Stevens Replaces Buenafe as Garden Grove Coach

Ralph Stevens was named head football coach at Garden Grove High, replacing Jeff Buenafe, who compiled a 27-37 record in his six years with the Argonauts. Stevens was Buenafe’s defensive coordinator the last five seasons.

Garden Grove Athletic Director Ron Zajec said he made the change two weeks ago, but decided to announce it Friday.

“We felt there was desire to go in another direction,” Zajec said. “Jeff spent six good years here in building the program. We had 142 kids participating in football last year. There were 47 when he started.”

During his tenure, Buenafe’s teams reached the playoffs twice, in 1991 and ’92. In 1992, the Argonauts reached the Division VII semifinals before losing to Sunny Hills. But last season, Garden Grove slipped to 3-7, 3-4 in league.

Zajec said Buenafe will remain at the school as a math teacher.