SADDLEBACK

USE THIS ONE

1999 RECORD: 4-6 overall, 0-4 in league

COACH: Jerry Witte (133-135-7 in 27 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS:

4 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Joel Gonzalez, RB/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Ramon Saavedra, QB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Alfredo Ramirez, LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Jerry Garcia, DT, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Carlos Reyes, S, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Ismael Isais, WR, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Kelly Talavou, OT/DT, 6-2, 285, Jr.; Chris Lechuga, DB, 5-9, 140, Sr.; Emmett Briggs WR/DB 6-0, 150, Sr.; Brandon Ferguson, G/DT, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Joel Samayoa, TE/DE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Mark Hernandez, C/LB, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Omar De La Riva G/DT, 5-8, 240, Sr.; Eric Figueroa, OT/DT, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Eddie Guzman, DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Ricky Ramirez, RB/LB, 5-9, 195, Jr.; Chris Alegria, G/DT, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Luis Herrera, G/LB, 5-9, 210, Jr. Tom Chavez, K, 5-11, 220, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Peter Nguyen, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Carlos Ramos, TE/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Brian Wright, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Adam Cabrera, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.

OUTLOOK

Shaken by last month’s stabbing of Gonzalez, who rushed for 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, the Roadrunners vow to go on, although Gonzalez’ playing future is unknown. Saavedra, who completed 53% of his passes for only 867 yards and six touchdowns, is hoping to pick up the slack if the running game breaks down. Saavedra, who started three games but missed half the season with injuries, had good spring and summer league workouts, Witte said. With 26 lettermen returning, the team looks more experienced than a year ago and the Roadrunners figure to challenge for one of three playoff spots.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 vs. Costa Mesa at Santa Ana Stadium; 15 at Irvine; 22 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium; 28 vs. Corona del Mar at Orange Coast College.

Oct. 6 vs. University at Santa Ana Stadium; 14 vs. Rancho Alamitos at Bolsa Grande HS; 21 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium; 27 at Westminster.

Nov. 3 vs. Tustin at Santa Ana Stadium; 10 vs. Ocean View at Huntington Beach HS.