PREP FOOTBALL ’99 : FREEWAY LEAGUE : FULLERTON

1998 RECORD: 6-6 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: Julian Smilowitz (35-40-1 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 8 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Fabian Chavez, OL/DL, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Manuel Corral, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; David Fells, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, Sr; Daniel Fells, TE, 6-4, 200, Jr.; Abel Hernandez, DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Armando Lopez, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Daniel Rosca, OL/DL, 6-3, 290, Sr.; John Van Lant, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

None

OUTLOOK

Smilowitz has a losing overall record and is reticent in public, but don’t be fooled. He has not always had the most talented players but has three league titles in his seven years at Fullerton, including last season. And Fullerton could repeat. Smilowitz loves the running game, and Lopez (1,017 yards, five touchdowns) gives him the sturdy, dependable back he craves. In front of Lopez is a beefy offensive line that returns four of five starters, all of them first- or second-team all-league players. The quarterback and kicking game are the biggest questions. Smilowitz doesn’t have another Johnathan Pate, the league’s player of the year, taking snaps. But if Lopez gets some running room, Smilowitz can bring along whoever is at quarterback slowly. Replacing kicker Aaron McCann is more critical, especially if the Indians struggle on offense. Defensively, Fullerton tends to improve as the season goes on. The 1995 team, which won 11 of its first 12 games, was Smilowitz’s best team. The 1999 squad may not be that good, but it looks good enough to defend its championship. Nonleague games against Bellflower, El Modena and Magnolia will show Fullerton how much potential is there.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 at Anaheim; 17 vs. Santa Ana Valley; 23 at Bellflower.

Oct. 1 at Magnolia; 7 vs. El Modena; 15 vs. Buena Park; 22 vs. Sunny Hills; 29 vs. La Habra.

Nov. 5 vs. Sonora at La Habra HS; 11 vs. Troy.