Charting Their Debuts

A look at how the first half of the season has gone for 21 first-year varsity football coaches at 20 area high schools. Listed by school, coach, last season’s record, this season’s record and comment by staff writer Paige A. Leech:

School: Alemany

Coach: Jim Bonds

‘96: 1-9

‘97: 2-3

Comment: Already doubled victory total of a year ago, but tough final five games.

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School: Buckley

Coach: Scott McRitchie

‘96: 5-3*

‘97: 0-4

Comment: Winless but competitive. Lost two games by nine points or less.

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School: Burroughs

Coach: Keith Knoop

‘96: 8-3

‘97: 3-2

Comment: Since losing a top quarterback, Indians still holding their own.

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School: Campbell Hall#

Coach: Anthony Harris

‘96: 5-5

‘97: 3-2

Comment: The Vikings are averaging 32 points a game.

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School: Channel Islands

Coach: Jack Willard

‘96: 2-8

‘97: 1-4

Comment: Tough to turn things around with the Raiders’ schedule.

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School: El Camino Real

Coach: Rick Hayashida

‘96: 7-4

‘97: 4-1

Comment: Despite losing last week, Conquistadores are a top City 4-A team.

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School: First Lutheran#

Coach: Al Durham

‘96: 0-8

‘97: 0-3

Comment: Have been outscored, 144-32, but Durham says team improves each week.

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School: Glendale

Coach: Pete Smolin

‘96: 2-8

‘97: 2-2

Comment: Dynamiters have already equaled last season’s victory total.

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School: Grace Brethren#

Coach: Dennis Stephanson

‘96: 3-4

‘97: 4-0-1

Comment: Three consecutive victories since 14-14 tie with Victor Valley Christian.

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School: Hoover

Coach: Jeff Chi

‘96: 1-9

‘97: 1-4

Comment: The Tornadoes are visibly improved, but more than a one-year project.

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School: Kilpatrick

Coach: Sydney Ware

‘96: 2-8

‘97: 2-2

Comment: Much more competitive than expected because of RB Jermaine Marshall.

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School: La Canada

Coach: Richard Wheeler

‘96: 4-7

‘97: 4-1

Comment: Spartans are turned around and heading toward a Rio Hondo League title.

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School: Lancaster

Coach: Ray DeShane

‘96: 10-0

‘97: 3-2

Comment: Without a senior class, the Eagles have been more than competitive.

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School: Monroe

Coach: Sloan Bunting

‘96: 6-5

‘97: 4-1

Comment: Bunting a big hitter when it comes to delivering victories.

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School: North Hollywood

Coach: Jason Garrison

‘96: 7-6

‘97: 1-4

Comment: Upset victory over Monroe highlights otherwise bleak season.

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School: Poly

Coach: Bob Mesa/Lee Jackson

‘96: 1-9

‘97: 0-5

Comment: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Or a year for that matter.

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School: St. Genevieve

Coach: Steve Page

‘96: 3-7

‘97: 0-5

Comment: Fifth Valiant coach in four years is taking his lumps.

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School: Saugus

Coach: Ron Hilton

‘96: 6-6

‘97: 1-4

Comment: Centurions have not lived up to their preseason billing.

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School: Simi Valley

Coach: Ron Veres

‘96: 4-6

‘97: 1-4

Comment: Pioneers’ best shot at another victory is against Channel Islandsnext month.

*

School: Westmark#

Coach: Jeff Trovatten

‘96: 0-9

‘97: 0-5

Comment: The team formerly known as Landmark West has been outscored, 248-6.

*denotes junior varsity record.

#denotes 8-man team.