UNIVERSITY

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

COACH: Mark Cunningham (48-78-4 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Keith Burke, OL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Colin Cavanaugh, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Will Chou, OL/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Nathan Davis, OL/LB, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Andy Dennis, QB/LB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Chris Gray, SS, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Chris Hearn, LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Chet Johnson, FS, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Matt Kirby, DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Justin Lin, NG, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Jesse McCarthy, DE, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Sean Nguyen, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Jimmy Owen, TE, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Raemone Sequierra, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Dan Tadych, RB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Reggie Edwards, RB, 5-9, 150, Jr.

OUTLOOK

At first glance, University appears experienced, but returning players must still learn how to win after only one victory last season. Like a few other teams in the Pacific Coast League, the Trojans’ strength is its offensive line. University is led by Nguyen, a three-year starter. Dennis started on defense last season, but will move to quarterback. In one of his few appearances last season, Dennis threw for a school-record 306 yards in one half against Orange Lutheran. Sequierra has the best hands on the team, but Cavanaugh is also a valuable receiver out of the backfield. Tadych is a good runner who can throw some devastating blocks from the fullback position, and Edwards rushed for 2,000 yards on junior varsity last season. Johnson is a hard hitter at free safety, who led the team with six interceptions last season. Cunningham also likes Hearn’s quickness on defense.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 at Irvine; 17 vs. El Monte Arroyo at Irvine HS; 25 vs. Woodbridge at Irvine HS.

Oct. 2 vs. Orange at Irvine HS; 10 vs. Saddleback at Santa Ana Stadium; 16 vs. Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo HS; 22 vs. Costa Mesa at Irvine HS; 30 vs. Aliso Niguel at Irvine HS.

Nov. 6 vs. Estancia at Irvine HS; 13 at Laguna Beach.