Cornerstone Christian School has high expectations this football season.

One reason for the optimism is running back and linebacker John Rossie.

Rossie will be the team leader as the Eagles hope to soar to the eight-man football Omega League championship.

"I wish you could clone him," said Dave Dealy, the football coach and athletic director.

Rossie scored 11 touchdowns last season and rushed for more than 900 yards as a junior for the 5-3 Eagles, who tied for third place in league.

He's one of the original varsity players from his sophomore season, when Cornerstone started its football program and finished 2-2 playing varsity teams.

"He doesn't talk a lot" said Dealy. "He's an inspiration to all the guys."

Rossie was an offensive guard his sophomore year and has blossomed into a team leader.

Justin Kiraly and Jason Bridges are the other seniors who started as sophomores.

Dealy believes this is Cornerstone Christian's best shot to win a league championship in a school rich in athletic tradition in softball, volleyball and basketball.

Rossie, who also plays basketball and baseball, is looking at baseball as his sport of choice in college. He plays shortstop and batted .600 last spring. His team won the Omega League championship his sophomore year.

He's a guard on the basketball team, averaging 14 points per game.

Joe Martinez, a former head football coach at Ventura County Christian, is in his third season as an assistant coach with the Eagles.

Martinez has worked with Rossie the past two seasons on offense and defense.

"John is the heart and soul of the team," said Martinez, who played football at Ventura High and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

"He'll be the leader and one who inspires this team."

Rossie and the Eagles will open the season Sept. 7 against Valley Christian Academy of Santa Maria at Camarillo High at 7 p.m.

Rossie, 17, said football has been a learning experience for all the players.

He had played flag football, but his sophomore year was his first in tackle.

Now he's ready for the challenge and the success everyone expects.

"I'm looking forward to it and teaching (the underclassmen)," said Rossie.

Rossie said the team goal is simple.

"We want to win a league championship," said Rossie.

Tyler Brown, a freshman sprinter at Moorpark College, played with Rossie the past two years.

"He's definitely a leader," said Brown.

Brown believes success hinges on practice.

"It depends on how hard they work," said Brown.

Martinez and Dealy have both spent time with Jon Mack, the Ventura College football coach and former championship coach at St. Bonaventure. They have gained insight on how Mack built a winning program and a strong relationship with players and coaches.

Rossie will have a busy senior year playing three sports and preparing for college.

He wants to major in sports medicine. Rossie said San Diego State is one of the schools on his list.

Rossie's sister, Lauren, an eighth-grader at Cornerstone Christian, competes in gymnastics. Rossie's parents are Tamara and John Sr. The family moved to Camarillo six years ago from Sylmar.