FOOTBALL ’91 : THE HIGH SCHOOLS: SOUTHERN SECTION : MARMONTE LEAGUE : Agoura

COACH: Frank Greminger, 22nd season

LAST SEASON: 5-5; 5th (tie) in league, 2-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior Steve Hochman (6-foot-4, 235 pounds), a returning starter at defensive end and tackle, is being pursued by NCAA Division I schools. Senior Troy Starr (6-1, 235) will start at guard and on the defensive line. Senior Pat Fitzgerald (6-2, 210) will start at tight end and outside linebacker. Senior Jamie Beigh (6-1, 240) will start at offensive tackle and senior Jorge Valladares (6-1, 180) will play center. Senior wide receiver Jim Farner (6-1, 170) is a returning starter who led the team last year with 315 receiving yards. Senior Joe Frizzelle (6-0, 165) is the other wide receiver. Senior fullback Brett Dhanes (6-0, 225) is a returning starter. Seniors Sina Sayahi (5-7, 145) and Dan Winters (5-7, 150) will start as defensive backs. Junior Mike Steusses (6-2, 215) will play defensive tackle and senior Chris Corbett (6-1, 220) will play inside linebacker. Battling at quarterback are senior Matt Morrow (6-0, 180) and junior Jason Warren (6-3, 175), who has been hampered by a broken finger. Junior outside linebacker Sean Burns (6-1, 195) was expected to lead the defense but will be sidelined the entire season because of an ankle fracture. Warren and junior Lee Mackey (6-1, 180) will lead an inexperienced linebacker crew.

OUTLOOK: Agoura must find an offensive threat to replace graduated quarterback Sean Fitzgerald, who threw for 1,266 yards last season. The Charger linemen lack the size and experience to excel in the Marmonte League. Agoura’s defense, shoddy a year ago, will be better. If it can find an offensive weapon, Agoura will contend for a playoff berth. If not, the Chargers may find their second year in this always-tough Marmonte as painful as the first.

Camarillo

COACH: Carl Thompson, 9th season

LAST SEASON: 8-4; 4th in league, 5-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior offensive tackle Eric Bateman (6-7, 265) is in only his second year of organized football but has attracted the interest of numerous NCAA Division I coaches. Other returning starters on the offensive line include senior guard Dennis Chatman (6-3, 235), senior guard Andy Lambert (6-2, 215) and senior tackle Chad Bourget (6-4, 225). The tight end position is a battle between junior Scott Tucker (6-4, 215) and senior Josh Smith (6-4, 210), a transfer from Modesto. Senior Ryan Durazo (6-1, 175) is a returning starter at split end and also will start at strong safety. Senior Brian Schmidt (5-11, 165), junior Andy Wade (6-2, 180) and sophomore Jim Hansen (6-3, 175) are competing at quarterback. The Scorpions are experienced and talented in the offensive backfield. Senior fullback Tag Johnson (5-11, 200) rushed for 652 yards last season and junior tailback Fahali Campbell (5-10, 175) ran for 520. “Fahali is the fastest back I’ve had here,” Thompson said. Camarillo’s defensive line will be shored by Bourget, junior nose guard Steve Smith (5-10, 215), and junior tackle Brock Elder (6-3, 255). Senior outside linebackers John Freedman (6-3, 195) and Eric Sharp (5-10, 190) are returning starters. Johnson is one of the league’s top linebackers, and he will be joined by senior Jason Sandel (6-1, 215). Senior cornerbacks Garrick Moss (5-11, 170) and Nick Hoyland (5-10, 165) are returning starters.

OUTLOOK: Thirteen starters return for Camarillo, which has the size, speed and experience to contend for its first league title since 1984. Johnson and Campbell provide Camarillo with perhaps the league’s finest backfield tandem, which could run amok behind the Scorpions’ huge offensive line. Camarillo will abandon the wishbone in favor of the I formation. The Scorpions’ only weakness is their inability to replace talented quarterback Corey Tucker, who graduated. If Camarillo comes up with a quarterback and plays strong defense, it will provide Thousand Oaks with a strong challenge.

