IN NEW TERRITORY; VASQUEZ PREPARES FOR DESERT MOUNTAIN LEAGUE.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Daily News Staff Writer

There are some exciting new changes for the Vasquez High School football program.

The Mustangs (5-5, 4-1 in the Victory League in 1996) have a well-qualified new offensive coordinator in Steve Pinkston and have switched to the more-competitive Desert Mountain League.

Pinkston - who will support head coach Dave Contreas - served as Glendale High's head coach the last two years.

In 1998, Vasquez will again switch alliances by joining the High Desert league.

After losing to Temeceula Linfield in the first round of the playoffs last season, Vasquez should be improved.

``We're going to be real competitive,'' said Pinkston, who recently bought a house in Acton. ``Our numbers are not that high - 25-30 kids - so everyone is going to have to contribute.''

The Mustangs will have a youthful squad, after the loss of several top players due to graduation, and coach Contreas anticipates seven sophomore starters. But there is still a nucleus of solid players led by junior lineman Bob Spigno, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound two-way starter.

``Spigno has a lot of athletic ability for a lineman,'' Pinkston said. ``Plus, his work ethic is outstanding.''

Tailback Kenny Johnson is also a key returnee. The 6-3, 190-pound junior transfer from Chatsworth, who is expected to start, has impressed Pinkston.

``Kenny is very athletic, catches the ball well and has good moves,'' Pinkston said.

Contreas added, ``Kenny can also throw the ball.''

Senior J.R. Faquir (6-2, 170) and junior James Matthews (6-0, 170) are competing for the quarterback job. Faquir, an athletic starter at free safety last season, was the backup quarterback in 1996. Matthews, who Pinkston said makes good decisions, started for the junior varsity and has the edge right now according to Contreas.

Seniors Josh Abbaadoye, a 6-0, 220-pound all-leaguer, and center Brian Sutton (6-0, 220) are the top linemen. Linebacker James Swann (5-10, 180), a hard-hitting returner, anchors the defense along with junior defensive back Gene Small (5-8, 150). Small is a good open-field tackler who also plays wide receiver. Overachieving defensive end Bobby Key, who made all-league at just 5-8 and 160-pound sophomore, also returns.

Vasquez will be strongly tested in the season opener Saturday, Sept. 13 at Lucerne Valley, a team that went 9-2 last season with every offensive starter returning.