VALENCIA

1995 RECORD: 3-7 overall, 2-3 in league.

COACH: Mike Marrujo (140-44-5 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4 on offense, 7 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Eric Young, QB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Brandon Blackley, RB/DE, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Tarl Lang, WB/CB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Mauricio Arguello, OT/DT, 6-3 1/2, 250, Sr.; Julian Gomez, RB/DB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Lucas Spathes, ILB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Dan Maurin, DE, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Manny Ramirez, OT/DT, 6-1, 240, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Matt Randolph, TE/ILB, 6-2, 220, Jr; William Taylor, OG/DT, 6-0, 225, Jr.

OUTLOOK

The Tigers’ streak of 14 consecutive appearances in the playoffs was stopped in 1995, but the staff, led by 15-year veteran Marrujo, is optimistic because 24 lettermen return. Young started last season and passed for 1,102 yards and 15 touchdowns. Blackley was “banged up all year,” according to Marrujo, but is expected to be one of the league’s better two-way players. Lang had a fine summer, according to the coach. Arguello, a second-team all-league choice last season, is a three-year letterman. Taylor, who played on the varsity as a sophomore, is expected to anchor the offensive line at guard or tackle, along with Ramirez, who also might play on the defensive line. “We are optimistic that last year was a fluke,” Marrujo said. “Everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. It was unbelievable. Overall, we are considerably better than last year. We can, hopefully, put some things together, play well as a team and go from there.” Marrujo calls Western the team to beat, with Brea Olinda a close second. But he believes his team can battle for a playoff spot.