KENNEDY

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

COACH: Mitch Olson (65-43-3 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Andre Banks, WR/DB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Neil Hannifin, OL/LB, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Josh Koziel, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Dave Smith, OL/DL, 6-3, 275, Sr.; Jack Tucker, FB/LB, 6-1, 225, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Marc Cook, WR/LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Aaron Lewis, WR/DB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Cliff Okada, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Gabriel Roman, QB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Ryan Smith, DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.

OUTLOOK

It’s hard to believe the loss of one player can completely unravel a team’s season. But that’s what happened when wide receiver and free safety Garrett Sabol was lost for the season because of a knee injury in Week 7. The Fighting Irish, 6-1 at the time and favorites to win the Empire League, did not win another game. They will be better prepared this season. Olson expects to have one of the top offensive lines in the league, and believes Tucker (203 yards) is ready to be a star. The graduation of Tom Haas leaves a void at quarterback. Roman, who moved to Corona before the start of last season but has since returned, will try to ease the loss.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 13 vs. Savanna at Glover Field; 20 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Western HS; 26 vs. Montebello at Western HS.

Oct. 3 at Valencia; 9 at Buena Park; 16 vs. Katella at Glover Stadium; 23 vs. Cypress at Western HS; 30 vs. Loara at Western HS.

Nov. 7 vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS; 14 vs. Century at Western HS.