TROY

1997 RECORD: 5-5-1 overall, 3-1-1 in league

COACH: John Turek (110-96-7 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Mark Ahlberg, TE/DL, 6-6, 245, Jr.; Bob Clark, OL, 6-1. 260, Sr.; Todd Frazier, FB/LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Steve Harris, RB/DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Ben Reneau, WR/DB, 185, Sr.; Brandon Stock, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Brett Murray, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Yoon Nam, OL/DL, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Jordan Oliver, QB, 5-9, 165, So.; David Shaffer, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The past two years the Warriors have endured a rugged nonleague schedule as a way to get ready for their Freeway foes. Turek said he wanted things “a little easier” this season so Troy doesn’t play Rancho Alamitos, Tustin or Foothill in hopes of not limping into league play. That’s important because the Warriors can be good if they stay intact. Like Fullerton, there are 16 returning lettermen. Frazier, a two-time all-league pick at linebacker, was given a chance to be a running back during league last season and responded by rushing for more than 600 yards. “He’s a full-time running back this year,” Turek said, adding that Frazier will still get a chance to rattle opponents on defense. Oliver moves to quarterback, replacing Steve Muther (544 yards, three TDs) who graduated. The Troy staff must knit together an offensive line, starting with all-league tackle Clark, to protect Oliver. Ahlberg has the size and strength to make life miserable for pass defenders, but it’s unknown whether Oliver can regularly get the ball to him. The defense figures to be solid, if unheralded. But with four of their first five games on the road, Turek cautions against expecting too much too soon.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Bellflower at Fullerton HS; 19 vs. Orange Lutheran at Brea HS; 25 vs. Whittier La Serna at California HS.

Oct. 2 vs. Canyon at El Modena HS; 8 vs. Ocean View at Huntington Beach HS; 16 vs. La Habra at Fullerton HS; 23 vs. Sonora at Fullerton HS; 30 at Buena Park.

Nov. 6 at Fullerton; 13 vs. Sunny Hills at Fullerton HS.