SAVANNA

1996 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 1-4 in league

COACH: Fred Di Palma (55-32-4 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jason Brown, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Ruben Chavez, OL/DL, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Leon Kellum, RB/DB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Camron King, RB/DB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Jeff Klingelsmith, LB/TE, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Alfred Pene, LB/RB, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Brian Tedeschi, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Efrain Torres, DB/WR, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Ray Widi, DE/TE, 6-1, 180, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Aaron Garcia, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Chris Hutton, RB/DB, 5-8, 140, Soph.; Jeff Plant, OL/LB, 6-1, 230, Soph.; Lou Sutter, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Soph.; Tom Sutter, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Soph.

OUTLOOK

Savanna’s going to be fairly young on the offensive line, where there’s a possibility that four of the six linemen will be sophomores. However, Di Palma said the Rebels’ backfield, with the exception of quarterback, will be seniors and that’s where the team’s experience lies. Savanna’s running backs will not be quick, slashing types such as Mike Flores and Daven King, who led the Rebels to a Southern Section title in 1993. Rather, this year’s backfield will feature good-sized players with decent speed. Kellum, a two-year starter, and King, the brother of Daven King, will get most of the carries this season. “We’re young in spots and that is going to be the key in how we come along,” Di Palma said. “I think they can do it, but they have to go out and prove it.” Di Palma said Savanna never seems to attract the “6-foot-5, 280-pound guys,” but it does get plenty of players in the 6-foot, 225-pound range. “Guys who get the job done as well,” he said. The quarterback position was up for grabs during fall practice between sophomore Tom Sutter and junior Robin Dano.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 13 vs. Kennedy at Glover Stadium; 19 vs. Sonora at Glover Stadium; 26 vs. Cypress at Glover Stadium.

Oct. 3 at Buena Park; 9 at Newport Harbor; 17 vs. Brea Olinda at Western HS; 23 vs. Western at Glover Stadium; 30 vs. Magnolia at Glover Stadium.

Nov. 6 vs. Valencia at Glover Stadium; 13 vs. Anaheim at Western HS.