BREA OLINDA

1999 RECORD: 12-1-1 overall, 4-0-1 in league

COACH: Rob Perrance (0-0 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2 on offense, 2 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Alex Guerrero, OT/DE, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Scott Smith, OT/DT, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Steve Stagnaro, QB/FS, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Ben Wilson, C/DE, 6-2, 230, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Travis Gibson, OL/DT, 6-2, 240, Jr.; Manny Gutierrez, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; David Oronoz, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Russ Scott, OL/DT, 6-0, 245, Jr.; Aaron Sverapa, OL/DT, 6-1, 270, Jr.

OUTLOOK

It appears Jon Looney picked the right time to take a one-year hiatus from the head coaching position at Brea Olinda. After 12 years and a 90-44-2 record, Looney announced in June he would take this season off so he can relax and spend more time with his three sons, but would return next season. The Wildcats graduated 33 of 49 players from last season, when they won their second consecutive Orange League title and, for the first time in 36 years, reached the Southern Section finals, where they lost the Division IX title game to La Verne Bonita, 24-14. The only returning player who started every game last season is Wilson, a second-team all-league defensive end. But Perrance, the Wildcat offensive line coach last season, remains optimistic about his team’s chances, downplaying any discussion of an off-year. “I think they anticipated that people out there would think it’s a down year,” Perrance said. “But I don’t think they want it to be that way.” Perrance expects the Wildcats to be strong on the offensive front, with Wilson, Smith and Guerrero paving the way. Stagnaro wasn’t expected to be the starting quarterback as a sophomore last year. But when first-teamer Brian Woidneck broke his arm in July, Stagnaro stepped in and proved to be a precocious standout with uncanny listening skills and decision-making abilities. He missed three midseason games with a high ankle sprain but somehow returned even stronger. He was Orange County’s top-rated passer in the playoffs, completing 19 of 39 passes for 458 yards and six touchdowns. Perrance has been surprised with the athleticism shown by several players who are moving up from the lower levels.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 at Buena Park; 15 vs. Cerritos; 22 at Diamond Bar; 29 vs. Katella.

Oct. 6 at Whittier California; 13 vs. Anaheim; 20 vs. Magnolia at Glover Stadium; 27 vs. Savanna.

Nov. 2 at Valencia; 10 vs. Western.