sat out last season after transferring from Bishop Montgomery, will start at cornerback and be a backup running back and wide receiver.

Fast fact: The Panthers averaged only 51.4 passing yards and fewer than 10 attempts a game in 1992. “We must balance things up,” Coach Gary Kimbrell said.

6. Serra 1992 record: 6-3-2 League finish: First (Camino Real) Returning starters: 13

Strengths: If defense wins games, Serra should be in good shape in 1993. The Cavaliers return eight defensive starters, most notably outside linebacker Cary Martin (6-2, 205), tackle Lamont Davis (6-0, 235) and safety Otto Daniel. All three were all-league selections last season. Big things are also expected of junior linebacker Michael Wiley (6-4, 220). Offensively, the team boasts an experienced and talented group of skill-position players led by quarterback Damon Vereen, running back LaJon Jordan, wide receiver Rod Smith and the versatile Ricky Boyer, who can play running back or receiver. Speed is an asset on both sides of the ball.

Weaknesses: Only one offensive lineman returns--all-league guard Milford Kinnard (6-3, 215). The other starters are juniors who have never played a down of varsity football.

Key newcomers: None.

Fast fact: Second-year Coach Kevin Crawley blamed internal problems for Serra’s 1-2-2 finish in 1992, after a 5-1 start. “There was a little bit of dissension among the players,” Crawley said. “Serra is used to winning, and we got down on ourselves. All of that has completely turned around.”

7. South Torrance 1992 record: 8-4 League finish: First (Pioneer) Returning starters: 10

Strengths: The quick, under-six-foot backfield of quarterback Mike Rosato, fullback Kapono Tumale and tailback Chad Morton returns intact. Last season, Rosato passed for 1,014 yards and rushed for 439 yards, Tumale led the team with 695 yards rushing, and Morton, younger brother of USC receiver Johnnie Morton, broke several long runs as a sophomore. They will operate behind a good-sized line led by tackles John Calas (6-5, 235) and Billy McDaniel (6-3, 250) and center Joe DeJaifre (6-1, 220). In all, the Spartans return nine offensive starters. The defense is reportedly quicker than last season.

Weaknesses: A lack of experience and size on defense could hurt.

Key newcomers: Starting defensive back Mel Miller, a junior, transferred from Inglewood.

Fast fact: Joe Austin, who compiled a 108-63-2 record as South’s coach from 1972-88, returns to his alma mater after coaching at North Torrance for three seasons. Austin and Mike Christensen, an assistant under previous coach Don Morrow, are co-coaches. Austin is handling the defense with longtime defensive coordinator Dick Harris. Christensen handles the offense.

8. West Torrance 1992 record: 9-4 League finish: Third (Pioneer) Returning starters: 9

Strengths: The Warriors graduated several top players from last season’s team that reached the Division IX semifinals, most notably quarterback Ryan Marshall (2,451 yards, 23 TDs passing in 1992). But a good core of athletes return, led by tailback-cornerback Tito Powell and tight end-free safety Jim Yates, an all-league selection as a sophomore. Coach Kerry Crabb said junior quarterback Kirk Bolling had a good summer and gives the offense an added dimension because of his running ability. Two-way tackle Ryan Winkler (6-2, 260) and guard-linebacker Marcus Hooks (5-11, 230) fill big roles.

Weaknesses: In addition to lacking depth and experience on the line, the team lost outside speed with the graduation of its two leading receivers, Ryan Bustos and Josh Faulds, who combined for 78 catches for 1,613 yards and 19 TDs in 1992.

Key newcomers: Simeon Okamoto, a 6-foot, 240-pound senior who plays fullback and defensive lineman, transferred from A.B. Miller in Fontana. Senior running back Kynan Riley transferred from Banning.

Fast fact: Marcelo Shin, a senior lineman who was expected to be a two-way starter, has yet to join the team because of immigration problems. Shin went to Brazil with his family in late July to renew his visa but has been unable to leave the country. “It has been a nightmare,” Crabb said.

