Spring football practice has begun, so it's the perfect time to project 10 top teams for the 2009 season:
* Lakewood. It's a little foolish to predict a school other than Long Beach Poly will win the Moore League, considering Poly hasn't lost a league game since 1994, but the Lancers deserve respect.
"I wouldn't say we're the favorites until we beat those guys," Lakewood Coach Thadd MacNeal said. "We're getting closer, but we haven't turned the corner."
Lakewood could find itself in a CIF state championship bowl game. Quarterback Jesse Scroggins passed for 2,462 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior, and he's in the discussion about which quarterback ranks as best in the Southland. He already has scholarship offers from California, Tennessee and Louisiana State.
"He's bigger, stronger and has a lot more confidence," MacNeal said.
Also back is running back Jerry Stone, who rushed for 1,450 yards and helped the team reach the Pac-5 Division semifinals. There are two newcomers to watch. Junior-to-be Rahim Cassell, 6 feet 2 and 215 pounds, "is going to be a big-time linebacker," MacNeal said. Junior Todd Barr, 6-3 and 250 pounds, could be a standout on the defensive line.
* Los Angeles Crenshaw. There are few teams with the skill-position talent of the Cougars. Their home game against Lakewood on Sept. 4 could be the most important of the season, with the winner earning a bowl invite in December.
With linebacker Hayes Pullard, running back DeAnthony Thomas, receiver Geno Hall and L.A. Cathedral transfer Josh Williamson, who plays quarterback, the Cougars are overwhelming favorites to win the City Section championship. By participating in numerous spring and summer passing tournaments, they are gearing up to challenge the best in Southern California.
* Westlake Village Oaks Christian. No other Southland team can say it has five players who rank among the top 100 in the country as the Lions have. And they are legit standouts. Quarterback Nick Montana, offensive tackle Erik Kohler, running back Malcolm Jones, linebacker Zac Stout and defensive lineman Cassius Marsh are an imposing group. The Lions have improved their schedule, and if they finish 14-0, they'll be tough to keep out of a bowl game.
* Rancho Cucamonga. This is a program that few thought could topple Upland or Los Osos last season, and all the Cougars did was finish 13-0-1, and look who's back: quarterback Greg Watson (2,506 yards passing, 16 touchdowns), USC-bound tight end Randall Telfer and leading rusher Sateki Finau.
