LOS ALAMITOS

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

COACH: John Barnes (155-51-6 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Chris Garnto, LB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Grant Hagen, OL, 6-3, 275, Sr.; Blair Havens, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Chris Raices, OL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Bernard Riley, DL, 6-3, 308, Jr.; Jason Rodriguez, DL, 6-2, 210, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Sagen Atuatasi, DL, 6-3, 290, Jr.; Chris Bagley, WR, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Zack Blazek, QB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Josiah Doby, RB, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Ryan Godfrey, WR, 6-1, 170, Jr.; John Gonzales, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Matt Haub, OL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Keenan Howry, WR, 5-10, 160, Jr.; A.K. Keyes, DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Mike White, OL, 6-1, 225, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Last season Barnes had a difficult time convincing people the Griffins were in transition--especially after Los Alamitos won nine of its first 10 games and shared the league championship. But the losses to Esperanza and Long Beach Poly (in the playoffs) were telling; the Griffins would have to get stronger on the offensive and defensive lines, and swifter at wide receiver. It appears Los Alamitos is beefier up front. Lead returning receiver Havens (40 catches, 583 yards) is more a possession guy than a burner, but there is the usual complement of receivers that has made the Los Alamitos passing attack so feared the past few seasons. If the team speed turns out to be more myth than reality, making the playoffs will be a chore.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Cypress at Cerritos Gahr HS; 18 vs. L.A. Washington at Gahr HS; 25 vs. Loara at Veterans Stadium.

Oct. 3 at Western; 9 vs. Long Beach Wilson at Gahr HS; 17 vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS; 23 vs. Fountain Valley at Gahr HS; 30 vs. Marina at Westminster HS.

Nov. 6 vs. Edison at Gahr HS; 13 at Huntington Beach.