SADDLEBACK

1997 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Jerry Witte (125-123-6 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Danny Alvarez, G/DE, 5-8, 182, Jr.; Gordon Christian, G/DT, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Juan Garibay, RB/DB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Victor Gonzalez, TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Victor Nava, RB/DB, 5-6, 140, Sr.; Victor Ortiz, QB/DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Sal Pedroza, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jimmy Phan, C/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Robert Sanchez, G/DL, 5-11, 207, Sr.; Thomas Talavou, T/T, 6-2, 278, Sr.; Rene Zavala, TE/LB, 5-8, 192; Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Joel Gonzalez, FB/LB, 5-10, 190, So.; Andy Maldonado, T/T, 6-1, 270, Sr.; Emmanuel Pedroza, WR/DB, 6-0, 150; Jesse Romeo, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Saddleback could battle for a playoff spot, but to do so, will need the running backs to step up. Joseph Tagaloa, who rushed 198 times for 1,060 yards, has graduated and Witte has three possible replacements. Witte is happy with the size of his offensive and defensive lines. Talavou is expected to anchor both lines at tackle. Second-team, all-leaguers Gonzalez and Phan are back. Gonzalez will direct the linebackers and Phan takes his spot at center. Quarterback Pedroza needs to improve his touchdown/interception ratio. (five TDs/10 interceptions). Pedroza completed 41 of 102 passes last season for 510 yards. Emmanuel Pedroza and Romeo will take over for graduated Derrick Barnes at wide receiver (24 catches, 349 yards) and Witte says both are good, but have not been tested in tough game situations.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Costa Mesa at Santa Ana Stadium; 18 at Irvine; 25 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium.

Oct. 1 vs. Corona del Mar at Santa Ana Stadium; 10 vs. University at Santa Ana Stadium; 17 vs. Servite at Cal State Fullerton; 23 at Westminster; 30 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 6 vs. Tustin at Santa Ana Stadium; 13 vs. Ocean View at Westminster HS.