ANAHEIM

1996 RECORD: 5-6 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Allen Carter (14-16-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Nester Acosta, OG/NG, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Larry Clawson, WR, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Tim Dye, WR, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jimmy Gorman, QB/WR, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Nick Herrera, WR/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Jerry Rojo, TE/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Edgar Saldivar, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Devon Hicks, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Philip Myers, OG/DE, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Robert Ramirez, QB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Eric Zambrano, TE/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Anaheim, which last year earned a share of the league title for the first time since 1992, lost to graduation a load of talent in the skill positions. Gone is quarterback Luis Gomez, who completed 160 passes for 12 touchdowns and 2,704 yards, which was the second-best total in the county. Also gone is top receiver Jesus Acevedo, who caught 67 passes for 1,109 yards (the county’s fourth-best total) and all-county defensive back Jose Rodriguez, whose nine interceptions tied for the county high. Rodriguez also caught 30 passes and his kick return average was fourth-best in the county. This season, Carter is going to have to rely on defensive quickness and offensive balance if the Colonists are going be in the hunt for another title. Former Los Angeles Ram defensive back Leroy Irvin has joined Carter’s staff as defensive coordinator. Irvin’s son, Leroy, is a defensive end at Valencia. Gorman, Herrera, Saldivar and Acosta were all-league selections last season and their experience will be counted on heavily. Carter’s not looking too far ahead. He just hopes his team will be competitive by the time league play begins.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Fullerton at Glover Stadium; 19 vs. Loara at Glover Stadium; 25 at Irvine.

Oct. 3 vs. Cypress at Glover Stadium; 10 vs. Costa Mesa at Orange Coast College; 17 vs. Western at Glover Stadium; 24 vs. Magnolia at Western HS; 31 at Valencia.

Nov. 7 vs. Brea Olinda at Glover Stadium; 13 vs. Savanna at Western HS.