VALLEY / VENTURA COUNTY SPORTS : 1999 PREVIEW: DIVISION II CAPSULES

FOOTHILL LEAGUE

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Burbank

COACH: Frank Childress, first season

LAST SEASON: 1-9, 0-5 in league

COMING BACK: RB Alan Gutierrez (6-2, 210), who rushed for 962 yards and seven TDs as a junior, is seeking a 1,000-yard season. C Dustin Snyder is a returning starter who will help pave the way.

CHECKING IN: WRs Ray Sanchez, a junior, and Roger Starkey, a sophomore, are inexperienced but have good hands. OT Kevin Foy and LB Gary Williams were impressive in the summer.

OUTLOOK: Childress, the Bulldogs’ fourth coach in six years, has his work cut out for him in a competitive league. Burbank, which hasn’t won a league game since 1992, is rebuilding at best.

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Burroughs

COACH: Keith Knoop, third season

LAST SEASON: 3-7, 1-4 in league

COMING BACK: QB Joe Kroells (6-3, 200), who passed for 2,154 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior, will surprise defenses with his accuracy and arm strength. OL-DL Oscar Grangrasso and TE-FB-LB Randy Beckmann will provide protection.

CHECKING IN: Senior RB Spencer Steward is a speedster who rushed for 2,000-plus yards for the junior varsity. Junior WR Keith Jarbo (6-2, 200) will be Kroells’ favorite target.

OUTLOOK: Knoop says Burroughs is much improved and will challenge for a playoff berth. With 11 returning starters, including one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the league, Burroughs is poised to pull off an upset or two.

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Canyon

COACH: Jack Bowman, first season

LAST SEASON: 6-5, 3-2 in league

COMING BACK: Julio DeLeon, an all-league DB, has looked impressive at QB during the summer and can throw on the run. All-league RB Jimmy Perry, who rushed for 630 yards and four touchdowns, will run behind OL-DL Scott Arnold (6-5, 285), who is being heavily recruited. Junior FB-LB Colin MacNeil is a hard-hitting force.

CHECKING IN: Expected to make an impact are junior FB-LB Andrew Rees, a transfer from Highland, and sophomore FB-DE Freddie Gamble, who played on the freshman team. Senior TE-OLB Travis Humphries is the most improved player.

OUTLOOK: With eight returning starters, Canyon is expected to challenge Saugus and Burroughs for third place. Canyon is ranked No. 9 in Division III.

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Hart

COACH: Mike Herrington, 11th season

LAST SEASON: 12-2, 5-0 in league

COMING BACK: FB-LB Pat Norton, who has committed to UCLA, is a talent and force on both sides of the line. WRs Jared Bazar and Chris Ciccone, who combined for 84 receptions and 16 touchdowns last season, could be the best receiving tandem in the region. K Kirk Bardin converted 77 of 80 extra-point attempts last year.

CHECKING IN: Junior QB Kyle Matter is heir apparent to Kyle Boller and will try to become the 15th consecutive Hart QB to earn All-Southern Section honors. Sophomore RB Tim Gregory, who played for the junior varsity last year, is the back in the Indians’ run-and-shoot offense.

OUTLOOK: A victory over Valencia on Oct. 29 should give Hart its 10th league title in 11 years. Considering the program’s long line of successful quarterbacks, there’s every reason to believe Matter is a capable successor.

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Saugus

COACH: Ron Hilton, third season

LAST SEASON: 3-8, 2-3 in league

COMING BACK: QB David Parker (6-2, 200), who passed for 2,140 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior, is experienced, strong-armed and mobile. He’ll get protection from T Cory Pearson (6-2, 220).

CHECKING IN: Parker’s targets are senior WRs Nels Jensen and Nathan Steele.

OUTLOOK: With Parker on the field, anything is possible. Unfortunately, he is throwing to two receivers who combined for only 14 catches last year.

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Valencia

COACH: Brian Stiman, fourth season

LAST SEASON: 9-4, 4-1 in league

COMING BACK: RB-DB Manuel White, FB-LB Ray Cassaday and TE-DL Kaelen Jakes are all future Division I players with size and talent. White and Cassaday accounted for 2,589 yards and 29 touchdowns out of the backfield last year.

