PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : FREEWAY LEAGUE : LA HABRA

1998 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Frank Mazzotta (3-7 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 8 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Pasqual Alvarez, WR/DB, 6-2, 156, Jr.; Marcus Arredondo, FB/DE, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Kevin Burrison, DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Clint Dato, DL, 6-5, 315, Sr.; Mark Falcioni, OL, 5-9, 225, Sr.; John Fielder, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; John Gutierrez, OL, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Josh Herrera, RB, Sr.; Sergio Sanabria, LB, 5-11, 205, Jr.; John Shubin, TE, 6-0, 190, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Ramiro Godinez, WR, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Roberto Godinez, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Art Figueroa, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Juan Muniz, OL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Jesse Schroeder, OL, 6-0, 265, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Mazzotta did not have great expectations last season at La Habra, and those feelings turned out to be justified. But now that Mazzotta and his 30 returning lettermen have had a year together, the expectations are higher. The Highlanders have missed the playoffs the past seven years. To end that streak, Mazzotta will again give the ball to Herrera (832 yards, eight touchdowns), but he must restore the defense’s collective confidence to make plays and find an effective passer. Injuries slowed Herrera at times last year, but he is still considered the league’s most dangerous running back.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 9 vs. Cerritos Valley Christian; 17 vs. El Dorado at Valencia HS; 24 at Whittier California.

Oct. 1 at Downey Warren; 8 at Whittier La Serna at California HS; 15 vs. Sonora; 22 vs. Troy; 29 at Fullerton.

Nov. 5 vs. Sunny Hills at Buena Park HS; 12 vs. Buena Park.