CdM will try to end skid

It’s not quite the same as returning to the scene of a crime, but the Corona del Mar High football team has to go back to Newport Harbor’s Davidson Field.

It’s the scene where Newport Harbor snatched back the Bell in a 41-7 Battle of the Bay win over the Sea Kings, and tonight, CdM (1-3) is hoping to halt a three-game slide with a win over South El Monte (0-3), at 7.

Last week, size was one of the major demons that killed the Sea Kings.

This time, Coach Dick Freeman’s major concern is speed, because, according to him, South El Monte has a lot of it.

Both starting quarterback Jose Garay and the running backs are very fast runners, and the team brings the same speed on defense, Freeman said.

Garay has thrown for 476 yards and four TDs with two interceptions on 35-of-61 passing.

“Last year, they had a lot of young guys, and this year, those guys are back,” Freeman said. “It’s just a real athletic team, and it’s a year older, so you just have to be careful.”

Last season, the Eagles were 1-4 in the preseason, but finished 4-1 in the Mission Valley League. They lost to Schurr in the playoffs, so Freeman has discouraged players from taking the game for granted, despite a 38-7 loss to CdM last fall.

The Sea Kings have had as many as nine different ballcarriers in one game, but Freeman said he thinks the ground game is improving.

“I think we’re just doing a better job with the running game,” Freeman said. “We’re getting people in the places we want.”

Sophomore JD Abbott, who has rushed for 200 yards on 29 carries, will start at tailback. Tyler Harmon, who has started at tailback, will be the starter at cornerback. Harmon has 107 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries.

Austin Raiger (18 carreis for 141 yards and one TD) has also been significant to the Sea Kings’ running game.

Grant Kelgian, who was already getting substantial minutes on offense, is now starting at right guard, and Stephen Deverian is now only starting at defensive end.

Running back Dillon Norton will not play due to a broken bone in his right hand.

SORAYA NADIA McDONALD may be reached at (714) 966-4613 or at soraya.mcdonald@latimes.com.