SANTA MARGARITA

1995 RECORD: 8-4 overall. 3-2 in league.

COACH: Jim Hartigan (57-24-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offensive, 9 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Stan Bennett, OT, DL, 6-5, 270, Sr.; Brett Crowder, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Jariath Curran, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Jr.; Casey Grzecka, RB/LB, 6-1,190, Jr.; Bryce Jackson, OL/DE, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Shaun Jackson, OL/DL, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Chris Long, TE/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Ryan Mannix, OL/DL, 6-1,240,Jr.; John Minardi, WR/DB, 6-1,190,Jr.; Damian Minna, RB/LB, 5-11, 202, Sr.; Billy Newman, RB/CB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Billy O’ Connor, WR/DB, 5-11,180,Sr.; Ryan Thigpen, C,B-2,235,Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Michael O’Gorman, WR, 6-2, 195, So.; Andrew Holstein, LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Spencer McCroskey, WR/S, 6-1, 170, So.; Jon O’Neil, OT/DL, 6-8, 280, Sr.; Carson Palmer, QB, 6-5, 210, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Although there is no proven quarterback or tight end, the Eagles should again have a solid--and very good--offensive line. It is anchored by Bennett Bryce Jackson and Thigpen, all three--year starters. They should provide some holes for another standout, Newman, the versatile running back who rushed for 1,011 yards. Quarterback Palmer has a strong arm and good mobility. He was the starter on the freshman team and has lost only one game in two years. He reminds Hartigan of former Santa Margarita standout Sean O’Brien. There are nine returning starters on defense, including all the linebackers. That’s notable because the Eagles lost two games by one point, one game by six points, and a quarterfinal playoff game to Western, 25--10.