Channel Islands

COACH: Joel Gershon, 19th season

LAST SEASON: 5-5; 5th (tie) in league, 2-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The offensive line, normally a strength of Channel Islands, will be led by senior guards Tony Reyes (6-2, 235) and John Gonzales (6-2, 245), and senior tight end Dante Mitchell (6-1, 210). Senior Manuel Segovia (5-11, 190) and sophomore Mike Fisher (5-11, 240) will add depth. Senior receivers Chris Patton (5-10, 165) and Chris Weist (5-9, 170) are returning lettermen. Senior running backs David Cox (5-11, 175) and Lee Posey (5-11, 168) will start despite not having much experience. The quarterback position is a contest between sophomore Josh Babauta (5-11, 170), juniors Cesar Puga (5-9, 165) and Mike Mariz (5-11, 160) and senior Noe Noyola (6-1, 175). Senior tackle Jerome Tinoco (5-10, 212), an all-league selection last season, will lead the defense. Junior Greg Camarillo (6-0, 220) will start at defensive tackle. Senior Ricky Sanchez (5-9, 165) and senior Aaron Wisherd (5-11, 185) are returning starters at outside linebacker. Cox also will start in the secondary.

OUTLOOK: After winning at least a share of the league title in 1987 and 1988, Channel Islands has suffered through consecutive losing seasons. Some league coaches feel the Raiders won’t be down again, but Channel Islands still has too many question marks to be considered a title contender. Devastated by injuries a year ago, the Raiders are full of unknowns this season. Channel Islands traditionally has the league’s largest roster, which will help the team overcome its lack of big-name players. “The kids have worked very hard,” Gershon said.

Newbury Park

COACH: George Hurley, 3rd season

LAST SEASON: 3-7; 5th (tie) in league, 2-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sophomore receiver Leodes Van Buren (6-1, 178) caught 23 passes for 437 yards last season and is one of the most talented receivers in the region. Juniors Jason Toohey (5-9, 170) and Doug Tokaric (5-7, 155) and senior Richard Arens (5-10, 170) will provide Newbury Park’s passing attack with reliable hands. Senior Zack Sutton (6-0, 170), who threw for 1,310 yards last year, is recovering from a broken throwing hand. He is being pushed by sophomore Keith Smith (5-8, 180) and senior Ryan Grady (6-1, 175), a returning letterman. Senior Sean McKeown (6-4, 240), a starting center last season, will move to tackle and is one of the finest linemen in the league. “He’s a tremendous athlete,” Hurley said. Senior tackle Jeff Epstein (6-3, 235) and senior guard Brad Bybee (6-0, 195) are returning starters. Junior center Brad Henderson (6-3, 190) is a returning letterman. Senior running back Scott Umpleby (5-10, 180) has recovered from a broken thumb that sidelined him most of last season. Sophomore Rich Adams (5-10, 180) will alternate with Umpleby at fullback. Sophomore Jason Tucker (5-9, 170) and juniors Adam Greenberg (5-7, 165) and Matt Bovard (5-8, 160) are competing for the starting tailback slot. Senior linebacker Jeff Turner (6-2, 205) and senior free safety Deon Meshack (6-0, 165) are returning starters. Senior strong safety Vince Carpio (5-9, 165) and senior Brent Sabatini (5-10, 170) were part-time starters last season. The defensive line will include Bybee, McKeown, Epstein and senior Steve Sasala (6-0, 210).

OUTLOOK: Newbury Park should be the most improved team in the league. The Panthers counter young skill players with experienced linemen, which will make them a contender for a playoff berth. The combination of Sutton and Van Buren could be lethal in an offense that will throw more than in the past. Newbury Park’s running game, devastated by injuries a year ago, should improve. Newbury Park’s linemen, many of whom will play both offense and defense, must remain healthy. “I’ll be very disappointed if we aren’t a playoff team,” Hurley said.

