SERVITE

1997 RECORD: 6-6 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Larry Toner (62-42-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Stephen Ayers, S, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Mark Bedard, RB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Tyrone Gribben, RB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Jacob Moreno, LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Daniel Petropulos, QB, 6-3, 195, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Curtis Bibolet, DB, 6-3, 190, Jr.

OUTLOOK

If the Friars can survive a grueling nonleague schedule--Esperanza, Fontana and Mater Dei--they should be able to handle the rest of the season, with the possible exception of Tustin. Last season, the Tillers handed the Friars their first league loss in four years, 43-28. This season’s game in late October should decide the league title. The Friars are going to miss starting quarterback Ryan Garko, a first-team all-leaguer who decided to skip football and concentrate on baseball. But Petropulos should be ready to take over. He started four games last season, completing 52 of 102 passes for 735 yards, with six touchdowns and two interceptions. Toner plans to pass a lot, but does not want to rely heavily on either his running or passing game. “We won’t be able to slug it out with others because of our size, and we don’t have highly skilled receivers,” Toner said. “So we need to mix it up and keep the other team off balance.” Gribben and Bedard will probably share time in the backfield.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 10 vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS; 18 vs. Fontana at Cal State Fullerton; 25 vs. El Toro at Trabuco Hills HS.

Oct. 2 vs. Fountain Valley at Huntington Beach HS; 10 vs. Mater Dei at Cal State Fullerton; 17 vs. Saddleback at Cal State Fullerton; 22 vs. Ocean View at Westminster HS; 30 at Tustin.

Nov. 6 vs. Westminster at Cal State Fullerton; 13 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium.