FOOTBALL TEAM OPENS SATURDAY AT HOME VS. EAST L.A.

SANTA MARIA-- Fourth-year head coach Kris Dutra will lead his Allan Hancock College football team into its' 2004 season opener Saturday, when the Bulldogs host East Los Angeles College at Righetti High School's Warrior Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

Dutra, who has guided AHC to California Community College bowl games in two of his three seasons, is optimistic about the prospects for the new season. The Bulldogs exhibited a powerful ground attack to win their final six games last fall. The run earned AHC an appearance in the Producers Dairy Bowl, where the Bulldogs fell to highly ranked Fresno City College and finished with an 8-3 record.

One of those losses was a 10-7 affair at East L.A. in the season opener. ELAC went on to finish the campaign with a disapointing 1-9 record, yet spoiled the Bulldogs' chances for a berth in the state playoff tournament.

Key returnees for AHC include a dominate offensive line that returned intact. Tackle Eric Murchison, the lone freshman to garner All-WSC first team honors last season was set for an encore sophomore year but suffered a knee injury in practice earlier this week, leaving his entire season in doubt. Regardless, the big front still boasts experience in tackle Louis Espinoza, guards Greg Shibata and Chris Spence and center Trevor Lady. Tailback Michael Santos, the 'Dogs top ground gainer last season is back for more, while returnee Andrew Jones and newcomer Blake Sartini are battling for the starting nod at quarterback. Returning starter Ryan Bugg is the best of a young receiving corps.

Defensively, All-WSC pick Trevor Shamblee is ready to terrorize WSC runningbacks and quarterbacks again, while end Michael Slaughter figures to be among the best in the state at his position. Hard-hitting sophomore safety Bronson Barnett, son of defensive coordinator Ed Barnett, will lead a young, but talented secondary. Defensive tackle Eric Thompson, end Kris Elliott, safety Laef Viker and linebacker Donnell Arrowsmith are experienced defenders who will solidify a formidable unit.

Returning sophomore placekicker Brian Schneider was a reliable last year but may be replaced by Santa Maria High phenom Victor Velasco, who is doubling this fall as a member of the Bulldog soccer team.

Following a visit to West Hills for a 1 p.m. non-conference tilt on Sept. 11, AHC will host Ventura in its first Western State Conference North Division game at Righetti on Sept. 18.