MIDSEASON REPORT: LEAGUE CAPSULES

CITY SECTION

WEST VALLEY

How They Stack Up

Cleveland, El Camino Real and Chatsworth are capable of upsets over favorites Granada Hills and Taft--both of whom have had problems in preseason. A league with talented quarterbacks Matt Cassel, Jason Winn, Eddie Whitaker, Brandon Hance and Jonathan Graham is bound to produce exciting games.

Granada Hills: 4 1 0

Cleveland: 3 2 0

El Camino Real: 3 2 0

Birmingham: 2 3 0

Chatsworth: 1 4 0

Taft: 1 4 0

Dates to Mark

Oct. 15: Cleveland vs. Granada Hills

Oct. 22: Taft vs. Granada Hills

Nov. 12 ECR vs. Chatsworth

Key Players

* Matt Cassel, Chatsworth. The league’s most talented player must outperform a host of strong rival quarterbacks.

* Brandon Hance, Taft. Returning All-City quarterback has struggled behind a mediocre offensive line. It’s time to step up.

* James Bethea, Cleveland. The league’s most dangerous breakaway threat must produce against top opponents for the Cavaliers to contend.

* Eric Hultin, El Camino Real. Two-way lineman heads the league’s toughest, most experienced front five.

Fast Fact

Although considered a passing league, West Valley teams have rushed for 4,634 yards and passed for 4,381 yards.

VALLEY MISSION

How They Stack Up

Sylmar, which has not lost a league game in a decade, will face several tests. Like Monroe and San Fernando, the Spartans run the ball well behind big linemen. Reseda finds a way to win. Kennedy is the league’s top passing threat but has lost two in a row. Van Nuys has struggled since winning its opener.

Monroe: 5 0 0

San Fernando: 5 0 0

Reseda: 5 0 0

Kennedy: 3 2 0

Sylmar: 3 2 0

Van Nuys: 1 4 0

Dates to Mark

Oct. 15: Monroe vs. Sylmar

Oct. 29: Sylmar vs. Kennedy

Nov. 12: San Fernando vs. Sylmar

Key Players

* DeAndre Phillips, Monroe. Perhaps the area’s best defensive back combines with Tyrone Burwell for a one-two running punch.

* Steve Nevarez, San Fernando. The area’s best offensive lineman also heads the league’s best defense.

* Ruben Zaragoza, Kennedy. Senior has passed for 1,216 yards, nearly twice that of any other league quarterback.

* David Contreras, Sylmar. League’s leading rusher has 784 yards, kicked three field goals and scored 56 points.

Fast Fact

The teams’ combined record of 22-8 is the best of any league with more than one team from the region.

SUNSET SIX

How They Stack Up

North Hollywood has defeated only L.A. Wilson but a potent running attack makes the Huskies the favorite. Verdugo Hills has a strong defense but has scored only 17 points in its last four games. Canoga Park has yet to get its passing game going but is playing good defense. Poly could be a sleeper. Grant has displayed an ability to score.

Verdugo Hills: 2 3 0

Poly: 2 3 0

Canoga Park: 2 3 0

North Hollywood: 1 4 0

Grant: 0 5 0

Hollywood: 0 5 0

Dates to Mark

Oct. 15: Poly vs. Verdugo Hills

Nov. 5: N. Hollywood vs. Poly

Nov. 12: N. Hollywood vs. Canoga Park

Key Players

* Matthew Hicks, North Hollywood. The league’s best offensive threat has rushed for 864 yards, 10 touchdowns.

* David Valencia, Poly. Tough runner has 705 yards, all but 32 that the Parrots have gained on the ground.

* Michael Porter, Verdugo Hills. Anchors league’s best defense at linebacker and has developed into a receiving threat.

* Mike Spangle, Canoga Park. The league’s most talented passer is off to a slow start, but has the potential to dominate a game.

Fast Fact

The league champion qualifies as one of the 16 teams in the City Championship tournament.