Plan Seeks 3 Leagues Out of 2

Football coaches in the Marmonte and Channel leagues have devised a tentative proposal that would split the leagues into three in all sports, with the five Oxnard Unified School District members--Camarillo, Channel Islands, Hueneme, Oxnard and Rio Mesa highs--forming their own league.

Buena, Ventura, Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara and San Marcos would be grouped together, as would Agoura, Newbury Park, Royal, Simi Valley, Westlake and Thousand Oaks.

“At least within Ventura County, it seems to be looked on really favorably,” said Rio Mesa football Coach George Contreras, treasurer of the Ventura County Football Coaches Assn.

Contreras said the move would help more teams qualify for the playoffs in football. Because the Marmonte and Channel leagues are eight-team leagues, only six of the 16 teams are guaranteed playoff berths in football. Nine teams would qualify under the three-league plan.

Another benefit would be added importance to traditional rivalries in the Oxnard district, which are now split between the Marmonte and Channel leagues.

The plan is in the hands of football coaches, who are trying to convince their principals and fellow coaches the change would benefit all sports. If it is proposed at the next Southern Section releaguing meeting, set for late 1995, it could go into effect for the 1996-97 school year, Contreras said.