LA HABRA

1999 RECORD: (6-5 overall, 5-0 in league)

COACH: Frank Mazzotta (9-12 in 2 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Kevin Burrison, FS, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Sergio Sanabria, LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Jesse Schroeder, DT, 6-0, 255, Sr., Eddie Aldaco, DT, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Billy Radcliffe, TE/DT, 6-5, 260, Sr.; Mike Keeling, QB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Pascual Alvarez, CB/WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Jonathan Tapia, CB/WR, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Justin Moore Brown, DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jeremy Koontz, WR, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Brent West, RB/SS, 5-10, 170, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Paul Ruggio, WR, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Antonio Sanchez, FS/WR, 5-11, 170, Jr. Gabe Romero, C, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Jimmie Martin, DG, 6-1, 270, Jr.; Jesse Vargas. WR, 5-9, 155, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The defending league champions return seven starters from a defense that, once it came together in midseason, helped the Highlanders reel off six consecutive victories and win their first title since 1989. With a year’s experience, quarterback Mike Keeling should be an asset to an offense that will miss all-league running back Josh Herrera, now playing at Cerritos College. Despite beating three county-ranked teams, the Highlanders never broke into the top 10, and that’s one of their missions--along with an eight-victory season--for 2000. Mazzotta believes another league championship is more than plausible. “I think the quarterback position will be much improved,” said Sanabria, a three-year starter at linebacker. “He was young last year and didn’t get to show much but I see him as a big part of us stepping up to a higher level this year.” The returning seniors put together a list of goals for 2000 that includes defending their title, winning eight games, getting three shutouts, scoring five defensive touchdowns, amassing 4,000 yards of total offense and earning a home playoff game. Last year’s sleeper will be a target for the first time in more than a decade.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 at Cerritos Valley Christian; 15 vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS; 22 vs. Whittier California at La Habra HS; 28 vs. Northwood at La Habra HS.

Oct. 5 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS; 13 at Buena Park; 20 vs. Sonora at La Habra HS; 27 vs. Troy at Fullerton HS.

Nov. 3 vs. Fullerton at La Habra HS; 9 vs. Sunny Hills at La Habra HS.