The Dons were perennial league title contenders and enjoyed success at the CCS level.

But over the past few years, the Dons have fallen off that pace. And last year's team struggled more than most, going winless in 10 regular season games. What's more, the frosh-soph team went 1-5 in the Santa Teresa Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League.

That could all change this fall in the West Valley Division and under the leadership Eric Buran. The first-year head coach hopes to lead Del Mar back to place of prominence in local football circles.

"We're trying to develop discipline and commitment to get Del Mar back to its winning ways," said Buran. But he knows that won't happen overnight.

"We are in a rebuilding mode," he said. "Last year's team finished with 16 players on the varsity and 16 players on the frosh-soph."

Still, with a handful of returners from last year's club, Buran figures the Dons are on the right track.

Del Mar should be solid up front this fall with returning offensive linemen Todd Woodward (6-foot-1, 170 pounds), Mike Stary (6-foot-3, 210) and Tom Morrissey (6-foot, 200) leading the charge. The three seniors will serve double-duty on defense, Stary in the line and Woodward and Morrissey at linebacker.

Mike Howery (6-foot, 190), who played varsity as a sophomore, returns for his junior season as a highly-rated linebacker for the Dons. He'll double as a tight end.

Rounding out the list of varsity returners at Del Mar this fall are seniors Matt Vasquez (5-foot-9, 195), running back and linebacker; Steve Johnson (5-foot-19, 160), running back and defensive back; Ernesto Salguero (5-foot-9, 215), two-way lineman; Jerry Paredes (5-foot-10, 298), two-way lineman; Nolan Ortiz (6-foot-3, 200), two-way lineman; and Ryan McCullough (6-foot-3, 210), tight end and defensive line; and juniors Kyle Kapchuk (5-foot-9, 155), running back and defensive back; Alex Hayton (6-foot-3, 210), two-way lineman; and Vince Langarica (6-foot-3, 215), tight end and defensive line.

Del Mar 2003 Football Schedule

Sept. 12 Harker Academy 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Prospect 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 Lincoln 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at James Lick* 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 San Jose * 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Westmont 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 Mt. Pleasant * 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 Evergreen Valley * 2:45 p.m.

Nov. 7 at Yerba Buena * 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Willow Glen * 1:30 p.m.

*Denotes Blossom Valley Athletic League West Valley Division game.