FULLERTON

1999 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 1-4 in league

COACH: Julian Smilowitz (40-45-1 in 8 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Daniel Fells, WR, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Oscar Hernandez, LB, 6-0, 190,Sr.; Abel Hernandez, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Dustin Sobek, LB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Ryan Murray, RB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Michael Echaves, QB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Ernie Vejar, DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; John Thompson, TE, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Kevin Marino, LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Gerren Brantley, RB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; James Gentry, C, 6-5, 215, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

John Rosenthal, LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Kevin Chall, TE, 6-4, 190, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Smilowitz said his squad is working extra hard to reverse last year’s 1-4 Freeway League record. His main concerns are both lines, which are small and inexperienced. With only six starters and six other experienced players returning, Fullerton is a young team, with junior quarterback Echaves at the reins. At 6-5, senior center Gentry gives the Indians a solid anchor in the middle of the line. Wide receiver Fells was a first-team all-league pick last year, and linebacker Sobek was a second-team selection. He is part of an athletic family that includes graduated lineman David Fells, now playing at UC Davis, and two talented younger brothers. Another former Fullerton lineman, 6-3, 270-pound John Van Lant, is at Colorado State. “We had some key injuries last year,” Smilowitz said. “But that was our thing. We’re not making excuses.” Fullerton’s strengths are at running back, receiver, quarterback and defensive back. The questionable areas are both lines and the special teams. Should either of those units develop into strengths, the Indians could be a league force. Fullerton tuned up for the 2000 season by playing host to a Monday-Wednesday passing league this summer. “We were very successful,” Smilowitz said. “There’s nothing like playing against other schools.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 vs. Anaheim; 16 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium; 22 vs. Bellflower; 28 vs. Magnolia.

Oct. 5 at El Modena; 13 vs. Troy; 20 at Buena Park; 27 vs. Sunny Hills at Buena Park HS.

Nov. 3 at La Habra; 9 vs. Sonora.