CAPISTRANO VALLEY

1996 RECORD: 8-4 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Dave Brown (17-7 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Austin Allen, ILB, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Scott Brenton, OL, 6-4, 250, Sr.; Joe Brown, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Ryan Brown, RB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Wes Brown, DB/WR, 6-4, 180, Sr.; James Dewell, DE, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Eric Ettlin, TE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Jeff Flowers, OL, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Mike Gunther, OL, 6-4, 250, Sr.; Ryan Gustafson, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Tucker Johnson, DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Spanky Michaelis, NT, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Tyler Moore, OG, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Evan Rubin, ILB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Craig Tortorici, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Blake Worley, OT, 6-7, 280, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Adam Cicciarella, DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Jeff Dixon, QB, 6-0, 175, So.; Matt Geiss, WR, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Garrett Gray, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Nate Lowery, OLB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Jermaine McKinny, RB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Brady Miller, WR, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Shane Mount, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Garrett Prechtl, QB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Ryan Richards, WR, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Scott Stephans, RB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Derrick Stephans, OLB, 6-0, 185, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Consensus is the Cougars will pose the biggest threat to Mater Dei’s South Coast dominance. Capistrano Valley lost some marquee players--running back Maleafou MacKenzie (USC) and quarterback Austin Moherman (Ohio State)--but has capable replacements. Ryan Brown is big and fast and will have a chance to shine after playing behind MacKenzie. Quarterback Dixon led the freshman team to an 8-1-1 record last season and will play behind a big, strong line led by Worley. Defensively, all-league selection Allen leads an athletic unit with seven returning starters. “Mater Dei is the team to beat, but Dana Hills will make some noise and Mission has a lot of talent,” Brown said. “This league is as strong as I’ve seen it.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 at La Mirada; 19 vs. Edison; 26 vs. Foothill.

Oct. 4 at Atascadero; 10 vs. Bakersfield; 17 vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium; 24 at Dana Hills; 31 vs. Trabuco Hills.

Nov. 7 at San Clemente; 14 vs. Mission Viejo.