LOS ALAMITOS

1997 RECORD: 9-3 overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: John Barnes (164-54-6 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 10 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Chris Andrews, LB, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Sagan Atuatasi, DL, 6-3, 300, Sr.; Jerod Ball, LB, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Craig Castillo, DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Brandon Cheri, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Josiah Doby, RB, 5-9, 205, Sr.; Ryan Godfrey, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Austin Guyness, WR, 6-5, 180, Sr.; Ryan Hanson, QB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Trevor Hartley, DB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Mike Hill, LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Keenan Howry, WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Adolph Keyes, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Stephan Merriweather, LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Bernard Riley, DL, 6-3, 305, Sr.; Greg Rodriguez, OL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Gary Salgado, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Brent Harroo, WR, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Chad Isaacson, OL, 6-2, 255, Sr.; Jeff Jacques, OL, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Damon Johnson, RB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Matt Lopez, OL, 6-2, 248, Sr.; Matt Mobley, OL, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Blasi Ritacco, WR, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Mike White, OL, 6-2, 235, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Barnes usually refrains from hyperbole when talking about his team because expectations are always high at Los Alamitos. But there’s no glossing over the embarrassment of riches this season, from all-county wideout Howry (72 catches, 1,194 yards, eight TDs), to monster defensive tackles Riley (second-team all-county) and Atuatasi. The Griffins are deep, experienced, and hungry for their first outright league title since 1994. “I know we will be good,” Barnes said. “We have the best group of players we’ve had in years. I am pretty excited.” The rest of the league should be concerned.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 10 vs. Los Angeles Washington at Cerritos Gahr HS; 17 vs Dana Hills at Gahr HS; 25 at Tustin.

Oct. 2 at Bellflower St. John Bosco; 9 at Long Beach Wilson; 16 vs. Esperanza at Veterans Stadium; 22 vs. Edison at Veterans Stadium; 30 vs. Fountain Valley at Huntington Beach HS.

Nov. 6 at Huntington Beach; 12 vs. Marina at Veterans Stadium.