CHECKING IN: What QB Zack Sapp lacks in size, he more than makes up for with speed and heady decisions. The 5-7, 150-pound junior played 13 games at OLB last season. Junior TE-DL Derek New is making a name for himself among a team full of stars.

OUTLOOK: Playoffs? Absolutely. League title? Only if the Vikings can do what they’ve never done: beat Hart. Expect White to break the 6,000-yard career rushing barrier during the playoffs.

GOLDEN LEAGUE

Antelope Valley

COACH: Brent Newcomb, 22nd season

LAST SEASON: 2-7-1, 1-4 in league

COMING BACK: There’s plenty of talent in the backfield with senior RBs Jermaine Norman (5-9, 200) and Jonathan Molock (6-1, 198) and junior QB Demetre Booker (5-9, 155). Molock is also one of the region’s top LBs. Senior LB-FB Brandon Stewart (5-9, 185) is one of six returning starters.

CHECKING IN: Junior WR Jerome Eason (6-3, 180) has been impressive in workouts. Junior Greg Prator (6-1, 185) will back up Booker at QB and play CB. Freshman Sean Wallace (5-11, 240) is a promising FB-DE.

OUTLOOK: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? Antelope Valley’s nonleague schedule includes Central Section power Bakersfield, Sylmar, Bishop Amat and Compton Dominguez. Inexperience on both lines won’t help.

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Highland

COACH: Lin Parker, 11th season

LAST SEASON: 3-8, 2-3 in league

COMING BACK: Senior LB Paul Soto (6-2, 245) is one of the region’s best, and a key if Highland is to improve a defense that allowed more than 30 points a game last year. Senior RB Kevin Morris (5-8, 175) gained 495 yards and averaged 6.4 yards per carry, but must prove he can stay healthy. Senior Jeremey White (6-2, 180) passed for three touchdowns last year, most among returning league QBs. Senior RB-LB Tyrone Brown (6-1, 203) looked strong late in ‘98, rushing for 226 yards. Sophomore DB Justin Wyatt (5-10, 180) started as a freshman.

CHECKING IN: Sophomore RB David Pullum (5-9, 155) was the most valuable player for Valencia’s freshman team. Junior DE Sean Struhl (6-2, 210) is up from the junior varsity and will start. Jeremy Cowgill (6-2, 180) is a top WR. Junior S Marcus Demps (5-11, 165) is promising.

OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs have as much talent as any Golden team, but that was also the case in 1997 and ‘98, when they faltered. Intangibles and character may be the keys.

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Lancaster

COACH: Ray DeShane, third season

LAST SEASON: 9-3, 4-1 in league

COMING BACK: Senior lineman Travis Kirk (6-3, 303) is a three-year starter and among the region’s elite. Senior FB-LB Billy Mosley (6-0, 210) is also a three-year starter. Senior K Robby LaPlante (6-1, 225) can consistently kick 50-plus-yard field goals. Senior lineman Majdy Haddad (6-0, 265) adds size and experience.

CHECKING IN: Junior Josh Pratt (6-1, 180) takes over at QB and will also start in the secondary. RB Dustan Stowe (6-0, 165) and WR Colton Walter (6-1, 170) are juniors.

OUTLOOK: Not much returns from the Eagles’ senior-laden team that allowed a region-low 173.4 yards per game in 1998, but they still are one of the biggest teams in the league. Hopefully, size will matter.

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Littlerock

COACH: Jim Bauer, 11th season

LAST SEASON: 10-1, 5-0 in league

COMING BACK: Senior RB Rodney Woods (5-10, 177), the Golden League back of the year, ran for 1,152 yards and 13 touchdowns in 1998. Junior RB-LB Marcus Raines (6-1, 193) will also get plenty of carries in the Lobos’ power-pitch offense. Raines and seniors Jared Marchant (5-10, 200) and Jason Camacho (5-11, 216) should continue the school’s tradition of fine LBs. Senior Keon Montgomery (5-9, 163) is a top DB. Junior QB Richard Newton (6-1, 165) had only one pass intercepted in 75 attempts as a sophomore.