9. Leuzinger 1992 record: 6-5 League finish: Tied for first (Bay) Returning starters: 4

Strengths: The Olympians, whose highlight last season was a 28-24 upset of Hawthorne, will rely on a small nucleus of talented players. Perhaps the most talented is Aaron Williams, a 6-2, 225-pound junior who will play tight end and linebacker. “He’s a Division I player all the way,” said Coach Fred Boehm, who takes over for Steve Carnes, now the athletic director at Mission Viejo. Others being counted on to make major contributions include returning quarterback Jason Simmons, wide receiver Jason Sharp and a promising group of running backs led by Ron Nickerson and junior Donald Williams. The defense will be as aggressive as ever, Boehm said.

Weaknesses: The team suffers from overall inexperience, especially on the offensive line. Simmons has yet to prove himself as a passer.

Key newcomers: None.

Fast fact: Boehm said senior numbers are down because of past academic problems. Only six seniors have earned starting spots entering Friday night’s opener against Dorsey. “This senior class was devastated by ineligibility when they were sophomores,” Boehm said. “We lost most of them and they were never able to bounce back.”

10. Mira Costa 1992 record: 3-6-1 League finish: Tied for fourth (Ocean) Returning starters: 14

Strengths: Physical is the best way to describe the Mustangs. “I’ve never had a bigger team than this,” said Coach Don Morrow, who takes over at Mira Costa after coaching South Torrance to three consecutive league titles. The Mustangs’ surplus of linemen includes all-league tackle Tate McCallister (6-3, 260), all-league guard Miguel Prieto (6-0, 240) and tackle Mike Bird (6-2, 290). The team’s abundance of size even extends to the backfield, where Phil Fonua (6-2, 265) returns at fullback. Also back are tailback Ron Hand, quarterback Ryan Barnes and all-league receiver Matt Guerrero. Defensive standouts include Fonua at nose guard and linebacker Jade Byrd (6-1, 200).

Weaknesses: A losing tradition (7-12-1 in the past two seasons) and an overall lack of speed are two concerns. Morrow, though, believes the program is ready to turn the corner. “The attitude is really good,” he said. “The players have high expectations.”

Key newcomers: Junior lineman James Kasanos, a 6-6, 270-pound transfer from Oregon, needs experience but could become an impact player.

Fast fact: Although only a junior, Fonua has established himself as one of the area’s finest athletes. In addition to being a two-way starter in football, he starts for the basketball team and is one of the South Bay’s top shotputters.

BEST OF THE REST

North Torrance (10-2) has a new coach, Tony Uruburu, and suffered heavy graduation losses, including all-star quarterback Frank Ramirez. But the Saxons return one of the area’s top players in senior running back-defensive back Lacy Watkins, who rushed for 552 yards and caught 29 passes for 545 yards in 1992.

Torrance (3-7) is aiming for the playoffs after two losing seasons under Coach Bill Bynum, who believes the Tartars are primed for a breakthrough. Key returnees include wide receiver Carlos Bryant (41 catches for 534 yards in 1992), tight end-linebacker Jared Schuler (6-5, 245) and lineman Damian Martinez (6-3, 245).

Redondo (5-5) finished the 1992 season poorly, losing five of its last six games. The Sea Hawks hope to turn things around behind All-Ocean League fullback Bob Cracknell, who rushed for 1,060 yards and 10 TDs last season, returning quarterback Scott Albin and tailback-free safety Nigel Greer, a transfer from L.A.’s Marshall High.

El Segundo (4-6), because of a lack of depth, must keep players healthy to remain competitive. Injuries took their toll on the 1992 team after a 3-0 start. Several top players return, including all-South Bay lineman Mike Fransz (6-2, 220), wide receiver-free safety Zeandre Davis and all-league running back-linebacker Joey Bolder.

Chadwick (4-5) will challenge for the Prep League title behind All-Eight Man Division receiver Neil Thakur, who had 60 catches for 776 yards and 14 TDs in 1992, and running back Mike (Scooter) Atkins, who rushed for 1,011 yards.