SOCCER PREVIEW : SAUGUS RETURNS 8 STARTERS LOSS OF KEY FORWARD MAKES TEAMWORK CRUCIAL IN RETAINING TITLE.

Byline: Lee Barnathan Daily News Staff Writer

Now comes the test: Can Saugus High School's boys soccer team repeat as Foothill League champion?

On paper, it's possible. The Centurions return eight starters, most of whom are seniors from last year's 19-2-2 squad that won the league title for the first time in 15 years.

However, three challenges must be overcome. First, someone needs to take over for forward Nate Wright Jr., who scored 30 goals and had 22 assists last season. Wright took his scoring to Biola University.

``We need to be a committee-scoring team,'' coach Nate Wright Sr. said.

That's only the first part. The younger Wright had the ability to keep the team unified. Players actually deferred to their captain.

With Wright gone, infighting could be the Centurions' undoing, something of which the coach is aware.

``Hopefully, they've matured over the years,'' Wright said. ``If they want to do it separately, it's gonna be a long season because it's not gonna happen.''

If Saugus stays together, it then must fight off the rest of the league. Coaches at Burroughs and Canyon have expressed confidence that they can take the title away.

A look at the teams, in projected order of finish (Burbank coach Rich Mekemson could not be reached):

Burroughs: The Indians mostly were sophomores last season. Still, five players were all-league selections last season: Miguel Meneses (junior forward) and Robbie Honicky (junior midfielder) made the first team. Brent Guido (junior midfielder) and Jose Munoz (senior goalie) were on the second team, with Yuri Osipov (senior defender) getting honorable mention. Coach Mike Kodama said these players are the five keys to victory.

Saugus: It's still potent, with senior goalie Jason Berriz leading a strong defense that includes seniors Seth Groller and Joey Trujillo. Midfielders Kevin Bonilla and J.D. Rotteau are seniors and have skill. Forwards Jordan Albertson and Jeff Hammond will try to take over Wright's scoring load.

Canyon: The key is forward Jair Yepez. He scored 18 goals in 17 games last season before low grades ended his season. If he can stay eligible, coach Juan Arias' prediction of a league title could come true. Arias also has junior Jimmy Giordano back to play either stopper or forward. Senior Keenan Wallace is the sweeper in front of sophomore goalie Matt Jordan. Ramon Cemental also is being counted on to score.

Valencia: The Vikings have seniors for the first time and a new coach, Jerry Stupar, who has rallied the team together after fighting with the old coach. The players to watch are J.R. Lloyd at sweeper, Chris Winslow in goal and Michelangelo DeFazio at forward. Adam Waddell transferred from Hart and should help in the midfield.

Hart: The Indians will have a mixture of youth and experience. Goalie Scott Parmenter and junior Dan Ledesma will provide defensive leadership. Sophomore Coby King is the main defensive threat.