PREP EXTRA : County’s Top 10

1. Los Alamitos

Back on top again after stumbling against Mater Dei in the Division I semifinals. With seven starters returning on offense and eight on defense, plus 60 lettermen, it’s time to start that new unbeaten streak. The last one lasted 47 games.

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2. Mater Dei

It’s an old line, but what the heck--the Monarchs don’t rebuild, they reload. Only two starters are back on offense, but seven return from a defense that gave up more than 14 points only once during the regular season.

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3. Esperanza

A lot of returning players, including 12 starters. If David Parrish plays as expected at quarterback and Jamal Footman is half as good a running back as his brother (Dahrin), then another Los Alamitos-Esperanza classic looms.

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4. Foothill

Slow starts the past two seasons, but the Knights won league titles both years. Last season, they reached the Division V semifinals and have 13 starters back. They also have size, speed and experience. All that’s missing is a good start.

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5. Santa Margarita

Back to the pass after a year fooling around with an option offense. Quarterback Chris Collins is healthy and gets to toss the ball forward this season. That, plus 16 returning starters, will make the Eagles the team to beat in the Sea View League.

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6. Capistrano Valley

A first-year head coach couldn’t ask for much more. Among the 12 returning starters is the entire backfield. That should make life a lot easier for Coach Dave Brown. Only one thing would make him happier--no Mater Dei.

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7. El Toro

With 13 returning starters, plus a bunch of talent up from a 10-0 junior varsity, the Chargers should challenge Santa Margarita. All that’s needed to get over the top is good play from an inexperienced backfield.

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8. Servite

Hey, defense wins championships. The Friars have eight starters back on defense. Now if they can massage some points out of an offense that returns only two starters, they might make another run at a section championship.

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9. Rancho Alamitos

Only six returning starters and not a lot of depth. But there’s talent galore, including John Frank, a three-year starter at quarterback. Leo Kosi and David Vickers give the Vaqueros another potent running attack and possibly another Garden Grove League title. *

10. Aliso Niguel

Just what South County needed, another budding power. Aliso Niguel, only two-years old, has an outstanding junior class. With 15 starters back from a team that just missed the playoffs, back-to-back Pacific Coast League titles is a distinct possibility.

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Others to watch: Brethren Christian, El Dorado, Fountain Valley, Kennedy, Los Amigos, Newport Harbor, Sonora, Troy, University, Western.