CHECKING IN: Junior Rolando Canedo (5-5, 160), the top junior varsity player last year, will contribute at WR, DB and special teams. Senior OL-LB Paul Johnson (5-9, 175) and junior lineman Ricardo De La Rosa (5-9, 218) also figure to contribute.

OUTLOOK: The Lobos, who won their first league title and were 10-0 in the regular season, are still searching for their first playoff victory. If lack of depth doesn’t become a problem, that should come this year.

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Palmdale

COACH: Jeff Williams, ninth season

LAST SEASON: 6-4, 3-2 in league

COMING BACK: Senior RB-LB Anthony Diggs (6-2, 225) was a two-way all-league selection. Senior WR-DB Travis Morse was the league 100-meter champion with a time of 10.5. Junior C Mike Doll (5-10, 180) and senior OG Casey Green (6-2, 200) will be keys to protecting junior QB Terry Furlow (6-2, 175), who started three games as a sophomore. Junior WR-DB Tyrone Culver is one of the league’s best.

CHECKING IN: Transfer RB-LB Brent Trice (6-2, 230), a senior from San Pedro, will be one of the region’s best two-way players. Senior WR-DB Travis Richie will also be solid both ways. TE-LB Donald Powers (6-2, 220) and lineman Billy Baker (6-4, 200), both sophomores, will be leaned on heavily.

OUTLOOK: With 24 returning lettermen, the Falcons have the experience and talent to battle defending champion Littlerock for the league title. Palmdale, champion in 1996 and ‘97, will host the Lobos in Week 10.

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Quartz Hill

COACH: Pat Degnan, first season

LAST SEASON: 1-9, 0-5 in league

COMING BACK: Despite platooning last year, senior QB Jeff Williams ranked second in the league with 487 passing yards. The job is all his this year. Senior Justin Waasdorp (6-3, 250) is one of the best linemen in the division. Seniors Keith Houser (6-4, 280) and Joe Lopez (6-1, 230) help anchor the lines. Senior K Kyle Gookins is a Division I prospect and booted a 62-yard field goal at a recent combine.

CHECKING IN: Junior Derek Teal (5-7, 183) was the top TB on the junior varsity last year. He will share time with sophomore Michael Williams (5-7, 150). Junior Chris Newling (5-10, 170) is a top LB.

OUTLOOK: The Rebels might not be title contenders, but Degnan should help them break a 15-game league winless streak (0-14-1) on the field that dates to 1995.

MISSION LEAGUE

Chaminade

COACH: Ed Croson, second season

LAST SEASON: 7-5, 3-0 in league

COMING BACK: WR Eric Zdenek, whose older brother, Jason, is a safety at UCLA, has the speed and toughness to be a big-play threat. He’ll also play QB, RB and FS. LB Chris Meyer, DL John Turner and DL Eddie Madrigal lead the defense. Finding a RB is key.

CHECKING IN: QB Jon Palacios, a transfer from Royal, will be the player entrusted with continuing Chaminade’s switch from relying on the pitch play to the passing game. TE Jesse Taylor, a 6-2 sophomore, is on his way to becoming a Division I prospect.

OUTLOOK: The Eagles don’t have a lot of depth, but with the passing combination of Palacios and Zdenek, they are capable of causing big trouble.

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Crespi

COACH: Ron Gueringer, first season

LAST SEASON: 6-6, 0-4 in league

COMING BACK: WR Larry Viltz, a junior, is the best athlete on a team lacking in returnees. He’ll need to contribute on offense and defense.

CHECKING IN: There are lots of promising freshmen, sophomores and juniors. OL Travis Robinson, a sophomore, is 6-4, 255 pounds. SS Danny Witt, a sophomore, is a future all-leaguer. Sophomore Jacques Fortier (6-2, 157) could start at WR and FS. QB Jamie Dipoma, a transfer from Newbury Park, is a likely starter.

OUTLOOK: The cupboard was close to bare when Gueringer arrived. He has re-stocked with promising young players, but don’t expect the Celts to threaten until late in the season.

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Notre Dame

COACH: Kevin Rooney, 20th season

LAST SEASON: 10-2, 2-1 in league

COMING BACK: DT Travis Johnson is rated No. 1 at his position nationally and lead a defense that returns seven starters. LBs Alec Moss, Mike Barron and Patrick Wade are outstanding. TBs Trevin Lund and Darin Barton will split time. QB Jonathon Brewster is a top athlete.

