Saratoga News

Purcell returns to backfield for Vikings

Former opponents bring talents to WVC

By Dick Sparrer

Two years ago, Chad Purcell was burning up the yardage as a top running back at Monta Vista.

Last year, David Wyatt was speeding down the field as an outstanding running back for Wilcox.

The two backs were high school stars for competitive schools in the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.

But they're competitors no longer: now they're teammates.

Purcell and Wyatt will be running mates in the backfield at West Valley Community College this fall, and they lead a powerful offensive attack for the Vikings.

Purcell (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) powered through Coast Conference defenses last year on his way to winning an all-conference spot for the Vikings. And Wyatt (5-foot-11, 190) was an all-league performer for the Chargers. This year, they'll lead the running attack for West Valley.

"Our team strength will be skilled offensive players and two good offensive tackles," said West Valley coach John Hancock. "Our interior offensive line is being rebuilt."

Hancock hopes the line will come together in time to protect veteran quarterback Lemuel Adams (Oak Grove) and give him time to throw. Adams (6-foot-3, 216) is back for his second season for the Vikings. He won all-conference second team honors last fall.

Sophomore tackle Joel Tautuaa (6-foot-5, 340) is another top returner for West Valley. Tautuaa joined Adams on the all-conference second team a year ago.

Enzo Iacomini (Los Gatos) joins Wyatt as a top freshman prospect for the Vikes. Iacomini (6-foot-1, 240) is a talented linebacker.

"Defensively, our linebackers are experienced, plus three of the four defensive line spots are manned by returners," said Hancock. "Our secondary is young and suspect."

Adams, Purcell and Tautuaa return from a West Valley team that posted a 7-4 season record, including a win over Foothill College in the Silicon Valley Bowl.

The Vikings will open the '98 season at home when they host Chabot on Sept. 11, 3 p.m., at their Saratoga field. The Coast Conference season will begin on Sept. 25 against Sierra at West Valley.

Other area players on the West Valley roster this fall include: Saratoga--John Herndon (5-foot-10, 187, freshman linebacker); Westmont--Donnie Haynes (5-foot-10, 165, sophomore defensive back), Mat Meade (5-foot-11, 210, freshman running back), Anthony Baker (6-foot-2, 190, freshman linebacker), Scott Smith (6-foot-3, 225, sophomore defensive end), Shantez Sumler (6-foot-1, 275, sophomore defensive lineman); Prospect--Garret Emery (6-foot-3, 220, freshman defensive lineman).

[ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ]