Times-Advocate from Escondido, California • 95

TIMES ADVOCATENORTH COUNTY BARGAINEER AUGUST 28, 1980 -3 THE SCHEDULE IS VERY DEMANDING, AND THE Chargers must pass the test in '80 track on the No. 1 spot with Don Macek (62, 253) close behind. This is a close, tough battle, Coryell said. Both men have talent and the starting spot could go to either one. Both are playing well now and have played well in the past Rush can also play tackle while Macek also has knowl Wilkerson had a streak of 114 straight starts snapped by a knee injury last year.

Fighting for the backup spot are veteran Ralph Per-retta (6, 251), who can also play center and tight end, and free agent Brad Hendrix (64, 245). CENTER Three-year veteran Bob Rush (65, 264) has the inside QB V' edge of the guard slot DEFENSE END The Chargers have as many good people here as any team in the league. Fred Dean (62, 230) had nine quarterback sacks, recovered three fumbles and was voted the AFCs top de-See Chargers, page 4 1 aVi sfer sJk, By JOHN MAFFEI T-A Sport Editor SAN DIEGO It figures to be the same old story for the San Diego Chargers this season pass, pass, pass. But because of a schedule that is considerably tougher than last year it may be 'more difficult for the team to win, win, win. The 1980 Charger schedule rates as the fifth toughest among the NFLs 28 teams.

Division champions Pittsburgh, Miami and Dallas as well as playoff teams Philadelphia and Denver test the Chargers as San Diego tries to defend its AFC West championship, a 12-4 regular season record and return to the playoffs. Theres no question that were not going to sneak up on anyone this year, said Charger coach Don CoryelL Last year we were the new kid on the block and perhaps some of the other teams took us lightly. That wont be the case this time around. I think everyone will be ready to play us. That, and the fact we play some very tough teams, will make it more difficult to win this season.

But I think well be able to meet the challenge. Again this season, the Chargers will meet the challenge by passing the ball and they do that best when Dan Fouts is at the control. With that in mind, here is a position-by-position breakdown of the Chargers: OFFENSE QUARTERBACK There was nobody better in the NFL last year than Fouts. He completed 332 of 530 passes for an NFL record 4,082 yards. Along the way, he had six 300-yard passing games, including four in a row.

Both are NFL records. He capped the season by being named the starting quarterback for the AFC in the Pro Bowl and by being named All-Pro and Player of the Year in the AFC. Indx Chargers. 3 NFC West San Diego State 7 WAC Roundup 9 Palomar 11 Orange Glen 17 Escondido 19 San Pasqual 21 San Marcos 25 ML Carmel 27 Poway 29 Vista 31 Ramona 33 Where are the Preps? 35 Schedules 38 Palomar League 39 Avocado League 41 Prep Stats 41 ry of the league. JJ has been just super in training camp, Coryell said.

His percentage of catches is much higher and his concentration has been superior. He was good the last two years, but based on training camp, he could be very, very good this year. Charlies knee (an arthritic condition has slowed him in camp) has put him behind, but Charlie is a veteran and hell be ready to go when the opener (Sept 7 in Seattle) gets here. Charlie is a valuable part of our offense. Second-year-man John Floyd, who caught 10 balls for 152 yards in eight games last year, is the No.

1 backup. TIGHT END The Chargers were hoping veteran Bob Klein would tire of retirement and report to camp, but that now seems a dim hope. In that case, the tight end job is a fight between Kellen Winslow (65, 252) and Gregg McCrary (6-2, 235). Winslow is the talented second-year man, who caught 25 balls in seven games before suffering a broken bone in his leg, and figures to be the starter. But McCrary has looked very good in practice and currently is No.

1. Winslow has just missed too much practice time with various injuries, Coryell said. In the meantime, McCrary has been impressive. If we were to open today, McCrary would be No. 1 but that could change.

Coryell also noted that with Klein not on the team, that Winslow would see much more action at tight end this season and would not be split out as a wide receiver as much as last season. TACKLE Billy Shields (6-8, 275) and Russ Washington (6-7, 288) are the incumbents and no one is about to move them out. The question here is who will be the backup man. Chuck Leowen (6-3, 259), a seventh-round draft pick from South Dakota State, veteran Dan Audick (6-3, 253), who can also play guard, and Milton Hardaway (6-9, 305) are battling for a spot on the roster. GUARD Veteran All-Pro Ed White (6-2, 271) and 11-year veteran Doug Wilkerson (6-3, 262) are two of the best guards in pro football.

White has played in the last four Pro Bowls while I dont know what I can say about Dan that hasnt already been said, Coryell. Dan was super last year just super. He has the poise and experience to be a great, great quarterback. He is our leader now and should be our leader for several years to come. Behind Fouts, are 10-year veteran James Harris, rookie Ed Luther and either Cliff Olander or Mike Kirkland.

RUNNING BACK The No. 1 man is Clarence Williams who blossomed as a pro last year, gaining 752 yards on 200 carries and catching 51 passes for an additional 3 yards. Behind him are veterans Lydell Mitchell, Mike Thomas and Artie Owens, who appears to be ready for big things. CW is a fine player, CoryelL Every time out he gives us a 100 percent effort. Last year was his first real chance to play and I think hell get better and better with time especially now that we can move him out of the fullback spot.

FULLBACK The reason the Chargers can move Williams is because of the acquisition of John Cappelletti from the Rams. Cappelletti missed the entire 79 season with an injured groin, but he is a proven NFL veteran, having gained 2,264 yards in his five previous seasons in the league. We think Cappy is the answer to our problems at fullback, Coryell said. Weve taken it easy on him in training camp so that hell be ready for the season. I think hell be a tremendous addition to our team.

Also laboring at the fullback spot are Don Woods and Hank Bauer the Chargers short yardage man. Mitchell and Williams can also fill in here. WIDE RECEIVERS The Chargers boast one of the top pass-catching duos in John Jefferson and Charlie Joiner. Jefferson, in only his second year in the NFL, caught 61 passes for 1,090 yards and 10 TDs last year. He is only the third man in NFL history to gain at least 1,000 yards receiving in his first two pro seasons.

Joiner, an 11-year veteran, had a banner year in 79 with 72 catches for 1,008 yards and four TDs. His 72 catches were the most by a Charger since Lance Al-worth grabbed 73 in 1966 and were the most by a player Joiners age (32) in the histo DAN FOUTS HOPE TO REPEAT GOOD TIMES IN '80 0: i I'lliiwn" 0 in annuli icpA 4aiaigt.