WHITTIER CHRISTIAN

1997 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 0-5 in league

COACH: Steve Randall (7-23 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 8 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jason Chacon, OL/DL, 6-3, 278, Sr.; Peter Chandrangsu, OL, 6-3, 263, Jr.; Matt Jones, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Mike Lucier, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Josh Martinez, FB/LB, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Matt Martinez, TE/DE, 6-3, 220, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Mike Lord, QB/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Josh Streeter, WR/FS, 6-5, 180, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Whittier Christian returns its starting offensive line, which boasts some nice size, especially on one side with Chandrangsu at right guard, Chacon at right tackle and Matt Martinez at tight end. Jones, who rushed for more than 1,300 yards last season, will be the beneficiary of the experienced line and will probably get between 35 and 40 carries per game. The Heralds will run the option out of their double-wing formation for the first time. Lord is on the small side, but gifted at reading defenses and Randall says he will handle the option well. Josh Martinez is the backbone of the defense and should attract interest from college scouts by next season. Lucier is another hard hitter on defense, and Streeter is the top basketball player at Whittier Christian but is trying football for the first time.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Montclair Prep at Whittier College; 18 vs. L.A. Murphy at Whittier College; 25 vs. Montebello Sacred Heart at Whittier College.

Oct. 3 vs. Sierra Madre Maranatha at Whittier College; 9 at Ontario Christian; 17 vs. Boron at Whittier College; 24 vs. Orange Lutheran at Whittier College; 30 vs. Cerritos Valley Christian at Whittier College.

Nov. 6 vs. Calvary Chapel at Westminster HS; 12 vs. Brethren Christian at Long Beach Clark Field.