HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

After three weeks, the complexion of the new Sunset Six League is becoming clear.

None of the five Valley teams in the league won more than three games last year, and only Verdugo Hills (2-1) has a winning record so far. But that doesn’t mean the Sunset Six teams don’t have weapons.

Canoga Park and--surprisingly--Grant have potent passing attacks. The experienced Mike Spangle of the Hunters (1-2) has thrown for 524 yards and three touchdowns. But junior Alphonso Estrada of the Lancers (0-3) has eclipsed those numbers by completing 42 of 83 for 605 yards and six touchdowns.

As expected, North Hollywood and Poly run the ball almost exclusively. Matthew Hicks of the Huskies (0-3) has 524 yards and five touchdowns in 82 carries, while David Valencia of the Parrots has 403 yards and three touchdowns in 76 carries.

Defense is the key for Verdugo Hills, which plays mostly between the 30-yard lines. The Dons have surrendered 121.3 yards a game--not only lowest in the Sunset Six but lowest among all Valley-area teams.

Behind linebackers Michael Porter, Kevin Baird and Michael Tabarez, Verdugo Hills is toughest against the run, giving up only 88 yards. But the Dons struggle to score, averaging 12 points and 192 yards--lowest among Sunset Six teams.

*

John Wall of Birmingham, a preseason All-American at kicker after leading the nation with 15 field goals last season, has been more impressive punting than kicking.

Wall is averaging 48.3 yards on eight punts, a dramatic improvement over his 37.4-yard average of a season ago.

“Last year was his first as a punter and you could see the improvement by the end of the year,” Coach Dave Lertzman said. “He averaged 41 yards over the last four games.”

Wall has struggled on field-goal tries, making three of seven attempts, with the successful kicks coming from distances of 50, 36 and 31 yards. He’s had two extra-point kicks blocked.