SONORA

1995 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 2-3 in league.

COACH: Mark Takkinen (17-21 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Mario Caldera, QB/DE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; David Cunningham, WR/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Mike Hamabe, RB/DB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; John Lopez, OL/LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Chris Perry, DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Chris Rico, K, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Leland Solomona, TE/DT, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Nik Wybaczynsky, OL/DL, 6-5, 245, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

DeJuan Bell, TE/DB, 6-6, 200, Sr.; Justin Binggeli, RB/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Brandon Jones, OL/DL 6-1, 270, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Despite a 3-0 start and the second highest point total (189) in league, the Raiders won only two of their last seven games. The late-season slide included a galling loss to Troy, which ultimately cost Sonora a playoff spot. Expect the coaching staff and 37 returning lettermen to have long memories after a long summer. Sonora will have an unusual makeup. There are no sophomores on the team. Like nearly everyone else in Freeway, the Raiders have built their hopes around big, mobile offensive and defensive lines. They are also have decent-to-good speed at receiver. The defense should be steadier, with three of the four defensive linemen returning as well as all four starters in the secondary. Takkinen will need the pre-league season to decide on a starting quarterback and find out if Hamabe (47 carries, 187) can replace the departed Shawn Brass at running back. But, with all-league performers like Solomona around, don’t expect another Raiders’ fade from the playoff picture.