GARDEN GROVE

1999 RECORD: 7-4 overall, 6-0 in league

COACH: Kris Van Hook (13-17-1 in 3 seasons at school)

RETURNING STARTERS:

4 on offense, 5 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Felipe Garcia, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Matthew Kinney, RB/QB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Ben Meza, C/LB, 5-9, 200, Sr.; Thomas Parrilla, RB/DB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Adrian Placinta, DE, 6-5, 225, Sr.; Eddie Ramos, OL/DL, 6-0, 240, Jr.; Victor Romero, OL/LB, 5-9, 225, Jr.; Keo Sutherland, QB/DB, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Sione Taumoefolau, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Tauveli Taumoefolau, TE/LB, 5-9, 225, Jr.; Mark Whittaker, OL/DL, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Travis Zuidema, FB/LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

David Tharpe, OL, 6-0, 263, Jr.; Nathan Werdel, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Jr.

OUTLOOK

Garden Grove’s return to the top of the Garden Grove League might be short-lived unless Sutherland (656 yards passing, seven TDs) has a huge year and an inexperienced defense matures. Sutherland, in his second year running the option, figures to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks. But for Sutherland to excel, his young offensive line must give him time. Only Meza at center and Whittaker at left tackle are returning starters. Placinta and Ramos give the Argonauts size and experience on the defensive line.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 at El Modena; 15 vs. Westminster; 23 vs. Lancaster Paraclete; 29 vs. Pacifica at Bolsa Grande HS.

Oct. 6 vs. La Quinta; 13 vs. Los Amigos; 19 vs. Rancho Alamitos; 28 vs. Ocean View.

Nov. 3 vs. Santiago; 9 at Bolsa Grande.