MATER DEI

1997 RECORD: 13-1 overall, 5-0 in league

COACH: Bruce Rollinson (99-17-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Gerard Fane, TE/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Matt Franz, OL/DL, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Matt Grootegoed, SS/QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Dusty Ishii, DB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Chris Lingua, LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Bryan McKnight, OL, 5-11, 235, Jr.; Kevin Mitchell, LB/FB, 6-0, 218, Sr.; Junior Palacios, RB/DB, 5-10, 180; Justin Patterson, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Ryan Reyes, OL/DL, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Brandon Swain, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Mike Tritz, OL, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Lenny Vandermade, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jose Aguilar, WR, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Mike Booth, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Patrick Cope, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Dustin Davis, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Kevin DeFries, RB/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Ray Gilbert, DB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Scott Lukash, QB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Kelvin Millhouse, WR, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Apolonio Rodriguez, OL, 6-5, 310, Sr.; Nick Stroffe, DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Last year, Mater Dei reached its fourth section Division I title game in the past five seasons. The Monarchs could challenge again. The defense should be stingy with seven starters returning, including Mitchell, one of the county’s top linebackers. Vandermade is a tough two-way lineman who could be one of the best Rollinson has coached. Vandermade anchors a big, experienced offensive line that should make it easier for the team’s untested skill position players, including quarterback front-runners Lukash and Grootegoed. The Monarchs will be tested early, especially when Concord De La Salle, winner of 76 consecutive games and 12 North Coast section titles, visits Edison Field.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Fresno Clovis West at Santa Ana Stadium; 18 at Bellflower St. John Bosco; 26 vs. Concord De La Salle at Edison Field.

Oct. 3 vs. Irvine at Santa Ana Stadium; 10 vs. Servite at CS Fullerton; 15 vs. San Clemente at Santa Ana Stadium; 23 at Capistrano Valley; 29 vs. Mission Viejo at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 6 at Dana Hills; 13 at Trabuco Hills.