PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : FREEWAY LEAGUE : BUENA PARK

1998 RECORD: 3-8 overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: Manny Saiz (12-21 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

William Flamenco, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jose Franco, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Christopher Miller, RB/WR, 5-8, 200, Sr.; Earl Parker, QB, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Jimmy Pham, TE/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Randy Prock, OL/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Francisco Rivera, WR/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Raymond Gonzales, RB/LB, 5-10, 205, So.; Travis Heathington, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Ben Hoang, OL/LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Nick Landry, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Gonzalo Meza, RB/LB, 5-6, 160, Jr.; Viet Nguyen, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Rudy Padina, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Mike Stone, OL/DL, 5-11, 215, Sr.

OUTLOOK

After coming within a half-game of winning the league title in 1997, not much was expected from Buena Park last year. But the Coyotes won two of their last three games, including a 24-17 upset of Freeway League co-champion Fullerton, and reached the Division IX playoffs. In a league that looks fairly well-balanced, what’s to keep the Coyotes from thinking they have a shot at being Freeway League champions this season? Buena Park has an excellent passer-receiver combination in Parker (1,680 yards, 14 touchdowns), who has the attention of Oregon State, and Flamenco (32 catches, 732 yards). Saiz and staff must find a dependable running back and shore up a defense that gave up 32 1/2 points per game. If Buena Park makes the playoffs, it can work on ending an 0-11 streak in postseason appearances.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 9 at Brea Olinda; 17 vs. La Mirada; 24 vs. Cypress at Western HS.

Oct. 1 vs. Savanna; 7 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium; 15 at Fullerton; 22 vs. Sonora; 29 vs. Sunny Hills.

Nov. 5 vs. Troy at Fullerton HS; 12 at La Habra.