CYPRESS

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

COACH: Kerry Crabb (0-0 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Diante Armstrong, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Ernest Brooks, WR/DB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Aaron Doss, TE/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Tyler Humphries, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Rashaun Lawrence, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Kevin Libick, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Jack Nealeigh, RB/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Kelly Patterson, RB/DB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Ryan Smith, OL/DL, 6-4, 285; Herbie Vanderhorst, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Eric Van Landingham, WR, 6-1, 170, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Brent Avila, QB/DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Ernie Balina, DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Steve Bowman, LB, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Chris Castro, TE/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Marco Cavka, OL/DL, 6-6, 250, Jr.; Jeff Crooks, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Rich Herrera, DB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Donte Reid, LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Josh Rodriguez, OL, 6-1, 240, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Crabb brings a fresh set of eyes from Mission Viejo, where he was offensive coordinator. (He also was a head coach at West Torrance). In fact Crabb will provide the third fresh start for Cypress since the resignation of longtime coach John Selbe. Crabb inherits a program that Ted Hovorka got into the playoffs last year, but the Centurions are still looking for their first league title since 1978. With 17 returning players Crabb will have a foundation on which to build, starting with offensive and defensive linemen who have size--led by Smith, an all-league pick--if not experience. Patterson (493 yards, six touchdowns) will key the running attack. Crooks, who saw limited time as a sophomore, has earned the start at quarterback.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Los Alamitos at Cerritos Gahr HS; 19 at Western; 26 vs. Savanna at Glover Stadium.

Oct. 3 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium; 9 vs Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium; 16 vs. El Dorado at Western HS; 23 vs. Kennedy at Western HS; 31 vs. Century at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 7 vs. Loara at Western HS; 13 vs. Katella at Glover Stadium.