FOUNTAIN VALLEY

1997 RECORD: 7-4 overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: George Berg (43-31-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 2 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Ryan Breska, QB, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Aaron Carter, WR/DB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Jarom Fano, DL, 6-1 1/2, 270, Sr.; James Hemkin, OL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Tyler Kruse, LB, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Nick Neinle, TE/DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Adam Ramirez, RB, 5-6, 155, Sr.; Bobby Remeika, OL, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Scott Schutze, WR/DB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Andre Sommersell, RB/DL, 6-3, 205, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Shaun Andrews, DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Chris Fano, OL/DL, 6-2, 245, So.; Chris Nielsen, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Sean Thompson, OL, 6-2, 255, Jr.

OUTLOOK

When a team loses two offensive standouts like the Barons did in all-league running back Jon Sanders (800 yards rushing, 19 TDs) and second-team all-league quarterback Jason Morris (1,561 yards passing, seven TDs), it’s understandable to approach the new season with caution. But neither Berg nor the Barons are lacking confidence. Berg expects Breska to step right in for Morris. And in all-league pick Carter (32 catches, 652 yards, four TDs) and Schutze, Breska may have the best two wide receivers to throw to this side of Los Alamitos. It remains to be seen if either Sommersell or Ramirez can equal the production of Sanders. But should the offense struggle, the Barons’ defense--led by all-county tackle Jarom Fano, the league’s defensive lineman of the year, and Kruse--should keep Fountain Valley close. Fano’s younger brother Chris will also see time on defense. As usual, the Barons’ pursuit of the league championship probably hinges on the outcome of the Esperanza and Los Alamitos games.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Long Beach Wilson at Huntington Beach HS; 18 vs. Corona Centennial at Huntington Beach HS; 25 at Bloomington.

Oct. 2 vs. Servite at Huntington Beach HS; 9 at Trabuco Hills; 15 at Huntington Beach HS; 23 vs. Marina at Huntington Beach HS; 30 vs. Los Alamitos at Huntington Beach HS.

Nov. 6 vs. Edison at Orange Coast College; 13 vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS.