EL TORO

1997 RECORD: 3-6-1 overall, 2-2-1 in league

COACH: Mike Milner (38-37-4 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 3 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Zach Ballard, C, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Jason Jazayeri, OT, 6-5, 260, Sr.; David Kwon, CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Jimmy May, FS, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Jeff McCaffrey, SS, 6-2, 165, Jr.; Bob Omrani, OG, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Mike Strand, QB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Ryan Switzer, OLB, 6-1, 205, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Eric Bansberg, C, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Travis Bills, MLB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Adam Boone, SS, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Greg Burger, OT, 6-6, 275, Jr.; Tony Capella, DT, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Ryan Dove, WR, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Joe Gillespie, DT, 5-9, 215, Sr.; Larry Johnson, RB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Brandon Jones, OT, 6-5, 275, Jr.; Deven Lightner, TE, 6-1, 205, Sr.; J.P. Lonne, WR, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Mike Marquez, WR, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Tom Neja, OG, 6-2, 245, Jr.; Jeremy Robertson, CB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Ryan Stack, DT, 6-0, 285, Sr.; Dan Steinau, OLB, 5-11, 205, Jr.; Peter Weighaus, OLB, 6-0, 185, Sr.

OUTLOOK

For the first time since winning the section title in 1995, there is no returning running back in the backfield--such as Murle Sango, Richard Oates or Darron Ohlwiler--to count on for the big play. The Chargers go into the season with perhaps the league’s most celebrated quarterback, but third-year starter Strand (seven touchdowns, 12 interceptions) must step up in a big way if El Toro is to return to the playoffs after missing them last year. Strand, who completed 59.2% of his passes, will be protected by a solid offensive line led by the impressive Jazaryeri, but will be throwing to inexperienced receivers. The defense’s strength is at linebacker and in the secondary, which includes Switzer and Kwon. El Toro is a little thin on the depth chart, and if that depth is tested, it could be a long season.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 at Dana Hills; 18 at Western; 25 vs. Servite at Trabuco Hills HS.

Oct. 2 vs. Foothill at Trabuco Hills HS; 9 vs. Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo HS; 16 vs. Santa Margarita at Trabuco Hills HS; 24 at Irvine; 30 vs. Woodbridge at Trabuco Hills HS.

Nov. 6 at Newport Harbor; 13 vs. Corona del Mar at Newport Harbor HS.