SANTA ANA

1997 RECORD: 8-3 overall, 6-0 in the division

COACH: Dave Ogas (89-74-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Chad Adams, DE, 6-4, 240; Rob Caston, WR, 6-0, 180; John Duhon, RB, 5-10, 180; Jake Ehlen, LB, 5-10, 205; Spencer Frost, RB, 5-10, 225; Joey Iantorno, OL, 5-11, 265; Ray Jorden, DL, 6-1, 240; Archie Lappin, QB, 5-9, 175; Wes Oliver, OL, 6-4, 290; Chris Pula, OL, 6-0, 290; Tony Romo, LB, 6-2, 220; Anousith Wilaikul, K, 5-10, 155.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Aaron Doss, TE, 6-2, 205; Marcus Dillard, WR, 5-7, 155; Tait Afualo, OL, 6-6, 315.

OUTLOOK

The Dons are picked to win the Central Division of the Mission Conference and have an experienced quarterback in Lappin to lead them. “Our season starts with Archie Lappin,” Ogas said, “He’s another in our long line of Smurf quarterbacks.” Lappin (Loara High) laughed at such height jokes all season as he completed a Santa-Ana record 67% of his passes for 1,251 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 321 yards and five touchdowns. Caston (Tustin) caught 24 passes for 409 yards and is a deep threat. Wilaikul (Vista) made eight of 11 field goal tries and 37 of 38 extra points last season. Romo (El Modena) was a starter two years ago but a knee injury forced him to miss last season. “Right now,” Ogas said, “We’re trying to get the right kids in the right places on defense. [Defensive coordinator Tom] Nelson always does a great job of doing that.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Pasadena at Santa Ana Stadium; 19 at Mt. San Antonio; 26 at Orange Coast.

Oct. 3 vs. El Camino at Santa Ana Stadium; 10 vs. Long Beach at Santa Ana Stadium. 24 at Fullerton. 31 vs. Saddleback.

Nov. 7 vs. Palomar at San Marcos High; 14 vs. Golden West at Santa Ana Stadium. 21 at Riverside.