And if the Dons can just get better each day ... well, there's no telling what Del Mar can accomplish in the 2002 season.

"We don't have a lot of depth, but if we can stay healthy and improve every day, we can compete," said LaMarre, who takes over the program at Del Mar this season.

Eight returners give the Dons some experience heading into the campaign.

"We have some experience at the 'specialty' positions, but we're young up front," said the coach. "So we're still coming together."

Senior quarterback Patrick Myers (5-foot-9, 144 pounds) leads the offense for the Dons, along with returning backs Matt Barrera (5-foot-10, 183), Kevin Siewert (5-foot-11, 164), Steve Johnson (5-foot-10, 144) and Saul Mayorquin (5-foot-8, 170).

Brett Payton (6-foot-1, 158) is a senior returner as wide receiver who could also see some action as quarterback.

Senior tight end Sean Hennessy (5-foot-11, 174) and junior lineman Tom Morrissey (6-foot, 191) are top returners in the offensive front.

Siewert, Hennessy and Mayorquin will serve double duty as linebackers and Payton, Barrera, Myers and Johnson will play in the defensive secondary. Morrissey doubles as a defensive lineman.

Newcomers expected to help the varsity in the trenches this fall are two-way linemen juniors Michael Stary (6-foot-3, 210), Todd Woodward (5-foot-11, 174), Shaun Henson (6-foot-2, 280), Nolan Ortiz (6-foot-2, 215), Jerry Paredes (5-foot-10, 310) and Louie Valle (6-foot, 206). Sophomore Michael Howery (6-foot, 179) is an offensive lineman who doubles as a linebacker.

Other prospects include junior Matt Vasquez (5-foot-9, 192) as running back and linebacker, junior Chris Little (5-foot-10, 143) as wide receiver and defensive back, junior Ryan McCullough (6-foot-1, 208) as tight end and defensive end and sophomore Vincent Langarica (6-foot-1, 170) as wide receiver and defensive end.

The Dons finished fifth in the Santa Teresa Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League last year with a 2-4 record and finished 2-8 overall. But LaMarre is looking for his club to finish "third or fourth" this season, with Independence and Westmont the title favorites.

Del Mar will open the season on the road this week, visiting Branham on Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m.

Del Mar schedule

Sept. 13— at Branham, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 21— at Santa Teresa, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 28— at Lincoln, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 5— Westmont,* 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 12— Prospect,* 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 19— Hill* at PAL, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 25— at Independence,* 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 2— Pioneer, 1:30 p.m.**
Nov. 9— Silver Creek,* 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 15— at Leland,* 1:15 p.m.

* Santa Teresa Division game
** Homecoming game