LAGUNA HILLS

1996 RECORD: 9-2 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Steve Bresnahan (74-33-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 8 on offense, 9 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Nate Carreno, OL, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Scott Christie, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Anthony Daye, LB, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Jeff Fischer, DB, 5-6, 150, Jr.; Jeff Hick, OG, 6-1, 240, Sr; Mike Jones, RB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Saia Makakaufaki, TE, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Kevin McCaffrey, DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Miguel Thibodeau, DL, 5-10, 205, Sr.; John Vorsheck, OT, 6-4, 260, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Dustin Adams, LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Tom Banning, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Chris Bernard, WR, 6-0, 155, So.; Frank DeMedio, DT, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Justin MacLean, OT, 5-10, 265, Jr.; Jeremy Miller, DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Hawks won nine in a row before losing the league title to Aliso Niguel, then were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round by an at-large team, Pacifica. “They have been through a successful season, but also a frustrating one,” Bresnahan said. “The lesson they learned was that every game you play, there is a potential for loss. That’s a valuable lesson.” With 17 starters back, expectations are naturally high. Miller, an all-league defensive end, is a transfer from Aliso Niguel. Daye and Makakaufaki are being heavily recruited by big-time schools; along with Jones and McCaffrey, they were first-team all-league players. Jones rushed for 2,131 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Although Jones will shoulder much of the offensive load--he has a chance to become the county’s all-time leading rusher--Banning’s talent as a passer should make the Hawks more diverse. If they can get the ball to Makakaufaki consistently, look out. DeMedio, Adams and MacLean are from Laguna Hills’ 8-2 junior varsity team.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Sonora at Mission Viejo HS; 19 at Trabuco Hills; 26 vs. Burbank at Mission Viejo HS.

Oct. 3 vs. El Toro at Trabuco Hills HS; 10 vs. Dana Hills at Mission Viejo HS; 17 vs. Estancia at Mission Viejo HS; 25 vs. University at Irvine HS; 31 at Laguna Beach.

Nov. 6 vs. Costa Mesa at Mission Viejo HS; 13 at Aliso Niguel.