EDISON
1997 RECORD: 6-3-1 overall, 2-3 in league.
COACH: Dave White (85-46-1 at school).
RETURNING STARTERS: 2 on offense, 2 on defense
TOP RETURNERS
Nick Bartsch, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Mike Bridges, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Kelly Breitweiser, OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Ben Ogawa, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Darin Pope, RB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Chris Roper, DE, 6-1, 210, Sr.
TOP NEWCOMERS
John Bobenreith, LB, 5-11, 190, SR.; Brendon Cornell, TE/SS, 6-0, 190, Jr.; James Furtsch, OL/DL, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Marshall Hendricks, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Jeff Kadau, WR, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Jason Krip, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Jacob Morado, OL/LB, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Seth Prelsnik, LB, 6-0, 190, So.
OUTLOOK
Last season the senior-dominated Chargers began the season among the top 10 and brashly proclaimed they would end their seven-year league title drought. But again, Edison could not get past the league’s Big Three, losing to Esperanza, Los Alamitos and Fountain Valley by a combined six points. So the Chargers were kept out of the postseason for the second straight year. White said the goal this season is to make the playoffs. Even with 40 returning players, the Chargers will be smaller and inexperienced, especially on defense. Linebacker, depleted by the graduation of Brandon Jordan (second-team all-county), Ryan Tritz and Brian Waters (both first-team all-league) is the biggest void. But also key is replacing all-league quarterback Jeff Grady (1,538 yards, 10 TDs). White will also have to find new receivers for graduated second-team all-league receiver Brandon Boerner (35 catches, 405 yards, one TD). At least there are no worries at running back, with the return of Pope, who rushed for 1,136 yards and 12 touchdowns.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 10 vs. Cypress at Huntington Beach HS; 18 vs. Capistrano Valley at Huntington Beach HS; 24 vs. Westminster at Huntington Beach HS.
Oct. 2 at Long Beach Wilson; 9 at Arcadia; 16 vs. Marina at Huntington Beach HS; 22 vs. Los Alamitos at Veterans Stadium; 29 vs. Esperanza, Huntington Beach HS.
Nov. 6 vs. Fountain Valley at Orange Coast College; 13 vs. Huntington Beach at Orange Coast College.