LA HABRA

1995 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 1-4 in league.

COACH: Rick Milhizer (10-21 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 7 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Nick Armstrong, WR, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Chris Falcioni, TE/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Jesse Giovanetti, RB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Chris Goben, OT, 6-0, 290, Sr.; Gabriel Jimenez, OL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Jason Koontz, OL/LB, 6-6, 260, Jr.; Ranoy Martinez, OT, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Dennis Petterson, DB, 5-11,175, Sr.; Jerry Poucher, DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Glenn Sheppard, DL, 6-2, 320, Sr.; Dave Tafoya, OL, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Tom White, FB/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Brad Egan, TE, 6-5, 220 Jr.; Kevin Hastin, LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Andy Lara, WR, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Robert Morales, QB 6-0, 200, Jr.; Paul Summers, DB, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Casey Verdugo, DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.

OUTLOOK

After consecutive 3-7 seasons, the Highlanders might have a squad with playoff aspirations worth taking seriously. Milhizer has the necessary big people up front; the offensive line averages 260 pounds. La Habra also will count on continued all-league performances by Armstrong (47 catches, 590 yards, five touchdowns) and White (80 carries, 344 yards, three touchdowns) and look for other players who are ready to become key contributors, such as Falcioni (137 yards rushing) and Poucher. There are questions at quarterback, where the graduated Jon Marshall (1,472 passing yards, 12 touchdowns) was dependable rather than spectacular. And how can Milhizer and staff not fret about a defense that gave up 28 or more points six times last season? But, for a change, La Habra has the talent to compete.