Dana Hills Dolphins

Last season: 1-8-1, 1-3-1 (tied for fourth)

Postseason: 2006, lost to Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, 45-10, in the first round of the Pac 5 Division playoffs

Coach: Brent Melbon (first season)

Outlook: After taking their lumps in 2007, first-year coach Brent Melbon assumes control of a squad that returns 13 starters and has the potential to be much improved. Duke-bound senior quarterback Sean Schroeder showed great poise in the face of constant pressure last season and should continue to develop into one of the county’s elite. Last year’s leading rusher, senior Brett Giesen (628 yards), will look to take some of the pressure off Schroeder. The Dolphins must get production from their wide receivers in order to keep their defense from logging heavy minutes. The Dolphins return six starters from a defensive unit that showed promise against some of the county’s better offenses. All-league tackle Anthony Kaspar (49 tackles, four sacks) has been battling a groin injury during training camp but should return soon.

Home stadium: Dana Hills

Factoid: Despite committing 14 penalties for 165 yards, the Dolphins defeated rival Aliso Niguel 21-3 for their lone victory in 2007.

Strongest: Anthony Kaspar/Ethan Yamada

Fastest: Dylan Denso/Alex De Avila

School record: 114-225-10

Players to watch
	Sean Schroeder Completed county-best 66.7 percent of his passes in 2007		Brett Giesen Accounted for 1,321 all-purpose yards in 2007.

Click here to see full team roster

Related:
• South Coast League schools: Aliso Niguel | Capistrano Valley  | Dana Hills  | Mission Viejo | San Clemente | Tesoro

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com