SANTA MARGARITA

1997 RECORD: 14-0 overall, 5-0 in league

COACH: Jim Hartigan (84-25-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 1 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

John Bennett, LB/TE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; David Cahill, OT, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Derek Early, OT, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Eric Escalante, OG, 6-3, 270, Jr.; Jeff Holgate, DE, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Matt Lopez, WR, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Ron Mostero, C, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Spencer McCroskey, RB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Mike O’Gorman, WR/LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Greg Orlando, QB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Greg Samuels, OG, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Matt Szkalak, LB, 6-1, 205, Jr.; Lee Smith, LB/P, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Garrett Thompson, DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Josh Wills, LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Trent Zinn, WR/DB, 5-11, 155, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Matt Froelich, K, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Colin Rooke, DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Brandon Smith, NG, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Tyler Thompson, RB, 5-10, 180, So.; Will Watson, DE, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Donald Wilson, QB/DB, 6-2, 170, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Eagles have a 25-game winning streak, have won consecutive Southern Section titles and, according to Hartigan, “this is our biggest, strongest and fastest team yet.” Orlando, who backed up Carson Palmer (USC) last season, was 4-0 as a starter, completing 29 of 51 attempts; he had a rating of 191.9. He threw for six touchdowns, rushed for five and caught eight. He is recovering from a broken wrist, and if it isn’t completely healed, the Eagles won’t have a proven backup. If a doctor approves, Orlando will play receiver until he’s able to be the quarterback. Wilson, a transfer from Kennedy, led the Irish to junior varsity and freshman titles. O’Gorman, (who caught five passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns in the title-game victory over Tustin, could be one of county’s best receivers.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Compton Dominguez at Saddleback College; 18 vs. Carlsbad at Saddleback College; 25 at Dana Hills.

Oct. 2 at San Clemente; 9 vs. San Diego Rancho Bernardo at Saddleback College; 16 vs. El Toro at Trabuco Hills HS; 23 vs. Corona del Mar at Saddleback College; 29 at Newport Harbor.

Nov. 7 at Irvine; 13 vs. Woodbridge at Saddleback College.