SERVITE

1999 RECORD: 6-4 overall, 1-2 in league

COACH: Larry Toner (75-52-1 in 11 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS:

4 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Adam Ernst, QB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Lamar Mason, RB/WR, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Justin Dominek, RB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Joe Cicero, LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Jeff Ferano, LB, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Doug Middleton, DB/WR, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Brian Benigar, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Brandan Samniego, DL/FB, 6-0, 230, Sr.; LeShawn George, WR, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Nathan Wildman, DL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Mike Carolan, DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Erik Hilde, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Colin Murphy, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Dan Kause, TE, 6-3, 225, So.

OUTLOOK

The Friars are an enigma. Who will replace standout offensive lineman Joe McGuire? Can Servite draw strength from last year’s playoff snub, when the Friars were denied access as an at-large entry because of arcane Southern Section bylaws? And can Servite’s defense, which returns only three starters, stop anyone? Toner said he has no idea what to expect, except that his team will shoot for first place in league. “I don’t know what I’ve got yet,” Toner said. “The kids think they’re going to be better than last year, but talk is cheap. We’ll find out after the first few games.” If nothing else, the Friars should be solid at quarterback with the return of Ernst, who last season threw for 1,197 yards and 11 touchdowns. Mason, an occasional starter last season, will get the bulk of the carries at running back, and wide receiver George will provide a reliable target for Ernst. McGuire, who may get to play along USC’s offensive line this fall, has spent time this summer working with the linemen at his alma mater, but it remains to be seen whether the Friars’ young line can provide dependable protection for Ernst. Servite’s defense is unusually young, but the Friars should be set at safety with Middleton and Carolan. Said Toner: “We haven’t had safeties like these in a long time.” Servite’s returners are ready to get back into the playoffs after being left out in 1999 despite winning six of nine games against playoff teams. Santa Margarita won a three-way coin flip to get one of the league’s two automatic berths (league champion Mater Dei received the other) and Bellflower St. John Bosco, which finished in a tie for second with Santa Margarita and Servite, was picked as the league’s at-large entrant because it beat Servite. The Braves couldn’t go with a 3-7 record, but Servite was not allowed to take its place because of section bylaws. This year, the Friars must hope a strong early season showing snowballs for them to make some noise in league play.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 at La Verne Damien; 15 at Mountain View St. Francis; 23 vs. Tustin at Cal State Fullerton; 29 at Long Beach Wilson.

Oct. 7 vs. Edison at Cal State Fullerton; 13 at Mission Hills Alemany; 19 vs. La Puente Bishop Amat at Cal State Fullerton; 28 vs. Mater Dei at Cal State Fullerton.

Nov. 3 at Bellflower St. John Bosco; 10 vs. Santa Margarita at Cal State Fullerton.