EDISON

1996 RECORD: 6-4 overall, 2-3 in league

COACH: Dave White (73-39 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Brandon Boerner, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Shane Di Giorgio, OL/DL, 6-4, 250, Sr.; Jeff Grady, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; George Grosvenor, OL, 6-7, 285, Sr.; Brandon Jordan, LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Josh Kogler, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; John Moos, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Ryan Tritz, WR, 6-0, 205, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Chris Lopez, WR, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Clyatt Philman, DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Darrin Pope, WR, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Kyle Quatman, RB/DB, 5-8/160, Sr.; Brian Waters, TE/DE, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Paco Windrith, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Sr.

OUTLOOK

In a league loaded with powerhouses such as Esperanza and Los Alamitos, it’s risky to proclaim title hopes. But White wants the Chargers thinking big in 1997. Indeed, Edison seems ready for, at worst, a breakthrough season and, at best, its first title since 1990. The Chargers’ strength is at the skill positions. Kogler (968 yards, nine touchdowns) is a punishing runner. Grady (123 of 235, 1,466 yards, 11 touchdowns) has a good arm, but must cut back on the 14 interceptions he threw last season. Boerner (44 catches, 561 yards, two touchdowns) heads up a solid receiving group. There are some pitfalls, the biggest having to take on Esperanza, Fountain Valley and Los Alamitos in successive weeks. And the nonleague faceoff against Capistrano Valley will be a good measuring stick. But if the somewhat undersized defense can hold on, if the seniors have the seasons they are capable of, and--most important--the inexperienced offensive line matures by league play, watch out.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Paramount at Huntington Beach HS; 19 at Capistrano Valley; 26 at Westminster.

Oct. 3 vs. Orange at El Modena HS; 9 vs. Sonora at Huntington Beach HS; 17 vs. Huntington Beach at Orange Coast College; 23 vs. Esperanza at Valencia HS; 31 vs. Fountain Valley at Orange Coast College.

Nov. 6 vs. Los Alamitos at Cerritos Gahr HS; 14 vs. Marina at Huntington Beach HS.