WHITTIER CHRISTIAN

1996 RECORD: 1-9 overall, 1-4 in league

COACH: Steve Randall (3-17 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 8 on offense, 8 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Jason Carpenter, TE/OLB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Richie Cawley, CB/WR, 6-3, 165, Sr.; Ryan Hedwall, K, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Paul Mejia, G/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Alex Petrie, WB/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Josh Stofle, DE/TE, 6-5, 220, Sr.; Matt Thompson, QB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Jacob Villa, WB/CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Jordan Bodell, SS, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Josh Martinez, MLB, 6-0, 215, So.; John Riley, FB, 5-9, 175, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Whittier Christian has a nice crew of returning starters, led by Stofle, Carpenter and Thompson. The Heralds are also blessed with good team speed and athleticism at the skill positions. Randall said his receiving corps is tall and has good hands, which will make things easier for the 5-foot-10 Thompson. A lack of depth and experience in the trenches is the main weakness for Whittier Christian. Randall said if his team can improve on its passing and special-teams play, the Heralds can definitely contend for the league title this season. A key game will be Oct. 28 against league favorite Orange Lutheran.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 vs. Malibu at Whittier College; 19 at Montebello Cantwell Sacred Heart; 26 at L.A. Murphy.

Oct. 4 vs. Whittier at Whittier California HS; 10 vs. Palos Verdes Chadwick at Whittier College; 18 vs. Ontario Christian at Whittier College; 23 vs. Orange Lutheran at Brea Olinda HS.

Nov. 1 vs. Brethren Christian at Whittier College; 7 at Cerritos Valley Christian; 14 vs. Calvary Chapel at Whittier College.