MISSION VIEJO

1999 RECORD: 4-7 overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: Bob Johnson (4-6 in 1 season at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 1 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Nate Atkinson, K, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Scott Bennett, G/C, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Robbie Dubois, TB/SS, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Kyle Fitzpatrick, WR/OLB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jason Hibbard, WR/OLB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Billy Hart, QB, 6-2 1/2, 200 ,Sr.; Craig Lewis, DT, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Lorenzo Marin, G, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Ryan Powdrell, FB/LB, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Jeff Stanton, WR/TB, OLB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Ross Torio, DE, 6-1, 235, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Collin Ashton, TE/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Matt Cole, TE, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Taylor Holiday, WR, 5-9, 160, So.; Brandon Kubo, G/DE, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Tom Rodriguez, FS, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Josh Taylor, LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Luis Matheus, CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Keith Williams, OT, 6-0, 225, Jr.

OUTLOOK

It appears to have been only a one-year rebuilding plan at Mission Viejo. The Diablos are favored to win their first league title in 12 years, mostly because of their high-powered offensive backfield. Hart’s growing pains should be over at quarterback and Dubois might be on the verge of becoming an elite high school tailback. Powdrell, a major college prospect, is an excellent blocker who can gain the tough yards. The Diablos lost their best two offensive lineman, Brian Belgen and Scott Paffrath, to graduation. But Bennett and Marin are back and the tight end position is solid with Ashton, a transfer from Capistrano Valley, and Cole, a basketball player who decided to play football this year. Taylor Holiday, one of the surprises of the summer, could start at receiver. The concern is on defense, where only Lewis returns. If the defense, led by the linebacking corps of Ashton, Hibbard and Stanton, comes along, the Diablos could be one of the top teams in the county and a threat to win the Southern Section Division I title. The Diablos open with Division VIII semifinalist Temescal Canyon and West Covina.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 vs. Temescal Canyon; 15 at West Covina; 22 vs. Laguna Hills; 28 vs. Huntington Beach.

Oct. 6 vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS; 13 at Dana Hills; 20 vs. Capistrano Valley; 27 at Trabuco Hills.

Nov. 3 vs. El Toro at Trabuco Hills HS; 10 vs. San Clemente.