PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : ORANGE LEAGUE : SAVANNA

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

COACH: Fred Di Palma (70-38-5 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Raul Diaz, LB/FB, 5-11, 200, Jr.; Teo Fonseca, OL/DL, 5-11, 270; Sr.; Keith McNeal, OL/DL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Jeff Plant, OL/LB, 6-2, 245, Sr.; John Shaputis, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Lou Sutter, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Tom Sutter, QB/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Thomas Tuvalu, TE/LB, 6-2, 230, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Frank Buford, RB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Buddy Kendrick, OL/DL, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Tom Sangprasit, DB/WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Chris Trujillo, WR/DB, 5-7, 140, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Savanna has typically relied on quick, slashing running backs to motor its offense, but this season the Rebels hope to feature a powerful inside game with Diaz and Buford. “We have a large backfield, compared to the past,” Di Palma said. “But we’re not turtles or anything.” Diaz and Buford will benefit from an experienced offensive line that includes Plant, a three-year starter at guard who will also play linebacker. Lou Sutter is another three-year starter at offensive right tackle. Fonseca returns at center and Tuvalu gives Savanna another solid blocker at tight end. McNeal was injured last season, but his return will bolster the line, and Kendrick will be battling for the other tackle position. On defense, Shaputis was a starting lineman last season and may go both ways, and Tom Sutter is a returning strong safety.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 10 vs. Kennedy at Glover Stadium; 17 vs. Sonora at Glover Stadium; 25 vs. Canyon at El Modena HS.

Oct. 1 at Buena Park; 7 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS; 14 vs. Magnolia at Glover Stadium; 21 vs. Valencia at Glover Stadium; 28 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium.

Nov. 4 vs. Brea Olinda at Western HS; 12 vs. Western at Glover Stadium.