MAGNOLIA

1997 RECORD: 6-3-1 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Bill Friedrich (17-63-2 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jeremiah Faatili, LB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Asi Faoa, RB/LB, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Mike Katzell, OL/DL, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Adam Kilgore, OL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Joe Makaafi, OL/DL, 6-0, 265, Sr.; Jason Pe’a, OL/LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Aaron Pearson, SS, 6-1, 180, Sr.; George Sanchez, QB/DB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Peter Sikona, DB, 6-0, 190, Jr.; Will Speer, RB/LB, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Posadas Wiston, FS, 6-2, 180, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Scott Henry, TE, 6-6, 215, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Last season the Sentinels had a strong returning quarterback in Anthony Zaragoza, but were lacking on the offensive line with only one returning starter. This season the situation is reversed. Magnolia has four returning blockers, including second-team all-leaguers Kilgore and Pe’a, but is untested at quarterback. The Sentinels have a strong returning runner in Speer, a three-year starter who rushed for 929 yards last season. Faoa, a first-team all-league pick at tight end last season, moves to tailback and will be rather intimidating coming out of the backfield with his size. Magnolia doesn’t lose much by moving Faoa because Henry has shown good hands and good blocking skills while possessing excellent size for a tight end. Katzell and Makaafi are also making moves from the defensive line to the offensive line and Sanchez started at wide receiver last season, but is now one of the candidates for the quarterback job. On defense, Faatili is expected to be the leader, while Sikona moves from running back to one of the cornerback positions. Pearson, who had four interceptions last season, and Wiston also return in the defensive backfield.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Estancia at Glover Stadium; 17 at Bolsa Grande; 24 vs. Santiago at Garden Grove HS.

Oct. 2 at Fullerton; 9 vs. Newport Harbor at Glover Stadium; 16 vs. Anaheim at Glover Stadium; 23 vs. Savanna at Western HS; 30 at Western.

Nov. 6 vs. Brea Olinda at Glover Stadium; 12 vs. Valencia at Glover Stadium.