THE TIME IS NOW FOR MONROE SPEED GIVES TEAM CHANCE TO UNSEAT SYLMAR.Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer The window has been cracked, if ever so slightly. Now it's up to the Monroe High of North Hills football team to bust it wide open. If ever the Vikings had the chance to unseat Sylmar as the Valley Mission League champion, this is the time. Judging by the team's speed and athletic ability at the receiver and running back positions, a promising sophomore quarterback and a fast, intelligent defense, Monroe certainly has a good chance to win the league title. ``It's definitely the best team we've had since I've been here,'' Monroe coach Chris Richards
Christopher Robert Richard (born June 7, 1974, in San Diego, California) is a Major League Baseball outfielder and first baseman. He is an alumnus of Oklahoma State University. said. ``This is a group that works hard as a team and as individuals, and I think we have a shot to do some nice things.'' Aside from Monroe and Sylmar, the rest of the league faces uncertainty. San Fernando San Fernando, city, Argentina San Fernando (săn fərnăn`dō), city (1991 pop. 144,761), Buenos Aires prov., E Argentina. It is a district administrative center in the Greater Buenos Aires area. could surprise under a new coach, Kennedy hopes the worst is behind after winning just two games over the past two years, Reseda graduated most of its skill players and Van Nuys took a step back from 2002 by going 0-9-1. Monroe has not beaten Sylmar in more than 20 years, but with speedy Chris Richards (the coach's son, who has committed to Michigan) moving from running back to receiver and joining Mario Calix calix /ca·lix/ (ka´liks) pl. ca´lices [L.] calyx. ca·lix or ca·lyx n. pl. ca·li·ces or ca·ly·ces 1. A flower-shaped or funnel-shaped structure. (being recruited by Nevada, San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. State and Utah), Mike Krikorian (6-foot-2, 205 pounds, 4.5 seconds in 40-yard dash) and Ferris Tollette (6-2, 190), the Vikings will push hard to end the losing streak. ``I know Sylmar is always tough, but Monroe's got some players that can make things happen,'' Reseda coach Alonzo Arreola said. ``That will be a good battle.'' Sylmar begins a new era under first-year coach London Woodfin, who replaces Jeff Engilman. Woodfin, who was promoted from defensive coordinator A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a football team in the National Football League or college football who is in charge of the defense. This position aids the head coach a great deal in many ways by delegating play calling to other coaches and allowing the head , played under Engilman before moving on the UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX . He has a tough act to follow - Engilman was at Sylmar for 24 years and recorded 205 victories. However, Woodfin does bring back running back C.J. Gable gable Triangular section formed by a roof with two slopes, extending from the eaves to the ridge where the two slopes meet. It may be miniaturized over a dormer window or entranceway. (80 carries, 509 yards, 7 touchdowns) and quarterback Terry Newsome (78-152, 1,083, 10 TDs, six interceptions), so the offense will be potent as usual. ``You know Sylmar is always going to be tough,'' Richards said. Monroe is handing its quarterback duties to sophomore Don Senegal, who showed considerable promise in the offseason. ``He knows he's surrounded by a lot of talent, so he realizes he doesn't have to win games by himself,'' the elder Richards said. ``He's a sophomore, but I have all the confidence in the world in him.'' At San Fernando, Tom Hernandez returns for his second stint as coach, replacing Sean Blunt. Hernandez has moved lanky lank·y adj. lank·i·er, lank·i·est Tall, thin, and ungainly. See Synonyms at lean2. lank  i·ly adv. quarterback Matt
Nevarez to receiver in hopes of taking advantage of Nevarez's
athletic ability, and will decide between juniors Richard Medina and
Joey Carlin car·line or car·lin n. Scots A woman, especially an old one. [Middle English kerling, from Old Norse, from karl, man.] as Nevarez's replacement. ``They're both really smart kids who make quick decisions and show leadership qualities,'' Hernandez said. Whoever starts at quarterback, he'll line up between a big, fast offensive line featuring Jonathan Franchini (6-3, 270) and Tony Hernandez (6-3, 275). On defense, tackles Alex Maz (6-2, 270) and Andres Salano (6-1, 260) headline a talented group. ``I think we're going to surprise some people,'' Hernandez said. ``We're excited to get going.'' Reseda graduated all of its skill players, but returns a small, but quality group of offensive and defensive linemen. The most promising lineman is Jeremy Langford Jeremy Langford (born London, England, 1956), British/Israeli glass designer and sculptor His family's original name was Lelyveld, natives of the Netherlands, and Langford is related to Joseph Lelyveld, an editor of The New York Times , an explosive playmaker play·mak·er n. A player in a sport with goals, such as a guard in basketball, who initiates offensive plays. play at defensive end. Kennedy won two games last year after suffering through a winless 2002, and the Cougars believe their small steps were taken in the right direction. ``That's the plan,'' Kennedy coach Bob Francola said. ``Hopefully we'll start looking more like ourselves.'' A potentially strong defense is highlighted by linebacker Tom Hill, strong safety Erick Stroy and free safety Aaron Clarke. Vincent Bonsignore, (818) 713-3612 vincent.bonsignore(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo, box Photo: Chris Richards, who has moved from running back to receiver this season, is a key player for the Monroe High of North Hills football team. Michael Owen
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