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

Agoura

COACH: Frank Greminger, 19th year

LAST SEASON: 7-4; 1st in league, 4-0

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Chargers swept through the Frontier League last season with a solid running game and pass only-when-necessary philosophy. That likely will not change, but many of the names, especially on offense, will. Senior tight end Shane Geringer (6-1, 175) is the only returning starter. He was second on the team with 12 receptions for 110 yards. Seniors Brian Jauch (6-1, 170) and Danny Jaffee (5-10, 170) and junior Josh Smaler (5-9, 160) are competing at quarterback. Sean McCune would have started, but he transferred to Canyon, where he will play linebacker. Four players--Carrick O’Quinn (6-2, 220), Zac Miller (5-8, 180), Todd Cribari (5-10, 150) and David Caramanis (5-8, 165)--will settle into the halfback slots. On the offensive line are Todd Steussie (6-6, 230), Ken Thatcher (6-0, 190), Erik Moore (5-10, 170), Richard Hur (5-9, 175), and David Oronowitz (6-0, 195). Conditioning will play a large part in Agoura’s success because many of the players will go both ways. O’Quinn, Miller, Geringer, and juniors Chris Oswald (5-11, 185) and Billy Osborne (5-11, 185) should give the Chargers the best linebacker rotation in the league. Defensive back Mike Murth (5-8, 140) adds experience to an uncertain defense.

OUTLOOK: “It’s going to be a close race,” Greminger said, “and I see us out there in the top someplace. It’s going to be a fight for the first three positions. Our whole premise is we have to be a quicker ballclub this year and more conditioned.” Agoura defeated Santa Clara for the league title last year and might be faced with the same task this year. Santa Clara, like Agoura, is a strong team.

Calabasas

COACH: Larry Edwards, 9th year

LAST SEASON: 3-7; 4th in league, 1-3

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Calabasas is counting on all-league running back Mike Webb (6-1, 180) to carry them through the first half of the season, and ,with some experience, the others may follow. Webb rushed for 1,040 yards, averaged 6.6 yards a carry and scored 9 touchdowns as a junior. In front of Webb may be sophomore fullback Damen Riggins (5-9, 150), who has improved, Edwards said. Senior quarterback Dave Kalman (6-2, 190) filled in for the injured Ceo Wimmer at the end of the season last year. Kalman threw just 24 passes, but Edwards hopes Webb’s running will open up the passing lanes. Kalman can throw to all-league wide receiver Bennett Fisher (5-11, 165), who caught 24 passes for 303 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. Joining Fisher is junior Brett Resnick (5-8, 145). Anchoring the defense is tackle-nose guard Chris Margarif (6-1, 250), who Edwards says moves well for someone his size. Senior linebackers Casey Whalen (6-0, 205) and Scott Faer (6-0, 210) also return. Among the newcomers are junior cornerback Darren Dunn (5-10, 150) and defensive lineman Phil Irwin (6-2, 220).

OUTLOOK: The lines are the key for Calabasas to come back after an off year. “We have some good skill people,” Edwards said. “We’re counting on our line to mature.” Edwards says if they can mature and gain confidence, the team could succeed in league games during the second half of the season. Size is on Edwards’ side but the schedule is not; Carpinteria, ranked No. 1 in Division IX, and ninth-ranked Chaminade of Division VII will meet the Coyotes within the first three weeks.