WESTMINSTER

1999 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 2-2 in league

COACH: Ted McMillen (13-18 in 3 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS:

10 on offense, 10 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Brandon Lehman, DL/OL, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Sato Siofele, LB/RB, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Jared Jenkins, LB/RB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Obet Martinez, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Hector Colunga, TE/LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Corey Riggins, DL/QB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Christian Chamberlain, RB/DL, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Joel Dodier, OL/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Mark Gallardo, OL/DL, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Tony Flores, WR/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Andrew Luna, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Robert Valencia, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Daryl Jansen, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Luis Vega, RB/CB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Matt Maciel, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Larry Kiklas, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.

OUTLOOK

With only 16 returners, the Lions can’t afford many injuries. They appear to be strong defensively, with veteran defensive backs such as Obet Martinez in the fold. Jared Martinez, who had four interceptions last season, anchors the linebacking corps. But other than that, “We have a lack of experience everywhere else,” McMillen said. The Lions are also undersized and will need numerous players to play both ways. Only two potential starters--junior linebacker/running back Siofele and junior lineman Gallardo--weigh more than 200 pounds. Junior Maciel and senior Riggins, a second-team all-league defensive lineman last season, appear to be the only candidates to replace quarterback Kelly Coburn, who threw for 2,190 yards and 17 touchdowns. Still, McMillen is confident, saying the Lions will contend for a playoff spot.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 vs. Rancho Alamitos; 15 at Garden Grove; 22 vs. Costa Mesa at Orange Coast College; 29 vs. Marina.

Oct. 6 vs. Corona del Mar at Newport Harbor HS; 12 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Bowl; 20 vs. Ocean View; 27 vs. Saddleback.

Nov. 2 vs. La Quinta at Bolsa Grande HS; 9 at Tustin.