CHECKING IN: WR Mike Luderer, a transfer from Crespi, was timed in 4.6 seconds for 40 yards. DB Jimmy Sharp, another Crespi transfer, is a top soccer player with tremendous skills. DB Chris Yates, ineligible last season, has as much talent as anyone.

OUTLOOK: Teams that score a touchdown against the Knights should feel fortunate. A 14-0 season is possible if Brewster develops, the OL comes through and Johnson stays healthy.

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St. Francis

COACH: Bill Redell, seventh season

LAST SEASON: 6-6, 1-2 in league

COMING BACK: Junior QB John Sciarra passed for 1,513 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. He’s faster, stronger and wiser. RBs Jim Knauf and Matt Milton are underrated. Beware of twins Kenny and Mark Garcia at WR-DB.

CHECKING IN: LB Nathan Terrazone, the son of assistant Terry Terrazone and younger brother of TE Tyler Terrazone, should make an impact.

OUTLOOK: This is Redell’s best team at St. Francis. Sciarra could be the best junior QB in the region. If Knauf and Milton come through, the Golden Knights figure to finish second to Notre Dame.

PACIFIC LEAGUE

Crescenta Valley

COACH: Alan Eberhart, seventh season

LAST SEASON: 6-5, 3-2 in league

COMING BACK: The passing game is in good hands with strong-armed senior QB Scott Vossmeyer (6-3, 208). When the Falcons run, it will be over senior OT Ryan Morris (6-5, 307) and senior OG Russell Colburn (6-5, 225). Senior WRs John Barbaro and Steve Carballo and senior RB-LB Bryan Henry were all-league picks in 1998.

CHECKING IN: Senior Wes Jones is moving from WR-DB to take over at RB. Donald Dorroh (6-5, 316) adds beef to an already large OL. Junior LBs Bobby Mena and Jason Burkhart are ready to make an impact. WR Burkhart will also be one of Vossmeyer’s top targets.

OUTLOOK: With a healthy Vossmeyer at QB, the Falcons are hoping to open up the offense, throw for 2,000-plus yards and challenge defending champion Arcadia and traditional power Muir for the league title.

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Glendale

COACH: Pete Smolin, third season

LAST SEASON: 4-6, 1-4 in league

COMING BACK: Junior Sahak Nersesyan (5-11, 215), all-league at LB as a sophomore, has taken over at RB. Senior linemen Ariel Marmol (6-1, 181), Azad Herabidian (6-0, 220) and Edgar Torosyan (6-0, 240) are the team’s strength. Senior P-DB Carlos Alvarez is a three-year starter and senior FB Octavio Acevedo will also play major role.

CHECKING IN: Junior QB Armen Dembekjian has impressed coaches with his poise and toughness. Sophomore LB Gerry Macias (5-2, 135) is one of the region’s fiercest competitors. Lineman Martin Torossian (5-11, 220) will be one of five sophomores to play regularly. Junior RB-DB Bert Flores (5-10, 150) is another key addition.

OUTLOOK: The Dynamiters haven’t reached the playoffs since 1992, but they are getting consistently better under Smolin. Still, it would take a major upset for Glendale to climb over Arcadia, Muir or Crescenta Valley.

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Hoover

COACH: Mark Bitetti, second season

LAST SEASON: 0-10, 0-5 in league

COMING BACK: The strength may be in the line, where seniors Manvel Meymarian (6-3, 275), Armen Mardiros (5-10, 185) and Ara Tahmassian (6-0, 200) are returning starters. Senior QB Daniel Shepard (6-2, 185) passed for 345 yards as a junior.

CHECKING IN: Juniors Elden Navarra (5-6, 150) and Aldo Marin (5-11, 185) will try to replace graduated RB Jason Young, who gained 1,300 yards last year. Marin will also share time with Shepard at QB. Junior Craig Christiansen (6-0, 225) will start at T. Junior WR-FS Eugene Kim (6-2, 180) is a key skill-position player.

OUTLOOK: Bitetti has impressed opposing coaches with his work ethic, but with only 23 varsity players, Hoover’s 15-game league losing streak could grow.