PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : SERRA LEAGUE : SERVITE

1998 RECORD: 7-6 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Larry Toner (69-48-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS:

4 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Steve Ayers, RB/DB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Curtis Bibolet, WR/DB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Tom Blashaw, DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Chad Bystedt, RB/WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Mike Carolyn, DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Justin Dunleavy, DL, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Jonathan Ekno, OL, 6-7, 285, Sr.; Brendon Hopkins, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Frank Magdaleno, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Lamar Mason, WR, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Joe McGuire, OL, 6-6, 290, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Mike Ahern, TE, 6-1, 205, Jr.; Brian Benigar, OL, 6-0, 235, Jr.; Miguel Chavez, LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Joe Cicero, LB, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Brandan Davis, OL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Justin Dominek, RB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Adam Ernst, QB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Jeff Ferano, OL, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Luke Fernandez, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kevin Flynn, DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Doug Ford, DB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; LaShawn George, WR, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Matt Jalendori, DB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Doug Middleton, DB, 6-0, 185, So.; David Pastorello, WR, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Brandan Samniego, DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Nate Wildman, DL, 5-10, 240, Jr.

OUTLOOK

With no disrespect to the Golden West League, where it played its games the past five years, the fans at Servite--at least when it came to football--have often pined for the days of the old Angelus League. So the Friars’ boosters are the happiest of the three parochial schools’ backers to be part of the new Serra League. They have a reason to feel optimistic; Servite has the brawn this season to go toe-to-toe each week in Division I. The offensive line is led by preseason All-American and USC-bound McGuire, who is arguably the county’s best blocker. “He can do whatever he wants,” gushed one recruiter. “He is a dominating run blocker who should eventually play [in the NFL].” McGuire is not the only horse; Ekno will also appear on several Division I recruiting lists. In fact, size is the watchword at Servite. There are big backs, big receivers and big lineman all over the roster. And the team received an infusion of talent from the sophomore and junior varsity squads. What is lacking is much varsity experience. That doesn’t concern the Friar faithful as much as it does Toner. Add to the mix Servite’s season opener with Tustin. You just know the Tillers want to give their former league rival the kind of send-off it won’t forget.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 3 at Tustin; 10 vs. Esperanza at Cal State Fullerton; 17 at Fontana; 25 vs. El Toro at Cal State Fullerton.

Oct. 2 vs. Fountain Valley at Huntington Beach HS; 15 vs. Mission Hills Alemany at Cal State Fullerton; 22 at La Puente Bishop Amat; 28 vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 6 vs. Bellflower St. John Bosco at Cal State Fullerton; 12 vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College.

SCHOOL WEB SITE

www.servitehs.org