Clark Capsule Preview
Coach: Don Willis, third year (3-16).
2007 record: 3-7 (2-4 Southwest).
Returning starters: Four offense, six defense.
Top players: QB Anthony Lotta (Sr.); DL Ben Atuatassi (Sr.); OL/DL Terry Kilfian (Sr.); RB/DB Quincy Hatcher (RB/DB); RB/DL Dan Barr (Sr.); LB Taylor Barrows (Sr.); LB Jon Shogron (Sr.); RB/DB Andre Clay (Jr.); DB/WR Devohn Marks (Sr.).
Outlook: The three wins last season give the Chargers something on which to build. The team snapped an 42-game losing streak by downing Legacy on Sept. 7. This year’s squad is senior-laden, though the offensive line doesn’t have a lot of experience.
Lotta returns at quarterback after completing 24 of 68 passes last season, but the Chargers will have to make up for the loss of running back Dimarko Shoulders, who averaged more than nine yards per carry.
Clark’s strength should be its defense, which returns five seniors who started in the front seven last year. Included in that mix is Barrows, who led the team in tackles from his linebacker position. Hatcher is the only returning starter in the secondary.
The untested offensive line and skill position players who haven’t posted huge numbers in the past could lead to some early troubles putting points on the board, but the Chargers’ defense can keep them in games.