WOODBRIDGE

1997 RECORD: 8-2-2 overall, 3-1-1 in league

COACH: Rick Gibson (47-46-6 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 9 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Scott Barlow, QB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Mike Bennett, DE/TE, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Rael Berkowitz, LB, 6-0, 192, Sr.; Josh Coker, FB/DE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Dave Delaney, CB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Zach Foster, TE, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Jason Geneau, OL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Shane Harris, RB/FS, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Adam Jenkins, DE/FB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Eric Jensen, RB/OLB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Oren Masserman, WR, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Brandon Runk, LB/RB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Nick Shaeffer, OL, 6-5, 255, Sr.; Justin Valentine, LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Brad Arave, WR/CB, 5-4, 140, Jr.; Dave Grijalva, LB/TE, 6-1, 188, Jr.; Arnie Mayo, OL/DL, 5-11, 205, Jr.; Chris Pearson, WR/CB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Bud Sant, DE/TE, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Mark Surmanian, OL/DL, 5-9, 200, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Woodbridge’s idea of a good time is a mistake-free 7-6 victory. That ball-control approach last season got the Warriors to the playoffs for the first time since 1991. After going 0-19-1 in two previous seasons, last year’s success earned Gibson coach of the year honors. To take the next step--and get beyond the second round of the playoffs--Woodbridge must become a greater scoring threat; the Warriors will ultimately have to outscore Santa Margarita in the league race or Tustin in the playoffs. Barlow (10 TDs, 10 interceptions) must raise his play, and Harris (751 yards, 4.5 per carry)--the team’s workhorse--and Runk must not only protect the ball, but grind away at the clock, too. Delaney had four interceptions. Good team speed and experience could again make the Warriors a top-10 program.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 vs. Waimea (Hawaii) at Hanapepe Stadium; 11 vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande HS; 18 vs. Foothill at Tustin HS; 25 vs. University at Irvine HS.

Oct. 2 vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium; 16 at Irvine; 23 vs. Newport Harbor at Irvine HS; 30 vs. El Toro at Trabuco Hills HS.

Nov. 5 vs. Corona del Mar at Irvine HS; 13 vs. Santa Margarita at Saddleback College.