PREP EXTRA : CITY SECTION : Realignment Alters Road to Playoffs

The traditional football powers might wind up in the late rounds of the City Section playoffs this season, but some will have to take a slightly different road to get there.

The City Section has been realigned from six eight-team conferences into eight six-team leagues--Eastern, Western, Marine, Northern, Coliseum, Sunset Six, Valley Mission and West Valley. The change applies to all sports and will be in effect for four years.

The biggest impact on football probably will be felt in the Coliseum League.

Crenshaw and Dorsey were moved out of the Southern Pacific Conference, which produced 19 of the last 24 City champions, and were moved into the Coliseum League with Fremont, Jefferson, Locke and Manual Arts. Former Southern Pacific members San Pedro, Carson, Banning, Narbonne, Gardena and Washington now compose the Marine League.

Here is a look at 10 teams to watch:

1. WOODLAND HILLS TAFT

The defending City champion lost Marquis Brignac, the section player of the year, but the Toreadors still have plenty of talent.

Quarterback Brandon Hance passed for 2,038 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. Lee Marks, who played defensive back in 1998, replaces Brignac at running back.

Gregg Guenther, a tight end/defensive lineman who transferred from Encino Crespi, has committed to USC.

2. WILMINGTON BANNING

With running back Chris Howard back for his senior season, new head coach Ed LaLau has the marquee player that could lead the Pilots back to the City final.

Howard, a senior, gained 2,495 yards and scored 34 touchdowns last season. Defensive back Rashawn Dukes is also a top college prospect.

The Pilots play one of the toughest schedules in the Southland. They open tonight against defending City champion Taft then play Long Beach Poly, Oxnard, Santa Fe Springs St. Paul and Mater Dei.

3. CARSON

It might not be evident at the start of the season, but City coaches fully expect to see the Colts contending for the City title with John Aguirre at the helm.

Aguirre built a successful program at Garfield before becoming an assistant at La Puente Bishop Amat. He has installed a Delaware wing-T offense at Carson.

Junior quarterback Justin Cooper, senior wide receiver James Smith and senior tight end Anthony Palomarez are offensive standouts. Senior defensive tackle Fai Satele and senior linebackers Michael Crowder-Jones and Wendell Hunter lead the defense.

4. SAN PEDRO

Coach Mike Walsh and his staff have perhaps the most consistent program in the City, and it should pay off again this season.

Senior wide receiver/defensive back Nathaniel Poindexter, senior tight end/linebacker Terry Bullock and lineman Chris Solomona are the top players.

5. DORSEY

The Dons’ move into a new league will help in a year when depth is a question mark.

If senior running back Tashiri Williams, senior linebacker Larrie Neal and senior defensive back Steven Moore stay healthy, Dorsey can make a run at the title.

6. GRANADA HILLS

The Highlanders caught a break last season when Westchester was forced to forfeit its quarterfinal victory over Granada Hills.

Co-coaches Darryl Stroh and Tom Harp have reinvigorated a program that produced John Elway. Senior quarterback Jason Winn passed for 2,728 yards last season. Anthony Rodriguez, Carlos Galindo and Eric Farlow are the top receivers.

7. SYLMAR

The Spartans won 67 consecutive games in the old Valley Pac-8 Conference, but will be challenged by Kennedy and San Fernando in the new Valley Mission League.

Running back David Contreras gained 1,148 yards last season and offensive lineman Hector Sanchez and Gilbert Sandoval are college prospects.

8. WESTCHESTER

The Comets figure to come back with a vengeance after being disqualified from last year’s playoffs after winning a quarterfinal game against Granada Hills for using an ineligible player earlier in the season.

The Comets will again be skilled and huge on the offensive line. Senior cornerback Sam Cunningham is one of the best in the Southland.

9. FRANKLIN

The Panthers might be challenged by experienced Eagle Rock and Wilson, but they are still regarded as the favorite in the Northern League.

Junior quarterback Daniel Gonzalez, son of Coach Armando Gonzalez, is in his second season as the starter and probably will finish his career with every school passing record.

Senior running back/safety Daniel Villegas and senior wide receiver/defensive back Carlos Rodriguez are other top players.

10. PALISADES

Senior safety/wide receiver Charles MacArthur is the top returning player.

Junior tailback Jacques Lazarus and quarterback Dave Koral transferred in from Malibu.