FOOTHILL

1996 RECORD: 9-3 overall, 5-0 in league

COACH: Tom Meiss (38-20 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Josh Arhart, DE, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Ben Balmages, WR, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Cary Blanchard, OT, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Tyrone Brinson, TB, 5-7, 165, Jr.; Chad Concolino, WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Darren Crume, CB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Eric Davidson, DT, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Matt Hall, FS/WR, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Josh Harvey, CB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Norm Katnik, OG, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Robbie Koster, QB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Terrance Newman, FB/LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Jordan Raybourn, DL, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Carlos Ruelas, FB/LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Adam Tipre, C, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Jon Whiddon, WR/K, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Anthony White, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Eric Brown, OL, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Skylar Champion, TB/LB, 5-11, 185, So.; Dana Dempsey, TE/SS, 6-0, 190, Jr.; David Liti, DL, 5-11, 255, So.; Chris Oakes, OL, 5-9, 180, So.; Blaine Hains, OG, 5-11, 215, Jr.; Darryl Smith, RB, 5-8, 180, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Foothill is favored to win its fourth title in five years despite key losses. Tyler Lang passed for 2,025 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, but offensive coordinator Dan Stroup said the passing game could be even better. “Koster is mobile and he can throw,” Stroup said. “He will surprise a lot of people.” Hall and Concolino lead the receiving corps and combined for 63 receptions, 1,228 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Newman, Brinson and Champion lead the running attack with Tipre, Blanchard and Brown paving the way on the offensive line. “We always seem to get 2,500 yards rushing every year with our lines,” Stroup said. Defensively, all-leaguers Rayburn and Arhart anchor the defensive line and the secondary should be solid with Hall, Concolino, Harvey and Crume.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 at Tustin; 18 vs. Woodbridge at Irvine HS; 26 at Capistrano Valley.

Oct. 3 vs. Troy at Tustin HS; 9 vs. Marina at Tustin HS; 17 vs. Orange at El Modena HS; 24 vs. El Modena at Tustin HS.

Nov. 1 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS; 6 vs. Canyon at El Modena HS; 14 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Tustin HS.