FOOTBALL ’94 / High School Coaches Show Off Their Tricks! : CITY SECTION : NORTHWEST VALLEY CONFERENCE : WEST VALLEY LEAGUE

BIRMINGHAM BRAVES

1993 OVERALL LEAGUE PLACE 4-5-1 2-4-1 3rd in E.Val.

COACH YR. RECORD AT SCHOOL Chick Epstein 17th 71-77-3

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Marvin Powell, 6-3, 218 FB LB Sr. Courtney Blunt, 6-0, 170 TB CB Sr. David San Vicente, 6-4, 285 OT DT Sr. James Uline, 6-0, 220 C DT Sr. Mauro Navarro, 6-1, 240 OG DT Sr. Jason Howard, 5-11, 165 TB LB Sr. Keyote Gilmore, 5-6, 150 WR CB Sr. Tonee Nichols, 5-6, 165 RB CB Sr. Paul Prince, 5-11, 180 TE LB Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Matt Sheely, 5-11, 185 OG LB Sr. Bill Norris, 5-11, 185 OG NT Sr.

FAST FACT

Former Monroe Coach Dave Lertzman has joined the Brave coaching staff as a volunteer assistant.

OUTLOOK

What the Braves lack in quantity (about 30 players), they make up for in quality. Powell, son of the USC and New York Jet standout tackle of the same name, is a four-year varsity player and will anchor the defense. Blunt (948 yards) may be switched to quarterback to compete with Roderick Courtney. Prince, last year’s starting quarterback, was switched to tight end, but may return if injuries hit.

CHATSWORTH CHANCELLORS

1993 OVERALL LEAGUE PLACE 3-8 1-6 2nd

COACH YR. RECORD AT SCHOOL Myron Gibford 15th 73-77-5

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Bahan Minassian, 6-1, 210 OT LB Sr. Yaniv Kodosh, 5-8, 170 OG DE Sr. Brian Frechman, 5-8, 145 WR -- Sr. Neal Karchem, 5-11, 165 WR DB Sr. Aaron Hummel, 5-10, 150 QB -- Sr. Golden Fowler, 6-1, 180 WR LB Sr. Marlon Jones, 6-2, 175 WR LB Sr. Francisco Atilano, 5-10, 250 OT DT Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Dan Crespo, 6-2, 260 -- DL Sr. Antonio McIntyre, 5-10, 175 RB DB Sr. Antwon Nelson, 5-10, 180 RB LB Sr. William Odom, 6-2, 175 WR LB Sr. David Williams, 6-2, 160 WR -- Sr. Thaddeus Walton, 6-1, 200 OG DE Jr. Desi Rodriguez, 6-0, 200 C DE Jr. Kevin Reaux, 6-0, 200 OT LB So. Dan Buck, 6-0, 200 C DL Jr.

FAST FACT

Hummel, along with Kennedy’s Dan McMullen, is one of only two returning starting quarterbacks in the conference.

OUTLOOK

With several talented receivers and Hummel (1,068 yards, five touchdowns), the Chancellors figure to produce enough offense to stay competitive in the conference. What the Chancellors lack in size, they hope to make up for in speed. Nelson, who will be the starting tailback, pushed Jones, a part-time starter at tailback in 1993, to wide receiver. “We have to find a way to get all these fast guys to play,” Gibford said. “We’ve got guys who can fly.”

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

1993 OVERALL LEAGUE PLACE 1-9 0-7 3rd

COACH YR. RECORD AT SCHOOL Joe Santallano 3rd 3-16

TOP RETURNEES OFF DEF YR Russell Burwell, 5-8, 160 RB -- Sr. Eric Brown, 6-0, 180 WR DB Sr. Johnny Lopez, 5-10, 165 QB -- Sr. Joe Finley, 6-3, 255 OL DL Sr. Damon Williams, 5-8, 155 RB DB Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS OFF DEF YR Junior Brignac, 6-3, 180 -- CB Sr.

FAST FACT

The Cavaliers return three All-West Valley League players--Lopez, Williams and Brown.

OUTLOOK

The Cavaliers have struggled in recent years, and although several standout players return with an additional year of experience, Cleveland may find the going rough again. The Cavaliers suffered four shutouts last season and scored only 56 points throughout the season. Burwell (442 yards, three touchdowns) and Williams (232 yards) were the only Cavaliers to gain over 100 yards rushing and Brown (17 receptions) was the only player with more than 10 receptions.