GRACE CAN STEP UP WITH SUBSTANCE.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

Much has changed for the Grace Brethren High of Simi Valley football team, which began spring workouts Saturday.

A new coach, new team colors and a higher division to play in are just three of the alterations from last year, when the Lancers advanced to the Southern Section Div. XIII semifinals before losing to Pasadena Poly.

``Things are definitely changing around here,'' said coach Terry Gourley, who takes over for Dennis Stephenson. ``We're very, very excited about spring practice.''

But with all the changes, one very same player returns for Grace Brethren, and running back Chad Kackert's presence ensures the Lancers will have no trouble moving up to Div. XII this year. Kackert has been terrific the past two years while piling up terrific numbers. The speedy Kackert has amassed 3,226 rushing yards and 63 touchdowns. The scoring total puts him eighth on the all-time touchdown list in California, although a similar performance this year who shoot Kackert up the charts.

``And the thing is he didn't play in a lot of fourth quarters because the score was out of hand by then,'' Gourley said.

The Lancers will get their share of blowouts again this year, just not as many with the move up in division. In an ambitious move, Grace Brethren has added three bigger schools - Fillmore, Camp Kilpatrick and Oak Park - to its schedule. The hope is that the stiffer competition will aid the Lancers when the playoffs roll around.

It helps that Gourley will have a record number of players to work with and a number of skilled returning standouts to build around.

Quarterback remains a question mark, although Travis Chupp seems to have the inside track on replacing record setter Eric Durso, who will graduate.

Even with a rookie quarterback, Grace Brethren will be formidable considering the defensive standouts who remain. Junior Rick Elmore, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound tight end/defensive end, had 24 sacks last year. Linebacker Steven Gourley led the team with 103 tackles. Elmore's twin - Cory - is a big, fast, sturdy defender who adds toughness and tackling ability.

``We like what is happening defensively,'' Gourley said.

Offensively, a different approach will bring last year's 60-40 running/passing ratio to 50-50, and with All-Southern Section center Steve Josker back, the line will be in good hands.

``Everything is in place for us to have another great year,'' Gourley said. ``Which is why we're all excited about getting out there and going to work.''

Vincent Bonsignore, [phone]

vincent.bonsignore(at)dailynews.com