HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW : Schurr Counting on Experience in Push to Top : Football: Hart is a co-favorite but the Indians are untested at the skill positions.

Ken Davis likes to point out, in his slow and methodical tone, that he was the first football coach hired by Schurr High.

Twenty years later, he’s still there.

“I’m not sure what that means, but it means something,” he said, laughing. “Either they like me or they don’t feel like breaking in a new guy.”

With a break or two this season, Schurr could edge co-favorite Hart and hand the old guy his second Foothill League title in three seasons. And the coach isn’t the only one in the program who has been around the block a couple of times.

Schurr has an edge in experience over defending champion Hart--which has won or shared the league title in six of the past seven years--especially at the skill positions.

For once, somebody other than Hart would seem to have the league’s best quarterback. Over the past five seasons, behind players such as Jim Bonds, Darren Renfro and Rob Westervelt, Hart’s air superiority was indisputable. The Indians have an untested skill package, however, after losing 1989 standouts Westervelt (2,064 yards, 24 touchdowns) and all-purpose back Howard Blackwell (1,994 total yards, 32 touchdowns).

As a junior, Schurr quarterback Jay Macias passed for 2,133 yards and 15 touchdowns. He threw nine interceptions.

In addition to Macias, all-league tailback Jun Akiike returns as does receiver Alfred Alvarado. In eight games, Akiike rushed for 429 yards and seven touchdowns. Alvarado caught 17 passes for 336 yards.

If Macias manages just 41 completions and passes for 12 touchdowns and 844 yards, he will eclipse school records in all three categories. What’s more, Davis said Macias is “committed” to reclaiming the league title.

Hart handed Schurr its lone defeat in league play last year, 35-28, at College of the Canyons. Macias, a three-year starter and the 1989 Foothill League Back of the Year, completed 16 of 26 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns, the best performance of his career. This season, the game will be played at Montebello High, Schurr’s home field, on Oct. 26.

While Hart’s skill players are untested, the Indians’ offensive line should protect junior quarterback Ryan Connors with a blanket of security. Returning are center Tim DeGroote, guard Brandon Best (6-3, 215) and tackle Eric Freund (6-5, 225). Tight end George Kase has the size to pass block with anybody.

With or without newcomers, throughout the years Hart continues to roll up the offense. The Indians have scored 997 points under three coaches over the past three seasons.

Schurr’s offensive line, while not as big, is as proven as Hart’s. Dan Cervantes (6-1, 260), Keane Misawa (5-11, 220) and Charles Newmann (5-11, 185) all started last year. Danny Vargas (15 receptions, 179 yards, two touchdowns) returns at tight end. He was an all-league selection at defensive end as a junior.

Alhambra, which finished 5-5 under first-year Coach Gil Ruedaflores last year, might be the only team capable of challenging Schurr and Hart. Alhambra’s playoff chances will depend heavily on the performances of running backs Russell Stanley and Phil Hughes (5-11, 190), both returning starters.

Stanley, a tailback, rushed for 923 yards in 127 carries. Hughes rushed for 334 yards and five touchdowns. Jesse Castillo (5-10, 175), Stanley’s backup last season, gained 652 yards in 95 carries.

Team speed might be Burroughs’ strength in its quest for a playoff berth. Of the 40 players out for the team, Coach Butch McElwee says a dozen can run the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds or less. On the downside, only four starters return.

Burbank has converted defensive lineman Eric Arciniega into a fullback and part-time starter Jason Chandler returns at quarterback. Only six full- or part-time starters return.

FOOTHILL LEAGUE

FINAL 1989 STANDINGS: Hart: 10-2, 5-0 Schurr: 7-4, 4-1 Alhambra: 5-5, 2-3 San Gabriel: 3-7, 2-3 Burroughs: 3-8, 2-3 Burbank: 1-8-1, 0-5 PROJECTED FINISH: Schurr Hart Alhambra San Gabriel Burroughs Burbank

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Player School Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Tim DeGroote Hart OL-DL 6-3 260 Sr. George Kase Hart DL-TE 6-3 220 Sr. Brady Vilenski Hart K 5-10 150 Sr. Eric Arciniega Burroughs RB-DL 6-0 215 Sr. Brian Feola Burroughs OL 6-1 215 Sr. Jay Sumner Burbank CB-RB 5-11 170 Sr. Russell Stanley Alhambra RB 5-8 175 Sr. Jay Macias Schurr QB 6-3 190 Sr. Jun Akiike Schurr RB 5-7 150 Sr. Richard Beatie San Gabriel OL-DL 6-6 265 Sr.