FOOTBALL ’89 : FRONTIER LEAGUE

Agoura

COACH: Frank Greminger, 21st year

LAST SEASON: 8-4-1; 3rd in league, 3-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Chargers lost a pair of league games last season but rounded into form in time to advance to the semifinals of the Southern Section Division VIII playoffs. However, defensive lineman Todd Steussie and linebacker Carrick O’Quinn, who accepted Pacific-10 Conference scholarships, have left gaps in the defense. “We’ll have to move the ball because we’re not nearly as good defensively,” Greminger said. “If we can’t move the ball, we’ll be in trouble.” Leading Greminger’s best-defense-is-a-good-offense strategy is quarterback Josh Smaler (5-10, 165), who rushed for 189 yards and passed for 660 as a junior. Senior Dave Caramanis (5-9, 170) and junior Matt Francisco will start in the backfield. Greg Ochoa (5-11, 160) is a wide receiver, Chris Ostwald (6-0, 190) is the tight end and Billy Osborn (6-1, 190) and Mike Cavalier (5-11, 175) will start along the line. Many of the offensive starters, including Ochoa, Ostwald, Osborn and Caramanis, will play defense. Senior Todd Cribari is a returning starter at cornerback. Kyoung Lee (6-0, 180) is a good bet to start at inside linebacker.

OUTLOOK: This is Agoura’s last season in the Frontier League before moving on to the Division II Marmonte League. A league title would be a fond farewell to the Frontier and a positive way to introduce itself into the tougher league. The Chargers are ranked ahead of Santa Ynez in the Southern Section preseason rankings, but the Pirates are generally considered the league favorite.

Calabasas

COACH: Larry Edwards, 10th year

LAST SEASON: 2-8; 5th in league, 1-4

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Edwards offered some friendly advice when preparing to discuss his Coyotes. “Don’t blink,” he said, deadpan. Calabasas has just 23 varsity players, 14 of whom are seniors, and five starters return. “This year,” Edwards said, “there will be a lot of stories about the Spartans at Thermopylae.” He hopes there won’t be as many about the 7th Cavalry at Little Big Horn. Edwards’ strategy is to muscle up behind a large offensive line that includes returning starters Brian Kirkpatrick (6-3, 220), Craig Proctor (6-3, 200), Albert Kawaoka (6-1, 235), Jamie Dinovitz (6-5, 245) and Jon Zoref (6-0, 210). Most of the players will turn around for defense. Junior Ron Adelman (5-11, 215) will play quarterback, and then put his size to use on defense as a linebacker or strong safety. Tailback Damon Riggins (5-9, 170) was a starter for the defense last season and will return at cornerback. Nick Curran (5-9, 160) and Art Simonian (5-10, 200) will play fullback and linebacker. Brett Resnick and Todd Eichner are the receivers. Rayne Gray (6-1, 190) will line up at tight end and linebacker. “This year is going to be simple,” Edwards said. “Don’t make mistakes and hold onto the ball as long as possible.”

OUTLOOK: The Coyotes have not been to the playoffs since 1986 when they won the league championship and two postseason games in the Desert Mountain Conference playoffs. With only 23 players, this could be another difficult assignment for Edwards, especially if injuries further deplete the team. “Personally, I hate to think I reached the zenith of the program two years ago,” he said. “I feel the pressure simply because I’m a competitor. This year, obviously, is going to be a challenge.”