ANAHEIM

1999 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 0-5 in league

COACH: Ben Haley (0-0 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2 on offense, 2 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Isaac Becerra, OL/DL, 6-3, 265, Sr.; John Davis, RB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Mark Esquivel, TE/DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Sergio Martinez, FB/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Ryan Patterson, QB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; William Safotu, FB/LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Eli Magana, RB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Rashaad Royal, LB/RB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Mark Stephenson, OL/DL, 6-2, 265, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Haley enters a situation almost identical to what he faced at Santiago six years ago. After winning the Orange League title in 1996, the Colonists have gone 1-29, breaking a 24-game losing streak against Estancia in the fourth week last season, then promptly starting another. “When I got to Santiago, it was almost the exact situation,” Haley said. “They were 0-10, 1-9, 0-10. I think they had a 27- or 28-game losing streak, but after losing my first two games there, I took them to the playoffs four of the next six years.” Haley was attracted to the Anaheim job because he grew up down the street on Western Avenue and graduated from the school in 1974. “As an alum of Anaheim, I felt really bad that the kids were going through this,” he said. “We were a football powerhouse and now we’re being laughed at.” Haley also said because of his age, he only has the energy to rejuvenate one more program. Even though he thought Santiago might have its best team ever, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity when Allen Carter resigned after six years and a 15-45-1 record at Anaheim. “From an emotional standpoint, it was a no-brainer,” Haley said of his decision to leave Santiago. Haley has already convinced a few players to come out for the team who otherwise wouldn’t have. One of those players, Royal, might be the best athlete and another, Stephenson, could be the strongest. Anaheim also returns Patterson at quarterback and Martinez in the backfield, which gives the Colonists a head start on offense.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 at Fullerton; 14 vs. Kennedy at Glover Stadium; 22 vs. Sonora at Glover Stadium; 29 vs. Canyon at Glover Stadium.

Oct. 6 at Buena Park; 13 at Brea Olinda; 19 vs. Savanna at Glover Stadium; 26 at Western.

Nov. 2 vs. Magnolia at Glover Stadium; 10 vs. Valencia at Glover Stadium.