CANYON

1997 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 1-4 in league

COACH: Tom Bailey (0-0 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3 on offense, 2 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Scott Ausmus, TB/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Tyler Culver, FB/LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Josh Chelini, QB, 6-2, 160, Jr.; Adam Laslofy, DE, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Wally McManus, LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Adam Mitchell, OG/NT, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Ben Stulke, OG/DL, 6-1, 200, Jr. Aaron Warren, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMER

Aaron Dalzell, WR, 5-11, 155, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Bailey is one of four new coaches in the league this season. He was the defensive coordinator for 12 years at Homewood-Flossmoor High near Chicago, a perennial power which won the state title in 1994. He was the head coach the past two seasons, finishing 8-4 last season. “I went from the penthouse to the outhouse,” Bailey said. “But I’m the one who made that choice. I just needed a change and I’m happy to be here.” He inherits a team that struggled to one victory last season, but there are some bright spots. Culver and Warren, two first-team all-league selections, have caught Bailey’s attention. “Culver and Ausmus are two good running backs,” Bailey said. “Warren is my quarterback on defense.” The offensive line will be young, with three juniors and two sophomores projected as starters, and they’ll grow and mature with Chelini, who was inconsistent at quarterback last season but has improved. “What I like about these guys is that there is a will to get better,” Bailey said. “They really want to turn this thing around. I just told them to come everyday with a purpose, and although I can’t guarantee them a victory, we’ll work hard and have fun.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 10 vs. El Dorado at El Modena HS; 18 at Brea Olinda; 25 vs. Savanna at Glover Stadium.

Oct. 2 vs. Troy at El Modena HS; 8 vs. Katella at Glover Stadium; 15 vs. Orange at El Modena HS; 23 vs. Santa Ana Valley at El Modena HS; 31 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS.

Nov. 5 at El Modena; 13 vs. Villa Park at El Modena HS.