PREP FOOTBALL : Orange Lutheran Faces Team From Tijuana Today

The goal of most of those studying computer technology or business science at Centro de Ensenanza Tecinica y Superior , a private high school in Tijuana, is to prepare for U.S. colleges.

This year, the curriculum also will include a few lessons in American football for about 30 students, and the crash-course continues at 2 p.m. today when Orange Lutheran plays host to CETYS in a nonleague game.

CETYS (3-1) plays the majority of its games against small, private schools in the San Diego Section. When Bob Dowding, Orange Lutheran coach, had problems filling a bye in the sixth week of the season, he called administrators in San Diego and they suggested CETYS.

“I know very little about them except that they’re big, they play all their games in the United States and they’ve beaten three teams in San Diego,” Dowding said.

Well, not quite. CETYS will play two home games, including its first homecoming game against Mexicali, which has most of the school’s 250 students excited.

True, CETYS has some big players, with fullback Oliver Fernandez (6-1, 250) and quarterback Jose Gonzalez (6-3, 210) leading the attack. Gonzalez, who is hoping to earn a football scholarship at an American college, completed 17 of 20 pass attempts and had three touchdown passes in his last game.

“We’ve never had a quarterback like him,” said CETYS Coach Ernesto Campa. “He’s the best we’ve ever had. He wants to go to college in the states, but that may be difficult for him because of the high costs.”

Students attending CETYS face some stiff tuition fees, paying $26,000 pesos ($1,000) for each six months they attend school. The school has twice petitioned to become a member of the San Diego Section, but its request was denied each time.

“I called (Southern Section football administrator) Bill Clark to see if we were violating any rules by playing them, since they weren’t a member of any of the state’s sections,” Dowding said. “Bill assured me that it was fine.”

Orange Lutheran (2-3) is coming off consecutive losses to Miraleste and Valley Christian in Olympic League play. Tailback Gil Greene, who has rushed for 772 yards and eight touchdowns, won’t suit up today because of a groin injury.

“We’ve got an important game with Whittier Christian next week, so I’ll rest Gil and (slotback) Greg Pargee,” Dowding said. The move could put the pressure on sophomore quarterback Lenny Gavin.

In other games, Newport Harbor (4-1) meets University (2-3) in a Sea View League opener at Irvine High.