SANTA ANA VALLEY

1996 RECORD: 0-10 overall, 0-5 in league

COACH: Eddie Steward (0-10 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Koa Bartlett, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; David Godinez, C, 5-11, 247, Sr.; Jesus Guerrero, T, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Hector Mora, RB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Jorge Morales, G, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Sterling Pilialoha, G, 5-11, 295, Sr.; James Sargent, SS, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Bryan Save, TE, 6-3, 245, Jr.; Soa Taing, DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Tupenatanoe Tanielu, DE, 5-10, 215, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Aaron Barragan, CB, 5-11, 150, So.; Jayson Davis, T, 6-3, 247, Jr.; David Guevara, LB, 5-10, 180, So.; Lynch Lamont, WR, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Rolando Ramirez, QB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Joseph Saucedo, DT, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Nafis Williams, DT, 6-0, 230, Sr.

OUTLOOK

“We took our lumps last season,” said Steward, whose team was outscored, 468-144, allowing 50 points or more in four games. “But the kids have worked so hard this summer so it’s a challenge for them to prove that they’re not an 0-10 team.” Most winless teams don’t have a weapon like Save, who finished among the county’s top 15 in receptions and had 803 receiving yards as a sophomore. “By the time league rolled around, they were double- and triple-teaming Bryan,” Steward said. “And he was still catching five passes a game.” Ramirez will have to get the ball to Save, but he also has another good target in Bartlett. The running game should be stronger with returners Mora and Sargent. Taing and Tanielu anchor an aggressive defensive unit. “I don’t know if we’re ready to challenge for the playoffs,” Steward said. “But we’ll be more competitive.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium; 20 vs. Kennedy at Western HS; 25 vs. Saddleback at Santa Ana Stadium.

Oct. 3 vs. Century at Santa Ana Stadium; 10 at Western; 18 vs. El Modena at Santa Ana Stadium; 25 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS; 30 vs. Canyon at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 7 vs. Orange at Santa Ana Stadium; 14 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS.