LOS AMIGOS

1997 RECORD: 7-2-1 overall, 5-1 in league

COACH: Roger Takahashi (33-11-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Enrique Arroyo, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Anthony Faletoi, FB/LB, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Mike Giron, OL, 6-1, 295, Sr.; Andrew Niumata, RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Ao Sualua, QB/DB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Debose White, TE/DL, 6-3, 245, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Joe Masaniai, OL/DE, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Peter Matagi, DL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Mike McClellan, OL/DE, 5-10, 235, Jr.; Jimmy Ton, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Lobos have finished the last five league seasons 5-1, but that string could be snapped this year. Takahashi lost two starters to grades and another one moved, but he still might have enough talent at the skilled positions to go through league undefeated. Sualua, whose older brother Nicky plays fullback for the Dallas Cowboys, appears ready to emerge as one of the county’s top quarterbacks. “He can carry the offense,” Takahashi said. “He’s always a threat to tuck and go and he had a great summer throwing the ball.” Niumata, who had a nagging knee injury last season, and Faletoi give Los Amigos an explosive backfield. The biggest question mark is on the offensive line, which is inexperienced except for White and Giron. The league title race could be decided as late as Week 10, when the Lobos meet two-time defending champion Rancho Alamitos.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Orange Lutheran at Brea Olinda HS; 17 vs. Valencia at Garden Grove HS; 25 vs. Lakewood Mayfair at Garden Grove HS.

Oct. 2 at Garden Grove; 9 vs. Santiago at Garden Grove HS; 15 vs. Bolsa Grande at Garden Grove HS; 22 vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande HS; 30 vs. La Quinta at Garden Grove HS.

Nov. 6 at Bellflower; 13 vs. Rancho Alamitos at Bolsa Grande HS.