FOUNTAIN VALLEY

1996 RECORD: 7-4 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: George Berg (34-28-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Tim Berg, LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Aaron Carter, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Tyler Kruse, DL, 6-0, 215, So.; Woodrow Otis, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Jason Perez, DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; John Sanders, RB, 5-6, 160, Sr.; Ray Sarafian, DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jarom Fano, DL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Jeff Johnson, OL, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Rick Quintana, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.

OUTLOOK

By upending the Aztecs in the final week of the regular season, the Barons shared the Sunset penthouse with Esperanza and Los Alamitos. Winning the 1997 title will be tougher--in fact surviving the rigorous nonleague schedule will be difficult enough even with 26 returning lettermen. Berg loves the 4.4 speed possessed by Sanders (602 yards, five touchdowns), who averaged 6.5 yards per run in limited duty. Sanders will have plenty of opportunities as the lead back this season, but Berg isn’t sure the young offensive line can blast the holes for Sanders to run through. Quarterback is another uncertainty with the graduation of Mike Lamar (127 of 232, 1,783 yards, 14 touchdowns). Senior Jason Morris has the early chance, and Carter (24 catches, 360 yards) gives him a dependable target. Until the offense is operating smoothly, Fountain Valley will depend on defense to stay close. With the talent the Barons have there--including Sarafian (38 tackles, two interceptions), a second team All-Southern Section pick--that plan will work. At least until league play starts.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 at Long Beach Wilson; 19 vs. Westminster at Huntington Beach HS; 25 vs. Bloomington at Huntington Beach HS.

Oct. 3 vs. Servite at Cal State Fullerton; 10 vs. Santa Margarita at Huntington Beach HS; 17 vs. Marina at Westminster HS; 23 vs. Los Alamitos at Cerritos Gahr HS; 31 vs. Edison at Orange Coast College.

Nov. 7 at Huntington Beach; 14 vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS.