FOOTBALL ’89 : PACIFIC LEAGUE

Hoover

COACH: Dennis Hughes, 4th year

LAST SEASON: 1-8-1; 6th in league, 0-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Hughes has had no problem finding players who want to try their hand at running Hoover’s option offense. Jim Cottrell, Ernie Vega, Curtis Kang and Rene Gabri have lined up for the quarterback job. And Hughes knows just the test to determine the starter--defensive end Rich Humphrey (6-3, 225). “We’ve got big Richie coming down to smack them in the mouth a few times, and we’re going to find out real quick,” Hughes said. Hughes is smacking his lips about the potential of senior running backs Mark Garza, James Potter, Shawn Mays and Stanley Baires. Hughes has even promised Humphrey--the Tornadoes’ best lineman--a chance to play fullback. Chances are, Humphrey will be needed on the offensive and defensive lines, which are, at best, one player deep. “The injury and fatigue factors with the lines have got me real concerned,” Hughes said. Senior linebacker Steve Rhee (5-11, 205), who might be the best defensive player, relieves some of that concern as does linebacker Robert Clarizio, lineman Charley Barnes and defensive backs Garza, Potter, and Mays.

OUTLOOK: Although Hoover might be rich at the skill positions, the success of Hughes’ option offense rests on a shaky line. A few hobbled linemen could trip up the entire team. Still, Hughes is optimistic because, he says, Hoover has better speed and more experienced players than in the past.

Glendale

COACH: Don Shoemaker, 2nd year

LAST SEASON: 4-6; 5th in league, 1-4

PLAYERS TO WATCH: After winning its first three games last season, Glendale unraveled and lost its next six. The problem, Shoemaker says, was lack of team unity. This season, the coach has instituted a training table and movie nights to pull the team together--a Herculean task considering 32 different languages are spoken at the school. Shoemaker’s plight was complicated this summer when starting tailback Corey White--one of the league’s best backs--moved to San Diego. The Dynamiters’ strongest suit might be a weighty offensive line that features three returning starters: all-league junior Albert Ocon (6-2, 270), senior guard Buddy Brewer (6-1, 210) and center Albert Moukian (5-9, 200). Senior Eric Gurney (6-1, 195) and junior Bill Tuttle (6-0 190) will compete for the tight end job. The quarterback situation is unclear, the running back picture is fuzzier. Robert Kulp, a senior and backup quarterback last season, is vying with Eric Keisau, last year’s JV starter. According to Shoemaker, Kulp probably has a stronger arm and more mobility and Keisau has more experience and field savvy. Junior Axel Nielsen might split duties as receiver and tailback and, possibly, quarterback. Those lining up for backfield positions include Arsenio Guvarra (5-9, 160), Hoover transfer Waki Jones (6-2, 190), Min Cho (5-9, 230) and Hector Maya (5-9, 200). Glendale’s top defensive players include linemen Gurney and Iggie Gurra and linebackers Brewer, Moukian and Alan Arreano.

OUTLOOK: Just five starters return, giving Shoemaker a clean slate with which to work. The Dynamiters failed to come from behind to win a game last season. “They never developed that on-field leadership it takes to win,” he said. “We need to win a few close ones this year.”

Crescenta Valley

COACH: Jim Beckenhauer, 5th year

LAST SEASON: 3-7; 4th in league, 2-3

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Despite averaging a meager 59 passing yards and 98 rushing yards a game, Crescenta Valley finished higher than Glendale and Hoover and was within a game of making the Southern Section playoffs. Beckenhauer knows how to exploit team strengths. He’ll need that skill this season. Last year, Crescenta Valley had 10 starters that weighed 200 pounds or more. This year the team has two, and only one--tight end Shane Cowsill (6-2, 220)--is penciled in as a starter. Marty Taix, a 5-9, 165-pound tackle, and guard Clark Dunn (5-10, 175) return to anchor an otherwise green and feather-light offensive line. Senior Ryan Kadletz (6-1, 175), who completed two passes in limited action last season, will start at quarterback. Jason Schwaiger (5-10, 170), who moves up from the sophomore team, will play fullback. All-league defensive back Javier Pimentel and fellow corner Aaron Erickson will start at the receiver spots. Pat Kennelly, who has had operations on both knees, might be the saving grace of the Falcon defense. He is the lone linebacker that remains from last year’s trio which was the best in the league. Others vying for linebacker spots include Schwaiger, Dunn and Sergio Pimentel (5-6, 145). Paul Baik, all 6-2, 165 pounds of him, moves from safety to the defensive line. Damon Martin carries some weight with his foot, however--he returns after booting 10 of 10 extra points and five of seven field goals.

OUTLOOK: The diminutive Falcons--the smallest in Beckenhauer’s memory--will have a tough time handling bigger teams such as Muir and Pasadena. Still, the coach remains optimistic. “You can’t sit and moan about it,” he said. “We’re going to have to block a little differently. Maybe throw a little bit more. You’ve got to make due with what you have.”