VILLA PARK

1995 RECORD: 8-4 overall, 3-2 in league.

COACH: Pat Mahoney (79-57-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jeff Becker, OT, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Jim Creger, DB/HB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; James Christman, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Jon Johnson, DT, 6-0, 255, Jr.; Nathan Johnson, TE/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Nick Muranda, DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Paul Neilson, DE, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Roman Roacho, DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jim Ulloa, LB/FB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Jameson Weatherford, DT, 6-4, 260, Sr.; Ryan Wann, LB/QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Adam Durante, LB/FB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jordon Reese, OL, 6-4, 290, Jr.; Travis Roper, TE/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Shane Vickers, OB/WR, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Zack Webb, DE/TE, 6-2, 195, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Dache Dameron, RB, 5-8, 170, So.; Matt Jackson, QB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Matt Mahoney, 5-9, 200, So.; Todd Snyder, RB, 5-10, 145, Sr.; Matt Swearingen, FB, 5-11, 185, So.

OUTLOOK

The defending league champs have most of their defensive starters returning including second-team all-league linebackers Creger, a three-year starter, and Wann. Wann might also play running back or quarterback and has drawn comparisons to former Villa Park standout, USC’s Grant Pearsall, Mahoney said. “The defense might have to carry us early,” Mahoney said. That’s because there ere are some big holes to fill on offense. Wann, Dameron and Snyder are the top candidates to replace the league’s offensive player of the year, running back Chris Bell. Mahoney said inexperience could be a factor at quarterback, but both Vickers and Jackson, who transferred from Mater Dei, show promise. The Spartans should challenge for the league title, but they may have to rely on a running game led by a big and physical offensive line.