PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : EMPIRE LEAGUE : KATELLA

1998 RECORD: 8-3-1, 3-1-1 in league

COACH: Dominik Unger (14-8-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Marlon Roman, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Victor Espinoza, LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Mike Stanton, OL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Ryan Carel, OL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Chris Haller, QB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Al Williams, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Randy Savala, LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Aaron Purcha, LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Rich Mango, RB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Nathan Gass, WR, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Luis Trujillo, DL, 6-3, 320, Sr.; Cody Fitch, DE, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Jesse Carvona, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Bryce Tackett, TE/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Mike Ywakiem, TE, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Rich Nieto, OL, 6-3, 220, Jr.; Ed Maldonado, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Eric Echavarria, WR/DB, 5-8, 170, Jr.

OUTLOOK

With the graduation of running back Francis Johnson, last year’s league offensive player of the year, and three other all-leaguers on offense, the Knights will look to their defense. Linebackers Roman and Espinoza were all-league selections last season. An offensive line that averages 230 pounds is sizable for the Empire League. Haller, who started as a sophomore, returns to lead the offense but will have new receivers.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 9 vs. Troy at Glover Stadium; 17 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS; 24 vs. Orange at El Modena HS.

Oct. 1 vs. Brea Olinda at Glover Stadium; 8 vs. Canyon at El Modena HS; 15 vs. El Dorado at Glover Stadium; 23 vs. Century at Tustin HS; 29 vs. Cypress at Glover Stadium.

Nov. 4 vs. Kennedy at Glover Stadium; 12 vs. Loara at Western HS.

SCHOOL WEB SITE

https://www.auhsd.k12.ca.us/schooldistrict/school/high/Katella/index.html