If West Hills High is to stand a chance of repeating as Grossmont North League football champion, the Wolf Pack will need a breakout year from senior running back Christian Fonseca.

Not that Fonseca was a cream puff as a junior. He rushed for 541 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards on 72 carries in helping West Hills finish 6-5.

Adding 15 pounds during the offseason should help build Fonseca's confidence as well as his strength.

“He's had some success in the past, but never has had to carry the load before this year,” second-year West Hills coach Casey Ash said of the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Fonseca. “This is a different role for him. He's our guy.”

Fonseca and the Wolf Pack will take a test run in Saturday's sixth annual Kickoff Classic, playing host Francis Parker High.

In an attempt to keep opponents from focusing on Fonseca, West Hills will operate a spread offense. Doing so, Ash said, will enhance Fonseca's value in multiple sets. When he isn't taking handoffs, Fonseca will line up as a slotback.

“We can't let people load the box against us,” Ash said. “We have to make them respect the pass.”

Fonseca caught one pass as a junior.

Senior middle linebacker Kyle Peterson, a three-year veteran, said that puny total is a fluke. Peterson believes Fonseca could be a big-time receiver.

“He is a pretty quick kid,” Peterson said. “He catches everything thrown his way.”

Peterson and Fonseca, who are friends off the field, share time in West Hills' defensive huddle as well. Standing in at outside linebacker and defensive back are included in Fonseca's role.

Fonseca earned all-league honors as a punter with a 38.9-yard average on 36 boots as a junior, so no change is expected there.

“I'll be on the field with every unit but the kickoff squad, I guess,” Fonseca said. “It'll be a big challenge, but I've worked to prepare for my senior year. I think I'm ready.”

As a junior, Fonseca saw his rushing yardage come in bursts. He opened the season with a career-best 187 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries against Hawaii St. Anthony's. He averaged 9.3 yards on six carries against Mission Hills, and bolted 60 yards for a score against El Cajon Valley. His 83 yards and two TDs on 14 carries against Mount Miguel showed signs that Fonseca is capable of being a workhorse.

“Honestly, I'm probably a better slot,” Fonseca said. “But the team needs me to carry the ball because of my experience. What I do know is I need to be a leader. I'm taking that personally. I want to show the younger guys what it takes to win.”

It's Fonseca's unselfish attitude that Ash is hoping becomes contagious among the Wolf Pack this season.