SAN CLEMENTE

1996 RECORD: 5-5 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Mark McElroy (30-22-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Kris Bean, DT/OL, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Dylan Bird, DE/TE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Daniel Montecinos, OLB, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Oscar Montecinos, QB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Brandon Reed, DE/FB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Robert Richardson, C, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Jeff Tappendon, OL, 6-1, 255, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Ryan Frith, DT, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Derek Frazer, CB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Chris McCormack, WR, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Norman Pridgen, CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Nick Schaeffer, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Dennis Vanderlichten, DE, 6-4, 250, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Tritons endured two heartbreaking losses in league last season, a 28-27 loss to Trabuco Hills and a 40-35 loss to Capistrano Valley, and both cost them a trip to the playoffs. Although San Clemente has huge holes to fill, McElroy is still optimistic. “This is the strongest team we’ve had,” McElroy said. “Our strength will be up front so it will be interesting to see how we do in the trenches.” On the offensive line, Bean and Richardson are returning all-league selections and Tappendon also started last season. On the defensive line, Bird was an all-league selection and returns with Frith to anchor that unit. Daniel Montecinos will head the linebacking corps. His brother, Oscar, will take over at quarterback for Chris Hayward (Nevada Las Vegas), who passed for 2,527 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. “We’ll try some new concepts to take advantage of Oscar’s athletic ability,” McElroy said. Running back Ryan Davis also graduated after posting consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. McElroy will fill that void by committee.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. El Toro; 19 vs. Orange; 26 at Huntington Beach.

Oct. 2 vs. Woodbridge at Irvine HS; 10 vs. Irvine; 17 at Dana Hills; 24 at Trabuco Hills; 31 vs. Mission Viejo.

Nov. 7 vs. Capistrano Valley; 14 vs. Mater Dei.