CORONA DEL MAR

1997 RECORD: 2-8 overall, 0-5 in league

COACH: Dick Freeman (15-18 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 10 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Dennis Alshuler, QB/WR/CB, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Mike Bergey, QB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Alex Bottom, C, 6-5, 200, Sr.; Grant Estabrook, RB, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Mark Hatfield, LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Jason Kurtz, OG, 5-10, 181, Jr.; Nate Lemmerman, RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Hunter McDonald, WR/CB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Seth Richardson, LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Justin Shea, TE/DE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Curt Sumner, DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Ryan Ward, CB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Brett Wiseman, OG, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Steve Witt, OT, 5-11, 249, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jay Bottom, OL, 6-1, 202, Jr.; Sean Fenton, OL, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Matt Gulley, DL, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Mike Hayes, LB, 6-3, 185, Jr.; Evan Hurd, WR, 6-0, 162, Sr.; Robert Hyland, WR, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Elliot Patterson, OL, 6-2, 222, Jr.; David Richardson, DL, 6-5, 305, So.; Zack Wald, DL, 6-3, 295, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Sea View League doesn’t provide much relief for a program trying to improve on two victories. That, however, shouldn’t preclude Corona del Mar from foiling someone’s playoff hopes or finishing near or above .500. With 10 starters returning on offense and seven (all seniors) on defense, there’s a solid foundation. Three losses were by six points or fewer, including setbacks against Woodbridge (22-21) and Irvine (20-14). Experience on the offensive line, and the big-play capabilities of Alshuler, should help improve the offense, which scored more than two touchdowns only three times. Hatfield anchors a defense that must overcome a small line.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Marina at Westminster HS; 18 vs. Costa Mesa at Orange Coast College; 25 vs. Agoura Oak Park at Newport Harbor HS.

Oct. 1 vs. Saddleback at Santa Ana Stadium; 9 at Westminster; 16 at Newport Harbor; 23 vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College; 30 vs. Irvine at Newport Harbor HS.

Nov. 5 vs. Woodbridge at Irvine; 13 vs. El Toro at Newport Harbor HS.