Santa Ana Valley

Coach: George Payan (14th year).

1995: Southern Section Division I-A finalists; Century League finals runner-up; 3-2 league dual-meet record.

Key returners: Marco Cano, Jr.; Luis Estrada, Sr.; Isidoro Lucas, Sr.; Carlos Morgado, Jr.; Miguel Martinez, Sr.; David Ojeda, Jr.; Juan Sanchez, Jr.

Key newcomers: George Gutierrez, Sr.; Jose Jimenez, So.; Victor Lopez, Fr.

Outlook: The Falcons return seven of their top eight runners from a very strong 1995 team, so look for Payan’s squad to contend for the county title. Estrada is a two-time all-county first-team selection and the defending league champion. Gutierrez returns to the team after taking last season off and will battle Lucas for the No. 2 spot. Morgado is slated as the fourth man, while Cano, Sanchez, Ojeda and Martinez are the leading candidates for the remaining varsity positions. Martinez finished eighth in the league finals a year ago. The tough Century League takes its toll on teams, but the Falcons have enough depth to make a bid for a state meet spot.