Menlo can hang with Ocean teams

"We were decent in the Bay," said coach Mark Newton. "5-5 wasn't bad, but it was disappointing."

The Knights lost a lot of talent to graduation at key positions, but they have some units of strength. The offensive line brings back a lot of experience. Harrison Chow and Todd Yecies each started last year, while Calvin Johnson and Andrew Newman-Dilfer saw plenty of action.

"We'll still be out-weighed 75 pounds a man, (but) at the very least we have a quick offensive line," Newton said.

Because of the relative lack of numbers - 28 players on the varsity squad - most of offensive linemen will also be used on the defensive side of the ball.

Taking over the quarterbacking chores is senior Andy Gregg, who did not see any action under center in 2004.

"He's a very smart player," Newton said. "He's been throwing well this summer. (His biggest hurdle) is trusting himself he can do it. He's shown great leadership qualities. He just needs to get out there and do it."

Using a run-and-shoot offense, which spreads defenses out vertically and horizontally, the Knights usually use the run to set up the pass. This season, Menlo will probably go up top first before hitting defenses with the quick traps and draw plays that characterize the running game.

Gregg should have plenty of targets to choose from with Anthony Bouvier, Colin and Matt Burke, and Ricky Hawkins running up and down the field. Bovier is probably the team's most athletic player. He's a starter on the baseball and soccer teams as well.

Defensively, Newton is just looking for his players to be fundamentally sound.

"We need to block and tackle well, that's been a lot of our focus. We always execute on offense and defense, the bottom line is it's just blocking and tackling," Newton said. "We're very optimistic about this year. I think the Ocean will be on a real upswing this year. There's not weeks off for anybody."

Coach: Mark Newton

2004 record: 5-5 overall; 2-5 Bay Division

Returning players: 12

Key returners: Jon Kirst (RB/LB, sr.), Phil Leichtle (MLB/OL, sr.), Calvin Johnson (OL, sr.), Andrew Newman-Dilfer (OL, sr.), Todd Yecies (OL, sr.), Harrison Chow (OL, sr.).

Key newcomers: Ricky Hawkins (WR, jr.), Leon Ivery (RB, jr.), Anthony Bouvier (WR/DB/K, jr.), Matt Burke (WR/DB, sr.), Colin Burke (WR/DB, sr.), Andy Gregg (QB, sr,).

2005 schedule (home games in CAPS): 9/3 at San Mateo, 2 p.m.; 9/9 SACRED HEART PREP at Woodside, 7 p.m.; 9/17 MOUNTAIN VIEW, 2 p.m.; 10/1 HALF MOON BAY, 2 p.m.; 10/7 SEQUOIA, 3 p.m.; 10/14 at El Camino, 3 p.m.; 10/21 at Mills, 3 p.m.; 10/28 HILLSDALE, 3 p.m.; 11/4 at Capuchino, 2:45 p.m.; 11/12 JEFFERSON, 2 p.m.