LOARA

1995 RECORD: 4-7 overall, 3-2 in league.

COACH: John deFries (24-33 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Mike Diersing, WR, 5-11, 160, Sr.; John Duhon, RB, 5-10, 182, Sr.; John Filson, OL/DL, 6-2, 222, Sr.; Joey Iantorno, C, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Archie Lappin, QB., 5-9, 165, Sr.; Jeremiah Marchand-Simons, WR, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Sam Marks, DL, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Harry Redmond, FB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Aaron Reinard, DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Nathan Robbins, DE/TE, 6-2, 212, Sr.; Vince Vaccaro, LB/FB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Eddie Williams, WR, 6-1, 168, Sr.; Jimmy Weber, TE/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Greg deFries, FB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Loara has reached the playoffs in four of deFries’ five seasons. With deFries’ returning talent, five out of six is a distinct possibility. The Saxons return the league’s top quarterback in Lappin, who threw for 1,657 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushed for 368 yards, and Redmond (347 yards), their starting fullback. The receiving corps are strong with Robbins, a first-team, all-league player, and Diersing (21 catches, 292 yards) and Williams, honorable mention all-leaguer. Also back is Duhon, who rushed for 350 yards and three touchdowns in 60 carries. If there’s a weakness on offense, it’s an untested line. The defense is small and inexperienced but mobile. DeFries’ son Greg, a transfer from El Modena, and Vaccaro, an honorable mention all-leaguer, will have to help out a defensive line that returns only one starter, Robbins. “We’ll try and upset the tea kettle by filling the gaps and confusing the offense,” deFries said. “We’ll be doing a lot of flying around.”