Sylmar Is No Longer in League of Its Own

Four teams in the new Valley Mission League are unbeaten, an indication Sylmar will have its hands full trying to extend a 67-game league winning streak when league play begins in a couple of weeks.

Kennedy, San Fernando and Monroe each have three victories, and Reseda also is 3-0 because Chatsworth forfeited its season-opening victory for using an ineligible player.

For now, Sylmar shares the cellar with Van Nuys at 1-2.

Records can be deceiving, however. Sylmar has played by far the toughest schedule, losing to Notre Dame, ranked No. 1 in the region by The Times, and to No. 3-ranked Hart while beating Antelope Valley.

The unbeaten group has been impressive, but all have weaknesses.

* Kennedy: Quarterback Ruben Zaragoza has passed for 771 yards and receiver James Norris has scored six touchdowns.

Weakness: The Golden Cougars have surrendered 568 yards rushing, including 283 to North Hollywood last Friday.

* San Fernando: The Tigers’ defense is stingy, having allowed only 126 yards rushing and 313 passing. Bobby Stanley is a hard runner and Gerardo Rubi provides a receiving threat.

Weakness: San Fernando has been mistake-prone in eking out victories over mediocre opponents.

* Monroe: The double-edged running threat of powerful Tyrone Burwell (388 yards) and speedy DeAndre Phillips (281) has been prolific, and the Viking defense has allowed only 262 yards rushing.

Weakness: When the ball is in the air, Coach Chris Richards cringes. Two Viking quarterbacks have completed only 12 of 35 passes and the pass defense has been porous.

* Reseda: Eddie Robinson is the league’s leading rusher with 437 yards and five touchdowns, and diminutive Jason Wagner is a breakaway threat and a strong defender.

Weakness: The Regents have been less than regal defensively, giving up 1,058 yards--nearly 300 more than any other Valley Mission team.