PACIFICA

1996 RECORD: 10-4 overall, 3-3 in league

COACH: Bill Craven (160-67-8 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Louie Ala, FB/LB, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Ramez Ammari, OL/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Jon Dorenbos, TE/DE, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Jon Guenther, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Brian Manley, FB/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Frank Moreida, RB/DB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Jason Simpson, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Willis Manley, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Art Ochoa, OL/DL, 250, Jr.; Eric Ruegger, WR, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Bret Stern, RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Mariners look to be one of the teams to battle Rancho Alamitos for the league title, after the at-large team shocked the Vaqueros in last season’s semifinals. Ranked fifth among the division’s preseason top 10, Pacifica returns seven starters to the defense, including all-league selection Ammari. Craven, in his 22nd year, has led the team to 11 league titles and 18 trips to the playoffs. Craven’s concern for this year’s team is a lack of experience on offense. Quarterback J.D. Stern graduated, so the Mariners will look to Dorenbos and Simpson to lead the offense.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Woodbridge at Irvine HS; 18 vs. Huntington Beach at Bolsa Grande HS; 26 at Bell Gardens HS.

Oct. 2 vs. Magnolia at Western HS; 9 vs. La Quinta at Bolsa Grande HS; 16 vs. Los Amigos at Garden Grove HS; 23 vs. Rancho Alamitos at Bolsa Grande HS; 31 at Garden Grove.

Nov. 7 vs. Santiago at Bolsa Grande HS; 14 at Bolsa Grande.