BUENA PARK

1999 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Frank Saiz (4-6 in 1 season at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 8 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Raymond Gonzalez, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Jr; Travis Heathington, TE/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Gonzalo Meza, RB/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Nolan Agpaoa, OL/DL, 5-11, 270, Sr.; Anthony Cavenee, OL/DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Evan Lopez, RB/LB, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Rudy Padilla, RB/DB, 5-9, 185, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Cesar Gutierrez, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Sheldon Reid, RB/DB, 5-9, 190, So.; Tho Tach, RB/DB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Victor Panduro, WR/DB, 6-1, 185, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Coyotes finished fourth in league last season but did improve on their 1998 record. However, the situation appears challenging again in one of Orange County’s most competitive leagues. Almost every Freeway team has improved and some players and coaches feel they underachieved in 1999. This adds up to trouble for Buena Park. With decent size up front and four returning linebackers, the Coyotes should be OK defensively. However, junior quarterback Oscar Rojas takes over a young, rather inexperienced offense that returns six starters from a sub-.500 squad. Saiz says with a little luck and another stellar performance up front from Agpaoa, Buena Park could surprise some teams and make the playoffs. “That’s our goal--to make the playoffs,” Saiz said. Meza, an all-league selection last year, will again play a big role. Rojas also will receive a baptism by fire in league play, competing opposite some of the county’s best passers. Panduro should be Rojas’ favorite target. Reid will play running back, and Gutierrez looks to earn a spot on the offensive and defensive lines.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 vs. Brea Olinda at Buena Park HS; 15 vs. Orange at El Modena HS; 22 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS; 28 vs. Savanna at Glover Stadium.

Oct. 6 vs. Anaheim at Buena Park; 13 vs. La Habra at Buena Park; 20 at Fullerton; 27 vs. Sonora at La Habra HS.

Nov. 3 vs. Sunny Hills; 9 vs. Troy at Buena Park.