TUSTIN

1996 RECORD: 11-2 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Myron Miller (15-8-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Corey Alston, OT, 6-5, 310, Sr.; Josh Bailey, MLB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; DeShaun Foster, RB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Derek Johnson, G/TE, 6-2, 220, Jr.; David Little, FB, 5-11, 215, Jr.; Josh Schaer, TE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Todd Scott, QB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Julius Williams, WB/CB, 6-0, 180, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Chris Chatman, FS, 6-5, 200, So.; Branden Malcom, RB/CB, 5-9, 155, So.; Mike Zill, LB, 6-1, 160, So.

OUTLOOK

How Foster, a second-team all-county selection, does will more than likely decide how well the Tillers, No. 4 in the Southern Section Division V preseason football rankings, do. He led the county last year by scoring 218 points with 34 touchdowns. Foster is one of the county’s quickest runners doesn’t mind taking on opposing linebackers. But most of the time he just runs by them. He averaged 10.6 yards per carry and ran for 1,630 yards last year. SuperPrep Magazine rates him as one of the top 25 prospects in California. But Foster might have to gain some of early yardage on his own. Miller concedes that rebuilding the Tiller lines is a top priority. Alston is expected to be the anchor. After that, Miller is looking for candidates. He’s experimenting with Johnson at tight end, but might need him at guard. Scott ranked third in the county last year in quarterback efficiency, completing 65 of 110 passes for 1,205 yards and 12 touchdowns. Schaer was injured a good deal last year but should contribute a lot. “We have offensive speed,” Miller said. “The defense is very young. We’re small, but have great speed.” Malcom, Chatman and Zill, all up from the junior varsity, are expected to make big contributions.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Foothill; 19 vs. Palm Springs; 26 vs. El Modena.

Oct. 2 at Huntington Beach; 9 vs. Canyon at El Modena HS; 17 vs. Santa Ana; 24 vs. Saddleback at Santa Ana Stadium; 31 vs. Ocean View.

Nov. 7 vs. Servite at Cal State Fullerton; 14 at Westminster.