GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE

1997 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 1-5 in the division

COACH: Mike Shaughnessy (4-16 at college)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 0 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Verdell Jones, WR, 6-3, 200; Matt Langenfeld, OL, 6-2, 250; Chris MacDonald, OL, 6-3, 250; Danny Rubalcava, RB, 5-7, 180; Paul Tessier, WR, 5-11, 175; Ryan Woods, OL, 6-2, 275; Matt Wentz, QB, 6-2, 205.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Luke Dunbar, OL, 6-6, 320; Mike Ketcham, DL, 6-0, 250; John Sanders, RB, 5-7, 155; J.D. Stern, QB, 6-1, 190; Tim Thurman, TE, 6-6, 235.

OUTLOOK

Shaughnessy, in his third year as head coach and 20th on the staff, is upbeat. “The chemistry is really special this year,” he said. “But whether that steam rolls into something special, we’ll have to wait and see.” Rubalcava (Servite High) is back after leading the team in rushing with 469 yards in 114 carries and catching 12 passes for 71 yards. He also scored five touchdowns. Sanders rushed for 800 yards and scored 19 touchdowns at Fountain Valley High. Wentz (Marina) was 25 of 52 for 348 yards and a touchdown as a reserve. Stern (Pacifica) is also pushing for the starting job. He practiced every day but wasn’t officially a member of the team so he didn’t use a year of eligibility. Tessier (Pacifica) was second on the team in receiving with 30 catches for 444 yards and five touchdowns. Langenfeld, MacDonald and Woods, all from Pacifica, return on an offensive line that is the most experienced but thinnest part of the team. The Rustlers’ defense suffered a big loss when all-conference defensive back Jua Jackson (Artesia) was found to be academically ineligible.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. El Camino at Orange Coast; 19 at Long Beach; 26 vs. Cerritos at Orange Coast.

Oct. 3 vs. Pasadena at Occidental; 10 at Mt. San Antonio; 24 vs. Palomar at Orange Coast; 31 vs. Fullerton at Golden West.

Nov. 7 at Riverside; 14 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium; 21 vs. Saddleback at Orange Coast.