TRABUCO HILLS

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

COACH: Bill Crow (13-18 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Reid Boyer, C, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Al Gandall, RB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Brandon Heaney, QB/FS, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Justin Junge, TE, 6-5, 235, Sr.; Dustin Pratt, LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Chris Rademacher, DT, 5-10, 215, Sr.; David Rukstalis, DT, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Chase Schaeffer, OLB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; John Turnbull, OT, 6-4, 275, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

David Barrett, TB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Ryan Brick, WR, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Reid Boyer, WR/DB, 6-1, 158, Sr.; Roland Duran, WR/DE, 6-4, 225, Sr.; Josh Krapes, OG, 5-8, 210, Jr.; Chad Peironi, WR/SS, 6-0, 165, Sr.; George Sommerhauser, OG, 5-10, 260, Jr.

OUTLOOK

It’s no secret that Mater Dei is the favorite. But Crow hopes the Mustangs can sneak up on the rest of the league. He has been looking forward to this season, although the Mustangs have some holes. Perhaps the biggest question mark is at quarterback, where Heaney, a first-team all-league wide receiver last season, takes over. Heaney is one of the Mustangs’ top athletes, but Crow wants him to handle the ball as much as possible. He is an elusive runner who is cramming to learn a new position. But one easy part will be handing the ball to Gandall, a full-time starter at running back last season. Turnbull is the top lineman returning, and Sommerhauser and Krapes, standouts from a league championship JV team last season, bolster the offensive line. Pratt is a third-year starting linebacker and along with Rukstalis and Rademacher on the defensive front, and Heaney and Peironi leading the secondary, the Mustangs have a well-rounded defense. “I think we have a darn good shot at finishing second,” Crow said.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Moreno Valley Valley View; 18 vs. Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo HS; 24 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS.

Oct. 2 at Aliso Niguel; 9 vs. Fountain Valley; 16 at Dana Hills; 23 at Mission Viejo; 30 at San Clemente.

Nov. 6 vs. Capistrano Valley; 13 vs. Mater Dei.