DANA HILLS

1996 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 0-5 in league

COACH: Scott Orloff (3-7 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 9 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Wei-Shine Chien, C, 5-11, 270, Sr.; Chris Geiger, OG/DT, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Justin Harman, OT, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Matt Johnson, LB/TE, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Mike Mortensen, OG, 5-8, 200, Jr.; Casey O’Brian, DT, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Larry Page, FS/WR, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Julio Peraza, RB, 5-11, 198, Sr.; Aaron Shook, LB/TE, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Jeremy Walker, QB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Kevin Wayland, OT, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Chris Weber, CB/WR, 6-0, 188, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Ray DiGiacomo, G, 5-9, 225, Jr.; Chris Lawford, WR/SS, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Nate Pilmer, SS/WR, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Josh Prieve, SS/WR, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Rida Sharaf, DE/RB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Ryan Wolfe, DE, 5-9, 200, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Dana Hills has not been to the playoffs since 1991, when it lost to Irvine, 22-11, in the Division II section final. Since then, the Dolphins have mustered only three league victories in 25 games. But they have a chance to turn that around this season. “If we stay healthy, we could still be hanging around somewhere at the end of the season,” Orloff said. On the front line, Orloff calls all-league selection Chien “the best center in the county.” Running behind a group that also features Wayland and Harman is Peraza, a three-year starter who rushed for 844 yards last season. Walker started four games at quarterback last season before he broke a finger on his throwing hand, so the passing game has some experience too. Add to that Page, who led the team in receptions and rushed for 349 yards last season. Page, who is being recruited by several Pacific 10 schools, also leads the defense. “Larry is one of those athletes you get once every blue moon,” Orloff said.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Aliso Niguel; 19 vs. Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon at the Lake Elsinore Diamond; 26 vs. La Puente Bishop Amat.

Oct. 3 vs. East Valley Redlands; 10 vs. Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo HS; 17 vs. San Clemente; 24 vs. Capistrano Valley; 30 vs. Mater Dei at Cal State Fullerton.

Nov. 7 at Mission Viejo; 14 at Trabuco Hills.