FOOTHILL

1995 RECORD: 5-4-1 overall, 2-2-1 in league.

COACH: Tom Meiss (29-18-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Josh Arhart, DT, 5-11, 215, Jr.; Steve Burns, OG, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Matt Hall, WR, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Jake Jacobs, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Tyler Lang, QB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Lawrence Mariner, LB/TE, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Ruben Vaughan, DE, 6-2, 230, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Mike Brizuela, C, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Eric Davidson, OG, 5-11, 250, Jr.; Dana Dempsey, LB/TE, 6-0, 185, So.; Josh Harvey, DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Robby Koster, QB/WR, 6-2, 170, So.; Jason Poston, DB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Tim Wells, OG, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Anthony White, DT, 5-11, 245, Jr.; Jon Whiddon, K, 6-0, 165, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Foothill could have won its third consecutive league title with a victory over Villa Park in the 1995 regular-season finale, but the Knights’ season ended bitterly with a loss and elimination from the playoffs. Meiss insists that letdown isn’t a huge driving force for the Knights this season and they’re just focused on winning a third league crown in four seasons. The Knights are favored because of a strong nucleus of returners, including all-league selections Lang and Mariner. The passing game should flourish with Lang, a two-year starter who completed 49% of his passes for 1,398 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions last season. Koster will be an able backup and Meiss said he is one of his “super sophs” who could contribute immediately. Mariner and Arhart anchor the defense, which should get a boost when Vaughan returns in October. Vaughan missed most of the ’95 season after suffering a knee injury in the first game of the season. Injuries could make the difference between disappointment or a championship season.