CYPRESS

1997 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 1-4 in league

COACH: Kerry Crabb (3-7 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Brent Avila, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Steve Bouman, DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Marko Cavka, OL/DL, 6-7, 250, Sr.; Nick Colon, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Jeff Crooks, QB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; David Facio, TE/LB, 6-0, 210; Rich Herrera, WR/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Matt Massey, LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Mark Pritchard, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Donte Reid, RB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Josh Rodriguez, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Ben Facio, LB, 6-1, 190, So.; Dave Hansen, LB, 6-1, 205, So.; Justin Jones, RB/DB, 6-1, 175; Paul Kerr, K, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Joe Long, OL, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Aaron McDowell, OL, 6-1, 230, So.; Darren Shorter, RB/DB, 5-10, 185, So.; Phillip Suos, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Shane Young, WR, 6-0, 180, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Cypress lost its leading receiver, Rashaun Lawrence, and the league’s offensive MVP, Kelly Patterson, to graduation, but the nucleus of its offensive line and its quarterback--Crooks--return. So there is hope for improvement over last year’s league season, which was painful except for a victory over winless Century. Crooks had a nice summer and he appears ready for a big senior season. “His leadership capabilities are taking over,” Crabb said. “He’s not making the same mental mistakes he did last year.” Jones and Shorter, transfers from Lakewood Mayfair and Buena Park, will share the tailback position. Herrera, Avila and Jones give the Centurions depth at receiver. The defense, which should be the Centurions’ strength again, is led by middle linebackers Reid and Colon, a second-team all-league selection. Crabb is not talking about winning a league title, but he is shooting for a winning record in league and that would be a positive step.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 10 vs. Edison at Huntington Beach HS; 17 vs. South Torrance at Western HS; 24 at Buena Park.

Oct. 1 vs. Dana Hills at Western HS; 10 vs. Santa Ana at Western HS; 16 vs. Kennedy at Western HS; 22 vs. Century at Western; 29 vs. Loara at Glover Stadium.

Nov. 6 vs. Katella at Western HS; 12 vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS.