Though coach Lorenzo Hernandez characterizes his Garfield High School football team as young, he is quick to point out, the kids will be all right in time.

First, the Bulldogs must survive a rugged preleague schedule that begins Friday with City Division I power Birmingham and its standout tailback Trajuan Briggs (USC commit). St. Paul, L.A. Wilson and a road trip to Paso Robles follow.

Then comes the competitive Eastern League, which includes the likes of Jordan and Roosevelt. Garfield shared the title with those two and finished 6-5 a year ago.

“We are young, but we should gradually get better as we get experience,” Hernandez said. “By the time league comes around, we should be able to compete for a league title.”

In Garfield’s favor is that many of the players saw extensive action a year ago as backups.

Among the key newcomers is senior quarterback Jonathan Lazo, who did not play football last year. Still, Hernandez likes who he has taking snaps.

“He has a rocket for an arm,” he said.

Lazo has some pretty good receivers around in wideouts Bobby Vargas and Andrew Rodriguez, as well as tight end Andrew Salas (6-4, 205).

Hernandez is excited about new tailback Jonathan Lopez (5-9, 180). Garfield has had a series of 1,000-yard rushers in recent years and Lopez may eventually rank with any of them, according to the coach.

“He could be as good as any we’ve had in the past,” he said. “He is capable of putting a team on his back.”

The offensive line is a bit on the young side, although senior tackle Santiago Sanchez (6-1, 240) is a returning starter. The anchor though is junior center Richard Torres (5-8, 230), up from the frosh-soph team.

As young as they are, Hernandez feels they will grow into a solid unit.

Defense is where Hernandez has fewer concerns.

“I’d say our strength is defense, especially the defensive line,” he said. “We’re pretty big on the D-line.”

Jose Victoria (6-1, 270) and Alfonso Valdez (5-10, 205) are returnees among the down linemen. Moses Saucedo (5-10, 180) is a returning starter at end.

Hector Cazales, a returning starter, headlines the linebacking corps.

Hernandez is high on sophomore linebacker Jonathan Valles (5-10, 190), a talented player and scholar-athlete (he was a 4.0 student last year).

“He’s an impressive kid who is very talented,” Hernandez said.