VALLEY PREVIEW : FOOTBALL ’88 : THE HIGH SCHOOLS : CHANNEL LEAGUE

Rio Mesa

COACH: John Reardon, 21st year

LAST SEASON: 3-6-1; 6th in league, 2-4-1

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Running back Geoff Freedman returns for his senior year after two injury-plagued years that limited his playing time and effectiveness. Should Freedman stay healthy, the Spartans likely will be a good rushing team. While nursing a sore ankle last season Freedman gained 384 yards in 90 carries for a 4.3 average. Quarterback John Gomez completed 59 of 141 passes for 683 yards as a junior but threw 7 interceptions against only 4 touchdown passes. Reardon says Gomez will have to be more of a leader than in the past. All-league tackle Lance Northcutt (6-0, 215), guard Jim Byrd (6-2, 215) and center Chris Knudsen (5-11, 200) will shore up a young offensive line. Northcutt, who has bench pressed 400 pounds, also will play inside linebacker, and Knudsen will double as a defensive tackle. Senior Ken Scholle (6-1, 200) will start at tight end and defensive end. Two juniors who contributed heavily to the junior varsity’s 9-1 season a year ago--quarterback Henry Wilson and running back-defensive back Myron Hart--will find playing time.

OUTLOOK: Santa Barbara and Oxnard have experienced teams returning, and the addition of offensive-minded Rick Scott as coach at Buena make the Channel League strong. Hueneme and Ventura tied for the league title last season and could contend again. Depending on Freedman’s health and Gomez’s arm, Rio Mesa could find itself in the playoff hunt.