LOARA

1997 RECORD: 6-5 overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: John deFries (38-42 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Tony Aparicio, DE, 5-5, 142, Jr.; Jeremy Ellis, QB/DE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Joey Ellis, TE/LB, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Ken Kidwell, OL, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Fernando Magana, DL, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Lehasa Moloi, DL, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Johnny Patton, WR/DB, 6-4, 210, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Rudy Acosta, RB/DB, 5-7, 145, So.; Billy Chavez, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, So.; Ryan Clark, OL/DL, 5-11, 197, Jr.; David Diaz, WR, 5-7, 140, Jr.; Ryan Gusman, QB, 5-9, 160, So.; Jaime Gutierrez, DB, 5-9, 140, Sr.; Sean Kehoe, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Dustin McCance, DL, 5-11, 205, Sr.; David Miriles, FB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Eddie Ochoa, FB/LB, 5-7, 165, So.; George Risberg, DL, 5-9, 175, So.; Jason Shipley, WR, 6-3, 165, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Saxons have won only one league title in deFries’ eight seasons, but they have qualified for the playoffs every year but one. “Winning the league title is great, but I think our kids take more pride in making the playoffs every year,” deFries said. Last year’s playoff appearance was brief. The Saxons lost in the first round to Woodbridge, 27-0. Fifteen lettermen return from that team, including all-league players Jeremy and Joey Ellis and Patton. Like last year, the Saxons will live and die with their defense, probably the quickest and the smallest in the league. “We’re not going to sit there and let guys pound on us,” deFries said. “We’re going to be moving.” Loara is inexperienced: DeFries could start as many as six sophomores. One of his two starting safeties, Acosta or Chavez, will try to replace league offensive MVP Mike Morales at tailback.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Western at Glover Stadium; 17 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium; 25 at El Modena.

Oct. 1 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS; 9 at Irvine; 15 vs. Katella at Glover Stadium; 23 vs. Kennedy at Glover Stadium; 29 vs. Cypress at Glover Stadium.

Nov. 6 vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS; 13 vs. Century at Glover Stadium.