TROY

1996 RECORD: 7-5 overall, 4-1 in league

COACH: John Turek (105-91-6 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jeff Ahlberg, LB, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Brant Elliott, RB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Todd Frazier, LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Charles Lee, DB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Steve Muther, QB/DB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Chris Sanchez, OL, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Adrian Vargas, RB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Mike Viera, OL, 5-9, 185, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Matt Baldini, OL/DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Chris Butters, LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Matt Dolan, WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Steve Harris, FB, 6-0, 160, So.; Jim Jensen, OL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Kevin Nakatani, OL/DL, 5-10, 205, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Warriors had quite the roller-coaster ride in 1996. Troy began the season by giving up a cumulative 90 points to Rancho Alamitos and Tustin in successive weeks and losing three of its first four. Then a 35-7 rout of Ocean View got the Warriors rolling. They blistered the league, averaging 32 points in the five games; the only loss was to Sunny Hills, with which they shared the Freeway title. Turek said he is feeling good about his team’s chances to repeat as champs, but certain things have to happen. For one, Troy has to find another tireless tailback like Larry Montgomery and last year’s league player of the year Kyion Grayes (1,728 yards, 21 touchdowns) to key the offense. (Look for Vargas, who rushed for 663 yards and six touchdowns to get first crack.) Until that emergence, Muther (30 of 80, 457 yards, five touchdowns) must carry a heavier offensive burden. In addition, the offensive and defensive lines are small, meaning Troy will have to be quicker than opponents and avoid injuries.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Rancho Alamitos at Bolsa Grande HS; 19 vs. Orange Lutheran at Fullerton HS; 25 vs. Whittier La Serna at Fullerton HS.

Oct. 3 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS; 9 vs. Ocean View at Fullerton HS; 17 vs. Sonora at La Habra HS; 24 vs. Buena Park at Fullerton HS; 31 at Fullerton.

Nov. 7 vs. Sunny Hills at Buena Park HS; 14 at La Habra.