PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : ORANGE LEAGUE : WESTERN

1998 RECORD: 10-3 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Toby Howell (19-15 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Dwayne Alexander, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Tre Ballard, SE/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Jacob Chavira, OL, 6-3, 285, Sr.; Gilbert Esquivel, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; David Gober, SE/DB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Pete Kim, OL, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Jeff LaMendola, TE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Will Ruffin, WB/DB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; William Thomas, OL, 6-5, 325, Sr.; Rich Trujillo, OL, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Jamiah Williamson, RB/LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Jon Wittman, SE/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Ed Becerra, DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Rick De Vinney, DL, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Rodney Eason, FB/LB, 5-11, 190, So.; Mike Hicks, QB/DB, 6-0, 185, So.; John Saari, OL, 6-3, 260, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Western missed out on a league title last season after turning the ball over seven times in a 38-10 loss to Brea Olinda. The Pioneers averaged more than 32 points a game, but were 0-3 when they scored fewer than 26. Much of the offense was credited to Trevell Jackson, the county’s second-leading rusher, who totaled 1,781 yards and scored 23 touchdowns. But the combined numbers put up by Ruffin and Williamson were comparable to Jackson’s. Williamson rushed for 809 yards, Ruffin had 539 and each scored 11 touchdowns. Their productivity in the wing-T offense could make it tough for defenses to key on one player.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 9 vs. Loara; 16 vs. El Toro at Trabuco Hills HS; 24 vs. Rancho Alamitos at Bolsa Grande HS; 30 vs. Costa Mesa.

Oct. 8 vs. Sonora; 15 vs. Brea Olinda; 22 vs. Magnolia; 29 at Valencia.

Nov. 5 vs. Anahiem at Glover Stadium; 12 vs. Savanna at Glover Stadium.

SCHOOL WEB SITE

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