EL DORADO

1996 RECORD: 5-6 overall; 5-0 in league

COACH: Rick Jones (39-47 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Mike Curtis, OL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Donny Dymond, DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Tim Fairfield, DB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Brandon Fischer, RB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Dan Hancock, OL, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Matt McRae, LB/P, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Mitch Nord, QB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Larry Olavirez, WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Carlos Rasch, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Steve Warfield, RB, 5-6, 160, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Tom Charboneau, OL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Jeff Coursey, OL, 5-11, 190, So.; Aaron Mills, TE, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Aaron Milroy, OL, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Eric Rarey, OL, 6-0, 240, So.

OUTLOOK

El Dorado played two seasons in one. The Hawks lost their first five games. But once the league schedule started the Hawks soared above the pack, sweeping their way to the Empire title. And they did it despite Nord’s struggles at quarterback (45 of 156, 560 yards, three touchdowns, 12 interceptions). He figures to be improved this year, or at least more comfortable running the offense. Despite his small stature, Warfield (1,303 yards, 18 touchdowns) wore out opponents. He plans on an even bigger 1997 season even though the offensive line can’t be defined as overpowering. Fischer (77 yards) also might get more playing time. Overlooked but a critical weapon for El Dorado is punter Matt McRae, who earned Times All-County first-team honors by averaging 42.2 yards per kick (46.7 yards in league play). It’s a good bet El Dorado won’t sneak up on the rest of the league this season. But the Hawks have no plans on abdicating their title, either.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Canyon at Valencia HS; 19 at La Habra; 26 at Valencia.

Oct. 3 vs. Glendora at Citrus College; 10 at Brea Olinda; 16 vs. Cypress at Western HS; 24 vs. Century at Valencia HS; 31 vs. Katella at Glover Stadium.

Nov. 7 vs. Kennedy at Western HS; 14 vs. Loara at Glover Stadium.