DEL REY LEAGUE
Alemany COACH: Pat Degnan, 1st season LAST SEASON: 6-4; tied for 3rd in Mission League, 3-3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior offensive linemen Dewey Reed (6-foot-1, 265 pounds) and Paul Sauter (6-1, 270) are the strength of the team. "I wish those guys were 6-4, then they could write their own ticket," Degnan said. The rest of the linemen are young, but Degnan is confident in their ability. He plans to use a grinding, ball-control offense. The line will get support from senior tight end Pete Rios (6-3, 250). The quarterback will be senior Chris Tashima (5-11, 185), who is being pushed hard by senior Brian Plasky (5-10, 175). Plasky might draw recruiters' attention as a punter. The tailback will be junior David Eastham (6-0, 170) or junior Brian Van Holten (5-9, 170), who is actually a better linebacker. Eastham is a speed and finesse back and Van Holten is a power runner, Degnan said. An up-and-coming player on defense is sophomore nose guard Joe Langi (5-11, 215). "His natural strength is just incredible," Degnan said. Junior defensive end Marcelo Quinonez (6-3, 210), Rios and Sauter will play beside Langi. Van Holten and senior Brian Shaw (5-10, 180) will be the top linebackers. The only defensive back Degnan was sure would start as practice began was senior cornerback Brian Cooney (5-9, 165). OUTLOOK: The Indians will not be an exciting team, if Degnan gets his way. "If we win every game, 7-0, that would be fine with me," he said. Alemany will have to play well week after week because of its switch to the Del Rey League, which is tougher than the Mission. Degnan also wants to concentrate on producing a superior kicking game.
