MATER DEI

1996 RECORD: 14-0 overall, 5-0 in league

COACH: Bruce Rollinson (86-17 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Kenny Aguilar, WR/FS, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Joey Boese, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Marcel Dailey, RB, 5-7, 200, Jr.; John Leonard, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Mike McNair, RB/DE, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Joe Medlin, DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Kevin Mitchell, FB/LB, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Scott Panique, OL/LB, 6-0, 255, Sr.; Mike Tritz, OL, 5-11, 260, Jr.; Lenny Vandermade, OL/DL, 6-3, 255, Jr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Matt Grootegood, SS/QB, 5-10, 175, So.; Junior Palacios, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, So; Alex Romero, DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Monarchs are coming off a dream season in which they were named national champions by USA Today. Although they lost half of their starters on offense and defense, including one of the finest players in school history, Rod Perry (USC), two-year starting quarterback Nick Stremick and three-year starter David Castleton, the Monarchs won’t struggle. McNair, who rushed for 1,222 yards and scored 19 touchdowns last season, combines size and speed and should be one of the state’s best backs. Medlin, Panique and Vandermade headline a solid offensive line that will help keep the pressure off first-year quarterback Leonard. Defensively, the Monarchs have Boese anchoring a strong secondary with three returning starters, and the front seven features returning all-leaguers Mitchell and Medlin. “This team could go 14-0 and win another national championship,” Rollinson said. “We’re not saying that out of cockiness or arrogance, but this is what we’ve practiced for. Now we have to prove if we’re worthy of those accolades everyone is talking about.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Santa Ana Valley at Santa Ana Stadium; 18 vs. Bellflower St. John Bosco at Cal State Fullerton; 26 at Hawthorne.

Oct. 3 at Irvine; 10 vs. Servite at Santa Ana Stadium; 16 vs. Capistrano Valley at Santa Ana Stadium; 24 at Mission Viejo; 30 vs. Dana Hills at Cal State Fullerton.

Nov. 6 vs. Trabuco Hills at Cal State Fullerton; 14 at San Clemente.