TUSTIN

1999 RECORD: 8-4 overall, 4-0 in league

COACH: Myron Miller (43-18-1 in 5 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS:

9 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Matt McCoy, LB/RB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Chris Chester, TE/LB, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Ben Baker, OL, 6-7, 290, Sr.; Steve Diaz, OL/DE, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Clark Pilcher, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Tony Diep, OL/DL, 6-0, 230; Sr.; Ricky Miller, OL/RB, 6-3, 235, Jr.; David Miller, QB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Carlos Ramirez, DB/RB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jacob Wohteal, DL/FB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Dillon Hayes, TE/DE, 6-5, 235, Sr.; James Kublinski, SE/LB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; B.J. Shelly, TE/DE, 6-4, 225, Sr.; Williams Johnson, OT/DL, 6-3, 225, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Frostee Rucker, RB/LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Chris Barnett, TE/S, 6-5, 220, So.; Connor Clarke, C, 6-3, 250, Jr.; Denny Casopanan, DB, 5-7, 140, Jr.; Richard Rowland, RB/S, 6-1, 200, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Tillers have another tough nonleague schedule to survive, but they are the odds-on favorites to repeat as league champions if they can get through that early portion of the season without any serious injuries. As usual, Coach Miller isn’t carrying a large squad, so several players will go both ways. Nonetheless, the offensive line returns all five starters. The defensive line should be strong again too. David Miller, the coach’s son, is expected to start at quarterback for the third consecutive year. Though the Tillers like to keep the ball on the ground in their wing-T set with the quarterback acting as a blocking back (Miller averaged 5.5 yards per rush and had seven TDs on the ground), Miller should be able to guide Tustin through the air if needed. Linebacker McCoy was the league’s defensive player of the year in 1999.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 vs. Foothill; 15 vs. La Puente Bishop Amat; 23 vs. Servite at Cal State Fullerton; 29 at San Bernardino.

Oct. 6 vs. Santa Margarita; 12 vs. Ocean View; 19 vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande HS; 27 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 3 vs. Saddleback at Santa Ana Stadium; 9 vs. Westminster.