CANYON

1999 RECORD: 3-8 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Brent McKee (0-0, first season at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Chase Culver, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Ryan Keys, K/P, 5-10, 160, Sr.; James Lattos, T/DE, 6-6, 240, Sr.; Eddie Leos, NG/T, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Matt Lewis, G, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Joe Medina, FB/LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Robert Miller, DE, 6-6, 210, Sr.; Darryl Parker, WR/DB, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Nathan Roberts, TE, 6-6, 200, Sr.; Sean Sullivan, FB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Travis Tolley, DB/RB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Marc Villafuerte, T, 6-3, 280, Jr.; Jeff White, RB/DB, 5-6, 150, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Brad Lusk, QB, 5-10, 175, So.; Jason Nations, QB/FB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Caleb Stanton, QB/DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.

OUTLOOK

At least McKee was an assistant with the Comanches last season. These days, that counts as continuity at Canyon, which begins the 2000 season with its fourth head coach in four seasons. “This is the third year in a row,” McKee said, “that the players have a new coach come up in front of them and say he’s excited about the upcoming season. They’ve gotta be doubting me some, but that’s OK. It’s going to take time to put some stability back into this program.” Parker will be a go-to player, and McKee plans to use him as a wingback in an option-type offense. Parker was also an all-league defensive back last season. “We’re expecting big things from Darryl,” McKee said. Canyon is also big up front, where three starters return including all-league players Villafuerte (‘99) and Lattos (‘98). Lewis also returns on the offensive line, but he and Lattos both missed significant time last season with injuries. Stanton, Nations and Lusk are battling to start at quarterback. The defense is highlighted by all-leaguers lineman Miller and linebacker Medina. Canyon could also get an unexpected boost from running back Gerald Harvey, whose eligibility is in question. Harvey, who moved from Louisiana a year ago, rushed for 1,257 yards and scored 14 touchdowns last season.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 vs. Pomona at El Modena HS; 14 vs. Riverside La Sierra at El Modena HS; 21 vs. Estancia at Newport Harbor HS; 29 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium.

Oct. 6 at Walnut; 13 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS; 20 at El Modena; 26 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS.

Nov. 2 vs. Orange at El Modena HS; 10 vs. Santa Ana Valley at El Modena HS.