Agoura Chargers

Head coach: Russ Stephans (1st season)
Last season's results: 21-9, 9-5 in league (second in Marmonte)
Biggest losses: Robert Stock, P/C; Jason Stoffel, P/1B; Nick Farinacci,
SS; J.T. Wright, CF; Ben Yarin, 2B; Danny Gallinot, 1B/OF
Notable returnees: Bill Sharp, CF; Jake Rivkin, 1B/DH; Steven Keller, C
Impact newcomer: Richard Stock, sophomore, OF/C
Pitching ace: Chad Kanner
Biggest bat: Richard Stock

Overview: Following last season's run to the CIFSouthern Section Division I title game, where they lost to Lakewood High 2-1 in a thriller, the Chargers are in somewhat of a rebuilding mode this season- although the AHS coaching staff doesn't like to use the term "rebuilding."

Replacing Robert Stock, who left after his junior season to attend USC, Jason Stoffel (Arizona), Nick Farinacci (UC Irvine) and former head coach Scott Deck will be a tall task for first-year head coach Russ Stephans, who was previously an assistant. Assistant coach Mike Magnante also returns.

The return of outfielder Bill Sharp should help ease the transition. Sharp hit leadoff during the team's first few games and will be a steady force near the top of the Agoura lineup. Sophomore Richard Stock, Robert's younger brother, figures to hit third. The left-handed catcher/ outfielder has a powerful stroke and will be one to watch in the Marmonte League in '07. He's a special talent.

Freshman shortstop Tommy Sexton, catcher Steven Keller, designated hitter Jake Rivkin and third baseman Jake Fields round out the top half of the Agoura lineup. Outfielder Justin Arias is nursing a high ankle sprain and should return soon. Shortstop Jamie Flanagan is being eased back into the mix after undergoing arm surgery a year ago.

A dominating team on the mound the last few seasons, Agoura has several questions at pitcher.

Sophomore Chad Kanner appears to be the staff ace, but Andrew Lerner, Alex Brotman and lefty Ali Hamed are also pushing for the No. 1 role. Shaun Solomon and Matt Gallinot figure to work in relief.

Assistant coach Steve Stephans says: "We have no returning varsity starters. We are very young and are searching for roles right now. It's going to be a process, but we've got to put them out there and let them play."