DANA HILLS

1999 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Scott Orloff (16-24-1 in 4 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

David Clark, OL, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Walt Frazee, OL, 6-5, 235, Sr.; Nick Garton, DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Kyle Kelly, RB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Stephen Jennings, K/P/WR, 6-1, 188, Sr.; James Krulisky, SS/QB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Michael Loconto, RB/WR, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Taylor Oxee, DT, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Steve Vierra, QB, 5-9, 182, Jr.; James Vinson, DE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Travis Wannlund, OL, 6-4, 288, Sr.; Chris Wayland, TE/DE, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Brian Weber, LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Matt Whittaker, FB/LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.;

TOP NEWCOMERS

Terrell Vinson, RB/WR/DB, 5-10, 160, So.; Steve Field, LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Travis Muniz, C, 5-9, 250, Jr.; Pat Reed, LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Nils Wanberg, WR/CB, 5-10, 170, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Dolphins usually have one of the county’s toughest schedules and this year is no different. Orloff scheduled Fountain Valley, Edison and Newport Harbor in the first month. “We like to play the top teams early, so no one will intimidate us in league,” Orloff said. If Dana Hills is going to improve on last year’s record, it will have to start winning close games. The Dolphins lost three league games by a total of seven points. The summer wasn’t kind to Orloff; starting fullback Taylor Kunzi transferred to San Clemente and quarterback Billy Ewing to Mater Dei. Vierra, the junior varsity starter last year, takes over at quarterback and he has an experienced backfield in Kelly (644 yards, 5.9 avg.) and Whittaker. The top newcomer is Vinson, who might start at cornerback and wide receiver. The secondary should be a strength with free safety Garton (four interceptions) and cornerback Loconto, a two-year starter. The kicking game should be solid with Jennings, a Division I prospect. If the inexperienced offensive and defensive lines come together, the Dolphins could challenge for a playoff spot.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 vs. Fountain Valley; 14 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium; 22 vs. Edison; 28 at Newport Harbor.

Oct. 6 at Huntington Beach; 13 vs. Mission Viejo; 20 vs. Trabuco Hills; 27 at San Clemente.

Nov. 3 at Capistrano Valley; 10 vs. El Toro.