ESTANCIA
1997 RECORD: 4-5-1 overall, 2-3 in league
COACH: Dave Perkins (0-0 at school)
RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 5 on defense
TOP RETURNERS
Griffin Crogan, LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Korey Menden, TE/OLB, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Gerardo Molina, FB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Matt Mueller, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Peter Nunez, RB/SS, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Ricky Romo, QB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Manu Tanielu, WR/DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Josh Veach, OL, 6-3, 235, Jr.; Kyle Westman, OL, 6-3, 275, Jr.
TOP NEWCOMERS
John Aldrete, WR/DB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Rick Candlish, TE/DE, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Cesar Romero, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, So.; Andy Romo, WR/DB, 5-01, 170, Jr.; Dan Smith, OL/DL, 6-4, 275, Jr.; Brett Valbuena, WR/DB, 6-5, 180, Jr.; Dan Valbuena, WR/DB, 6-4, 185, So.; Ken Valbuena, QB, 6-4, 185, So.; John Wepley, RB/DL, 5-10, 180, Sr.
OUTLOOK
Expect Estancia to be in the hunt for a playoff spot this season, especially if the Eagles can get some steady play at quarterback and develop some depth at running back. Estancia’s strength lies in its huge lines that should open some holes on offense and shut down opponents on defense. The Eagles’ biggest individual threat is Tanielu, a first-team all-league pick last season whom Perkins calls the best all-around talent he has coached in 20 years. Perkins also expects Menden to be an impact player and a strong Division I prospect by next season. Twins Ken and Dan Valbuena and older brother Brett bring some valuable height to the quarterback and wide receiver positions. The Romos are another brother combination that should see a lot of playing time.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 12 vs. Magnolia at Glover Stadium; 18 vs. Westminster at Newport Harbor HS; 25 vs. Garden Grove at Orange Coast.
Oct. 2 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium; 9 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium; 16 vs. Costa Mesa at Orange Coast; 23 vs. Aliso Niguel at Newport Harbor HS; 30 at Laguna Beach.
Nov. 6 vs. University at Irvine HS; 12 vs. Laguna Hills at Newport Harbor HS.