SAN CLEMENTE

1997 RECORD: 6-4-1 overall, 2-2-1 in league

COACH: Mark McElroy (35-27-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

James Allen III, RB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Mike Calvitti, DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jake Goebel, OL, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Brett Hadley, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Bryan Hadley, LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Jeff Hammon, OL/DL, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Jason Kim, DB/RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Ben Kweskin, LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Mark Maynarich, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Chris McCormack, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; John Morgan, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Daniel Montecinos, LB/RB, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Chris Roesti, DB/QB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Paul Sepulveda, DB, 5-6, 175, Sr.; Frank Wanuck, LB/RB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Richie Westman, QB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Michael Yovanovich, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Dan Cavallio, QB, 5-11, 170, So.; Adam Little, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; John Robertson, DL/RB, 5-9, 195, Jr.; Chris Smith, DB/RB, 5-9, 150, So.; Justin Tomerlin, OL/DL, 6-4, 215, So.; Bill Weigle, OL, 5-11, 225, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The good news for McElroy and the Tritons is that their top running back, Allen, returns after rushing for 807 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and six touchdowns last season. But McElroy said the blocking corps will be inexperienced. Goebel and Yovanovich are the only returning starters. The Tritons will also have a big hole to fill at quarterback. Oscar Montecinos has graduated after passing and rushing for a combined 1,517 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. The Tritons will have a top-notch receiver in McCormack. He was a second-team all-league selection who led the team in receptions last season. The defense’s strength should be with its linebackers, led by Montecinos and Wanuck, and defensive backs, led by Kim, who was third on the team in tackles.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 28 lost to Honolulu Punahou, 25-9.

Sept. 11 vs. San Diego Lincoln Prep; 25 vs. Aliso Niguel.

Oct. 2 vs. Santa Margarita; 9 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS; 15 vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium; 23 vs. Dana Hills; 30 vs. Trabuco Hills.

Nov. 6 at Mission Viejo; 13 at Capistrano Valley.