HUNTINGTON BEACH

1999 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 0-5 in league

COACH: Tony Ciarelli (12-17-2 in 3 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Russ Oschman, RB/DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Russ Chemberlen, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Jordon Connolly, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Justin Keadle, WR/LB, 6-3, 205, Sr.; John Niutapuai, NG, 6-0, 315, Sr.; Brian Ruziecki, OL/DL, 6-4, 255, Jr.; Isaac Davalos, FB/LB, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Casey Ryder, QB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Mike Dehart, WR/DB/K, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Matt Ostiz, OL/DL, 6-0, 240, Sr.; Jacob Arnold, OL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Brian Miekosz, WR/CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Rob Rossy, TB/DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Chris DuBose, OL/DL, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Blake Sorber, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, So.; Jimmy Niutapuai, OL/DL, 6-0, 245, So.; Nick Prescott, WR/CB, 6-1, 160, Jr.; Brian Shan, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Elliot Guest, RB/LB, 5-11, 200, So.

OUTLOOK

The Oilers’ football office answering machine says it all: “We must be out on the field trying to get better.” Huntington Beach has been under .500 in Ciarelli’s three seasons, and last year the Oilers were the only team to finish winless in the Sunset League. Considering that the league is even stronger this fall, there are few reasons to think significant strides will be made in 2000. Ryder, who returns at quarterback, is seeking to improve his game after an average performance last season. Oschman might prove to be an efficient running back, but so far his best work has come at defensive back. The Oilers do possess considerable size, and five of six offensive linemen return, but their lack of depth will likely force too many key players to play both ways. Nonetheless, if Huntington Beach can avoid injuries and turnovers--a tricky proposition at best--a .500 season doesn’t seem out of the question. Ciarelli expects his team to battle Fountain Valley for fourth place in league. Early season nonleague games against Capistrano Valley and Mission Viejo should be telling as to whether the Oilers could exceed expectations.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 at Downey; 16 vs. Oxnard Hueneme; 22 vs. Capistrano Valley; 28 at Mission Viejo.

Oct. 6 vs. Dana Hills; 13 vs. Edison; 20 vs. Fountain Valley; 27 vs. Esperanza.

Nov. 3 vs. Marina; 10 vs. Los Alamitos at Long Beach Veterans Stadium.