SUNNY HILLS

1995 RECORD: 6-5 overall, 4-1 in league.

COACH: Tim Devaney (133-52-3 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 9 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Kevin Ashton, TE/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Sean Ellerson, TE/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; David Goodloe, WR/DB, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Mike Hong, OL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Adam Rodriguez, RB/DB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Paul Rohdenburg, OL, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Chris Zeiler, QB, 6-3, 185, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jay Calimlim, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; James Dinh, RB/DB, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Ryan Driessen, OL/DL, 6-0, 198, Jr.; Kevin Haiola, RB/LB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Sione Haiola, RB/DB, 5-10, 190, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Forget the Lancers’ overall record and first-round playoff exit. Devaney started 17 sophomores last season, and the team had to grow up as the season went on. None learned faster than Rodriguez. The pocket-sized defensive back who hits with the kick of a Georgia mule was a unanimous first-team all-league selection as a sophomore, one of six Lancer underclassmen to be a first- or second-team pick. Sunny Hills’ only league loss was to champion Fullerton, and the Indians were the only Freeway opponent to hold the Lancers to a single touchdown. That’s the main reason Sunny Hills looms as the favorite to win the league, especially with a potentially sturdy defense. It will need to be. The offensive line is inexperienced, and there is no dominant running back. Scoring wasn’t that much of a problem--Sunny Hills averaged 17.8 points--but scoring at key times was, often keeping games closer than necessary. That will not stop the Lancers from thinking title, however, especially if the defense is as good as advertised.