CANYON

1996 RECORD: 7-4 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Bob Hughes (27-15-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2 on offense, 1 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Tyler Culver, FB/LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Geoff Lais, QB/DB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Jermaine Montgomery, RB/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Robert Pedroza, G/T, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Brian Tracy, OL/ILB, 6-1, 215, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Bryce Ashland, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Blake Alsbrook, OLB/TE, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Scott Ausmus, RB/OLB, 6-0, 190, So.; Josh Eddy, E/DB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Brian Fogle, OT/DT, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Stephen Grindstaff, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Chris Hannah, OT/DT, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Aram Keuilian, QB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Mike Nevin, DE/OG, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Todd Rigby, DB/WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Ryan Smith, OLB/RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Casey Starr, SE/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Josh Steichen, OT/DT, 6-0, 210, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Comanches hope to make a run at a fifth consecutive playoff appearance this season, and it won’t be easy. With only three returning starters, Canyon will reload with youth. All-league selections Montgomery and Culver give the offense its only returners in the backfield, but Hughes still believes his offense will produce. Hughes said Rigby, who transferred from Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon, is a top-flight receiver. Hughes also likes his three quarterbacks: Keuilian, who played junior varsity last year, sophomore Josh Chelini, who played with the freshman team, and Lais. Defensively, Hughes hopes Tracy can lead a young and inexperienced squad that will be seasoned quickly during a tough nonleague schedule. “We’re playing five playoff-caliber programs,” Hughes said. “I hope we don’t get too banged up.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS; 20 vs. Brea Olinda at El Modena HS; 26 vs. Corona del Mar at El Modena HS.

Oct. 3 at Newport Harbor; 9 vs. Tustin at El Modena HS; 16 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS; 24 vs. Orange at El Modena HS; 30 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 6 vs. Foothill at El Modena HS; 14 at El Modena.