SUNNY HILLS

1997 RECORD: 8-2-1 overall, 4-0-1 in league

COACH: Tim Devaney (149-58-4 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 1 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jose Arevalos, OL, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Jared Bruce, QB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Nick Garcia, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Robert Haynes, OL, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Tindu Kasiri, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Adam Orozco, OL/DL, 5-10, 205, Sr.; George Seargent, LB, 5-7, 160, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

James Drummond, TE/LB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; C.J. Gosnell, DL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Barent Pippert, TE/LB, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Shane Pridmore, RB, 5-7, 180, Sr.; Steve Rhoads, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Chris Wheaton, RB/DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Justin Wheaton, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Things may not be as sunny this season for the Lancers, who have won or shared the last two league titles. The good news is the offensive line returns nearly intact (though missing graduated all-county pick Jason Hayward). And Bruce (570 yards, five TDs), who earned second-team all-league honors, is a second-year starter at quarterback. But Bruce won’t have league MVP Kevin Haiola (1,027 yards, nine TDs) and all-league selection Adam Rodriguez (54 yards, 13 TDs) to keep defenders respecting the running game. He will have to improve as a passer. And Rhoads won’t have an easy task duplicating the play of graduated all-league receiver Grady Funk, who averaged almost 18 yards a catch. Devaney also has to rebuild the defense that gave up only 123 points in its 11 games; it will be tested early and often in nonleague games. The Lancers won’t rule the Freeway League in 1998, and they may struggle to reach the playoffs. But it’s always dangerous to underestimate them.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 at Baldwin Park Sierra Vista; 18 vs. El Modena at Buena Park HS; 25 vs. Brea Olinda at Buena Park HS.

Oct. 2 vs. LaZerte (Canada) at Buena Park HS; 9 vs. Valencia at Buena Park HS; 16 vs. Fullerton at Buena Park HS; 23 at Buena Park; 30 at La Habra.

Nov. 6 vs. Sonora at La Habra HS; 13 vs. Troy at Fullerton HS.