EL MODENA

1996 RECORD: 4-7 overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: Steve Howard (17-22-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jerome Anderson, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Rory Carpenter, OL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Kevin Dykes, DB/WR, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Matt Garcia, QB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Ryan Jackson, OLB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Alex Solorio, OL, 6-0, 245, Jr.; Mike Walters, LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Charlie Williams, RB/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Alex Cesa, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Jordan Czaykowski, LB, 6-1, 170, So.; Reggie Franklin, DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Alex Garcia, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Jimmie Juarez, WR, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Edward Kim, OL, 5-11, 235, Jr.; Juan Rios, TE, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Pat Romo, DL, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Jason Sherrill, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Ian Souza, DE, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Scott Spearman, QB, 5-9, 165, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Vanguards won two of their last three games last season to qualify for the playoffs so Howard is optimistic that the team can build on that success. “Hopefully that means we learned how to win tough ball games,” Howard said. “But this team also has a hunger and desire. We don’t have any stars but it’s a cohesive group that really pulls for each other.” Williams led the team in rushing (906 yards) and touchdowns (eight) last season and Garcia returns at quarterback after spending a full season as a starter. Three offensive linemen return, including all-league selection Carpenter, so Howard isn’t too worried about offensive production. “There are a lot of holes to fill on defense,” Howard said. Walters, an all-league linebacker last season, Souza (defensive line) and Dykes (defensive back) will have to “step up and be leaders,” Howard said. Injuries could be a concern, but the Vanguards should still contend for a playoff spot if not the league title. A tough nonleague schedule will test El Modena early.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 at Garden Grove; 18 vs. Sunny Hills; 26 at Tustin.

Oct. 2 vs. Santa Margarita; 10 vs. Loara at Glover Stadium; 18 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium; 24 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS; 31 vs. Orange.

Nov. 7 vs. Villa Park; 14 vs. Canyon.