MISSION VIEJO

1997 RECORD: 8-3, overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: Steve Carnes (0-0 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 4 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Brian Belgen, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, Jr.; Dan Bowling, TB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Bill Brummel, TE/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Dustin Crane, WR/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Adam Dimmick, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Stephen Glassford, OL/DL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Jesse Harmon, TE/DB/P, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Anthony Nipps, TE/LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Steve Reindl, OL/DL, 6-4, 265, Sr.; Justin Shultz, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Matt Tadman, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Bob Young, QB/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Todd Bachert, OL/DL, 6-5, 275, Sr. Kevin Dunn, OL/DL, 6-2, 283, Sr.; John Hudgins, QB/DB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; William Jones, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Darren LeClaire, OL/DL, 6-2, 305, Sr.; Ryan O’Connor, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr; Scott Puffrath, TE/LB, 6-5, 210, Jr.; Will Redanz, RB/LB, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Joey Reid, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Paul Whiting, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Carnes, the team’s offensive coordinator last season, steps in for Coach Bill Denny, who died of a heart attack in June. Last season, Mission Viejo made its first playoff appearance since 1994 and is looking to build on that success. There’s a good foundation with some big linemen, including Reindl. Newcomers Bachert and LeClaire should also give the Diablo line a boost. Bowling, who played fullback last season, should prosper at tailback behind the big line. Crane is a dangerous receiver and Carnes hopes Hudgins will be the quarterback to get him the ball. If Hudgins isn’t ready, Young will have to also play quarterback. Shultz and Young are top-notch secondary defenders and Glassford and Nipps anchor a tough group of linebackers. The Diablos should challenge for the playoffs.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 at Santa Fe Springs St. Paul; 18 at Aliso Niguel; 25 vs. Laguna Hills.

Oct. 3 vs. Murrieta Valley; 8 vs. Marina at Westminster HS; 15 vs. Capistrano Valley; 23 vs. Trabuco Hills; 29 vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium.

Nov. 6 vs. San Clemente; 13 at Dana Hills.