Royal

COACH: Gene Uebelhardt, 4th season

LAST SEASON: 8-2-1; 2nd in league, 5-1-1

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior quarterback Ryan Fien (6-4, 200), who has thrown for more than 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns in two seasons, is one of the most sought-after NCAA Division I recruits on the West Coast. Senior defensive lineman Jason Evans (6-1, 255) was an All-Division II selection last season who will play several positions. Senior offensive tackle Jason Wendland (6-5, 255) is a returning starter who is receiving attention from college recruiters. Senior tight end Carlos Gonzales (6-1, 205) was an all-league selection last season. Senior inside linebackers Ryan Martinez (6-0, 205) and Richard Wilson (6-0, 205) are returning starters. The offensive line will be led by Wendland, Evans, senior left guard Richard Ellie (6-2, 240), junior center Michael Rodgriguez (6-0, 225) and junior right tackle Stuart Ae (6-2, 235). Junior David Brown (5-10, 160), the most valuable player on the sophomore team, and senior Steve Feil (5-8, 155) are Fien’s primary targets. Senior fullback Damien Geib (6-0, 205) and junior tailback Michael Streeter (5-7, 165) are returning starters. Senior Eric Hambly (5-9, 170) will play strong safety and sophomore Ryan Fernandez (5-10, 170) will play free safety. Junior Derek Newcomb (6-1, 185) will play cornerback. Senior Hector Garcia (5-10, 215) will play defensive tackle.

OUTLOOK: Royal’s defense, which allowed only 187 yards a game last season, was the key to the team’s success. Only three starters return, but the Highlander defense was impressive in summer passing-league play. The offense, led by Fien, will carry Royal early in the season and may prove to be unstoppable if Fien gets time to throw. If Royal’s defense is again strong, the Highlanders will contend for their first league championship.

Simi Valley

COACH: Stan Quina, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 0-10; 8th in league, 0-7

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior offensive guard Kirk Robertson (6-4, 280) is an NCAA Division I prospect. Senior receiver Dave Romines (5-9, 160) caught 39 passes for 436 yards last season and Simi Valley will use him “like Notre Dame used Rocket (Ismail),” Quina said. Senior fullback Ryan Azlein (5-10, 200) will play fullback and linebacker. Junior quarterback Eric Bennett (6-1, 165) started the last two games last season and will take over for Tim Kirksey, who passed for 1,134 yards but transferred to Westlake. Bennett will throw to seniors Tom Ferralli (6-0, 170) and John LaBonte (510, 165) and juniors Tom Herman (6-0, 170) and Aaron Whitley (5-8, 160). Senior Danny Quintana (5-8, 155) is a returning starter at center. Senior defensive tackle J.T. Sprouse (6-2, 260), senior inside linebacker Sean Sullivan (5-9, 160), and senior defensive back Doug Varner (5-9, 160) are returning starters.

OUTLOOK: Simi Valley is 1-29 over the past three seasons. Quina’s enthusiasm and the sophomore team’s 7-3 record last season provide the program with optimism. But the Pioneers simply do not have as much talent as their league foes. Bennett has good passing skills, but Simi Valley needs to come up with an offensive line to protect him. The Pioneers, who rushed for only 431 yards last season, must put some run in their run-and-shoot offense. The defense, which allowed a region-worst 382 yards a game last season, will again have trouble. The Pioneers could be improved over last year and still have trouble winning a game.

