ORANGE

1996 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Dick Hill (13-16-1)

RETURNING STARTERS: 9 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Adam Buell, OT/DT, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Derald Deason, SE/DB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Brandon Oyenoki, OG/DT, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Chance Perry, TB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Mike Salaz, OT/DT, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Joaquin Soto, FB/LB, 5-11, 230, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jacob Accord, C, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Julian Bernal, E, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Ryan Dickerson, SE/DB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Evan Gramley, E, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Jason Gallagher, C/DT, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Marc Gallagher, OT/DE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Bobby Garbus, TB/DB, 5-10, 155, So.; Damon Gaudioso, E, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Brad Groom, TB/DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Mike Hall, RB/LB, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Jesus Herrera, E/DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Eduardo Javier, TB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr. ; Sean Jones, QB/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jon Kobus, QB/DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Mike Kobus, T, 5-10, 300, Sr.; Chris Mayes, SE/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Joe Montano, C/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; K.C. Rowley, C/E, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Justin Skipper, SE/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Ben Skolnick, G/DT, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Corey Slayton, OT/DE, 6-1, 200, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Panthers return 17 starters from a team that barely missed the playoffs last season, so they’re optimistic about returning to the post-season as well as challenging for the league title. Deason is one of the most versatile and exciting players in the county. He had 51 receptions for 874 yards and scored nine touchdowns last season. He also intercepted six passes. “He’s a game breaker,” El Modena Coach Steve Howard said. Perry and Soto combined for nearly 600 yards last season to give them experienced running backs.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Newport Harbor at El Modena HS; 19 at San Clemente; 25 vs. Katella at El Modena HS.

Oct. 3 vs. Edison at El Modena HS; 9 at Garden Grove; 17 vs. Foothill at El Modena HS; 24 vs. Canyon at El Modena HS; 31 at El Modena.

Nov. 7 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium; 13 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS.