Football Tour III

Seaside (5-6, 3-3)
 Smaller turnouts at the lower levels have kept the Spartans from fielding a freshman program the last two years.
 Will this be the year Seaside finally feels the effects?
 Graduation stripped them of nearly all of their skilled players, not to mention three starting linemen.
 Without a pure drop back quarterback for the first time since the playoff run began eight years ago, the offense has been simplified, with an emphasis on pounding the ball behind Spencer Tulau, a lineman last fall.
 Quarterback R.J. Johnson gives Seaside another dimension with his legs in the backfield. As athletic as Seaside is, it still takes time to build chemistry with a receiving core that includes tight end Dariyn Choates.
Getting by on pure talent won't work this fall. Meaning, if the Spartans are to make it nine straight postseason appearances, the defense will have to carry the weight.
 "This year we're going to swarm to the ball,'' said the 6-foot-4 Choates, an all-league defensive lineman last year. "All 11 guys have to get to the ball. We're not going to be lazy this year.''
 The cupboard isn't completely bare. And for the first time in three years, the numbers are up at the lower levels, enabling Seaside to bring back a freshman program.
 Some of those underclassmen, though, may have to step up this fall.

 Check The Herald's website for an interview with Seaside High coach Al Avila.