VALLEY PREVIEW : FOOTBALL ’88 : THE HIGH SCHOOLS : NORTHERN LEAGUE

Verdugo Hills

COACH: Bill Novikoff, 17th year

LAST SEASON: 3-6; 4th in league, 2-3

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Only seven players return but six are starters. Paul Koons (6-1, 215), an all-league guard, might be shifted to fullback. Tailback Bob Yerby (5-10, 160) gained 425 yards and averaged 7 yards a carry. “He is also a very good receiver and defensive back,” Novikoff said. Others to watch are tight end Kevin Shaffer (6-1, 185), tackle Bob Schellenberg (6-3, 220) and guard Gerardo Perez, (5-10, 185). John Rodriguez (5-10, 160) and Kent Purser (5-11, 170) are competing at quarterback.

OUTLOOK: “We will be be pretty good on the line,” Novikoff said. “Last year we were an outstanding passing team, but we’re untested. It will be hard to improve on the three wins we had last year.”