Thousand Oaks

COACH: Bob Richards, 9th season

LAST SEASON: 7-2-2; 1st in league, 5-0-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior tailback Cory Bowen (5-9, 190), who rushed for 1,257 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, has been timed at 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard sprint this season. Senior safety Dan Fitzgerald (6-0, 170) was an All-Ventura County selection last season. Juniors Quincy Jacobs (5-11, 175), Manfred Wagner (6-0, 218) and Ryan Molina (6-0, 190) also will carry the ball. Senior quarterback Ernie Foli (6-1, 195) must replace Scott Peterson, who threw for 1,281 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Senior tight end Shane Graham (6-6, 228) is rated the ninth-best college prospect on the West Coast by Super Prep magazine. The offensive line is led by senior tackle Paul Yerman (6-4, 236), junior tackle Eric Benson (6-2, 233), and senior guards Tom Magallanes (6-0, 220) and Matt Hansen (6-2, 230). Center will be filled by junior John Norton (6-1, 235) or senior James Bernau (6-2, 218). Senior wide receiver Eric Houston (6-2, 190) is a returning starter who averaged 27 yards a reception last season. Senior receiver Jeff Trevathan (6-0, 170) is a returning letterman and speedy junior Jamal Nichols (5-8, 165) provides Thousand Oaks with a deep threat. Senior defensive tackle David Acosta (6-1, 260) and Wagner, a linebacker, were second-team all-league selections. Junior Kevin Krim (5-11, 190), Molina, and senior Joe Gora (6-1, 205) are the linebackers. Juniors Mac Swink (5-10, 160), John Tunick (5-11, 170), and Chris Barone (5-9, 155) complete the secondary.

OUTLOOK: Thousand Oaks may be equal in skill to the 1987 team that won the Coastal Conference championship, and the Lancers are a unanimous favorite to win at least a share of their fourth consecutive league title. Offensively, the Lancers have talented skill players and a large, experienced offensive line. Bowen could be the region’s toughest runner to bring down. If Foli develops, the Lancers may be unstoppable. On defense, as many as eight juniors may start. But Thousand Oaks always produces a strong, hard-hitting defense. The Lancers’ combination of size, speed, athletic ability and strong fundamental coaching makes them a legitimate contender for the Southern Section Division II title.

Westlake

COACH: Jim Benkert, 3rd season

LAST SEASON: 8-2-1; 3rd in league, 5-1-1

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior Erik Holcomb (6-0, 165), a kick-returner-receiver who caught 32 passes for 682 yards and scored 11 touchdowns last season, and senior linebacker-tight end Vince Bruno (6-3, 215) are among Cal-Hi Sports magazine’s top 100 players on the West Coast. Senior tailback Jason Haley (6-2, 195), who runs the 100 meters in 10.9 seconds, sustained a season-ending knee injury while playing tennis in New Zealand. “He was our running game,” Benkert said. Senior strong guard Jim Moffat (6-2, 230) and senior center Gregg Crisp (5-8, 200) are returning starters. Senior cornerback Binh Hoang (5-10, 160) is a returning starter who may play tailback. Senior Ryan Stoops (6-1, 190) will start at outside linebacker and senior Tim Kirksey (6-1, 185), a transfer from Simi Valley, will start at defensive back. The leading candidate at quarterback is senior John Snyder (6-2, 175), but senior Steve Collett (6-0, 170) and sophomore Brian Field (6-0, 155) are pushing him. Senior wide receiver Robert Thompson (5-10, 160) is a returning letterman. The offensive line will include junior Rob Kaller (6-1, 265), sophomore Steve Sanchez (6-1, 225), senior Chris Brazas (6-5, 215), senior Chris Casteel (5-10, 185), senior Dave Kruszenski (5-10, 185), junior Andrew Crisp (5-10, 190), senior Oscar Simon (6-0, 210) and junior Matt Matzkin (6-1, 170). Gordon Johansen (5-8, 180) and Tim Thompson (6-2, 200) join Bruno and Stoops at linebacker. Junior Andy Leporati (6-1, 160) will start at strong safety and senior Tim Wooten (6-0, 175) will play cornerback and wide receiver.

OUTLOOK: Westlake, which broke 22 school records last season, needs to replace quarterback Todd Preston (2,427 passing yards and 24 touchdowns), wide receiver Seamus Gibbons (1,082 receiving yards) and running back Reuben Allen (1,230 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns). Snyder has a strong arm but did not play last year. Bruno will lead an inexperienced defense that must improve: Last year Westlake allowed 331 yards a game.