COSTA MESA
1997 RECORD: 10-2 overall, 4-1 in league
COACH: Jerry Howell (21-12 at school)
RETURNING STARTERS: 1 on offense, 2 on defense
TOP RETURNERS
Todd Duddridge, FB/LB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Shaun Ferryman, TE/LB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Jimmy Herzog, RB/LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Ricky Martin, RB/QB/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Josh Mendez, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Gus Sandoval, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Rovin Sou, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; David Weir, QB/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.
TOP NEWCOMERS
Anthony Grubisich, OL/DL, 5-11, 248, So.; Robbie Hulliger, OL/DL, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Daniel Hunter, OL/DL, 5-9, 200, So.; Israel Leal, OL, 6-2, 295, Sr.; Eliseo Martinez, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Luther Mitchell, OL/DL, 5-10, 280, So.; Ulises Ordonez, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Scott Schepens, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, So.; P.J. Stangle, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, Jr.
OUTLOOK
Costa Mesa had one of the top defenses in the county last season, thanks to an outstanding senior class that will be tough to replace. The Mustangs have a strong group of juniors who went undefeated as freshmen, and a handful of good-sized sophomores who will contribute. Leal and Ordonez didn’t play as juniors because of the senior depth last season, but Howell expects them to do well. Sou, a second-team all-county player, tied for the county lead with nine interceptions last season. Weir was a sophomore starter at linebacker and will move into starting roles at quarterback and safety this season. Sandoval, Grubisich and Hulliger and bigger and faster than last year’s defensive line, which helped the Mustangs record five shutouts in the regular season. Martin was the junior varsity team’s most valuable player the last two seasons.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 11 vs. Saddleback at Santa Ana Stadium; 18 vs. Corona del Mar at Orange Coast; 24 vs. Long Beach St. Anthony at Newport Harbor HS.
Oct. 2 vs. Western at Orange Coast; 10 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium; 16 vs. Estancia at Orange Coast; 22 vs. University at Irvine HS; 30 vs. Laguna Hills at Orange Coast.
Nov. 6 at Laguna Beach; 13 at Aliso Niguel.