The Acorn's 2007 Marmonte League Preview
Westlake Warriors

Last season's results: (1st in Marmonte, 12-1 overall) Westlake surprised a lot of people last year by beating Moorpark in the final regular-season game to win the league title. The Warriors did a fine job of capturing the close contests in 2006, going 3-0 in games decided by three points or less. Westlake lost 427 at home to eventual CIFSouthern Section Northern Division champion Canyon in the second round of the playoffs.

Notable returnees: Cooper Shockley, sr., RB (767 rushing yards, 9 TDs); Curtis Peterson, sr., WR (58 receptions, 748 yards, 6 TDs); Justin Lilley, jr., DB (60 tackles, 2 INTs); Kyle Oglesby, sr., DB (25 tackles); Jordan Mannisto, sr., K/P (13 FGs, 47 punts for 1,778 yards) Impact newcomer: Michael Lorenzo, soph., OL Who they play: Westlake should rename its team the Road Warriors this year, as six of its first seven games are away from Warrior Stadium. The team's toughest stretch of games may come in early October, when WHS travels to play games at Newbury Park (Oct. 5), Royal (Oct. 12) and Simi Valley (Oct. 19) in consecutive weeks. The Warriors' final three games will all be at home.

Overview: For the first time in three years, Ryan Campbell will not be the team's starting quarterback. Instead, head coach Jim Benkert will turn the offensive controls over to either left-handed senior Nick Owens or junior Ben Conlin.

The offensive line has some experience, with returning starters Spencer Christiansen, Tommy Stuart and Brian Ranieri all expected to provide leadership while opening up running lanes. Lorenzo, the sophomore, adds muscle and skill in the trenches.

Shockley, a second-team all-league running back, returns as the Warriors' feature ball carrier. He split carries with Byron Sells last season.

Defense may be the biggest question mark on this team, as the departures of standouts Chase Calderon and Tyrone Duncan have left a large void in the middle of the unit. Losing defensive coordinator Mike Leibin to Thousand Oaks doesn't help, either.

What the Warriors lack on defense, they'll make up for in special teams play. Benkert calls Mannisto, his senior punter and field goal kicker, an "ace in the hole." Last year Mannisto converted more than 90 percent of his field goal attempts, including two kicks of more than 50 yards.

In a nutshell: No matter who's on the field, Benkert just finds ways to win. Heading into Friday's non-league opener in Waipahu, Hawaii, Benkert has 149 career victories. Westlake was the only Marmonte League team to garner a preseason ranking by CalHiSports.com, coming in at No. 42 in the state. Players leave, but the Warrior mystique remains the same. Moorpark Musketeers

Last season's results: (2nd in Marmonte, 11-3 overall) Although Moorpark just missed out on their second consecutive Marmonte League title with a loss to Westlake during last year's regularseason finale, the team played extremely well in the postseason. MHS came within a minute of winning the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division championship before losing a heartbreaker to Canyon, 24-22.

Notable returnees: Adam Barry, sr., QB (96 completions for 1,553 yards, 16 TDs, 4 INTs); Ryan Murry, sr., WR (6 receptions, 62 yards); Tyler Phillips, sr., OL; Garrett Meadows, sr., DL Impact newcomer: Austin Edmonson, soph., RB Who they play: Moorpark doesn't have any long stretches of games on the road or at home, but its biggest two games of the year may very well be after Halloween. The Musketeers will travel to Newbury Park (Nov. 2) before a rematch on the road with last year's league champion, Westlake (Nov. 9).

Overview: Moorpark has so many people missing from last year's team that it could be mistaken for the cast of "Lost: Season Four." By now almost everyone knows about the transfer of star running back Darrell Scott to St. Bonaventure, but what might have been lost in the shuffle was the departure of the entire starting offensive line, the team's top two wide receivers and several defensive standouts.

Still, the show must go on. One bright spot is Barry, who returns for his third year under center for the Musketeers. Anchored by an outstanding running game during the past couple seasons, Barry wasn't asked to pass much. One thing he's done well is win, including earning 21 victories as a starter in two years.

For the Musketeers to keep winning, Edmonson, the sophomore running back, must develop quickly. Nobody expects Edmonson to fill Scott's shoes, but he will need to run well enough to keep defenses from rushing Barry on every play. When Edmonson isn't running the ball, look for Murry to have a big year at wide receiver.

The defense loses big-name players such as Dakota Holland and Zach Trottier, but the team will look for returnees Meadows and Mike Grimaud to have breakout years. Head coach Tim Lins has also been impressed with the offseason effort of junior defensive lineman Corey Sandoval.

In a nutshell: With the loss of Scott, Moorpark was dealt an unexpected blow at the end of last year. Although Lins said the team has moved on, it remains to be seen whether or not Barry's play at quarterback can help offset the loss of so many top-notch players. Agoura Chargers

Last season's results: (Tied for 4th in Marmonte, 6-4 overall) Agoura began the 2006 season by winning its first five games, including road wins at Simi Valley and Newbury Park. In the second half of the year, however, the Chargers fell apart by losing their next four games, three of them at home and two games by only three points each.

Notable returnees: Doug Shumway, sr., QB (121 completions for 1,429 yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs); Adam Azoff, sr., LB/RB (19 tackles); Kevin Graf, jr., OL/ DL; Matt McGinnis, sr., RB/LB (74 tackles, 1 INT); Patrick Rohn, sr., WR/ DB (25 tackles, 2 INTs) Impact newcomer: Sam Bradley, soph., RB Who they play: After opening the season at home vs. Ventura (Sept. 7), the Chargers play three consecutive contests on the road, including a tough Marmonte League opener against Thousand Oaks (Sept. 28). Agoura will then return to play four of its next six games at home, including big showdowns against Simi Valley (Oct. 5), Newbury Park (Oct. 12) and Moorpark (Oct. 19). The rematch against Westlake- an absolute classic a year ago- is Nov. 2 at WHS. Circle that one on your calendar, and expect the unexpected.

Overview: With a returning senior quarterback and an experienced offensive line, Agoura may contain one of the more explosive offenses in the league. In his junior year, Shumway averaged 158.8 yards passing per game and proved to be a tough customer in the pocket.

With players like Graf, James Barmasse, Nick Rubin and Chris Lees returning on the offensive line, look for Shumway to improve his numbers. Shumway will be throwing to receivers such as Rohn, senior Nick Haraden, junior Kevin Hansen and senior Sean McNamara.

The Chargers lost running back Matt Bradley to graduation but gained his younger brother, Sam. According to head coach Charlie Wegher, the younger Bradley isn't as hard nosed of a running back as Matt Bradley was, but Sam is a better receiver coming out of the backfield.

The key to the team's success will be its defense. Azoff, McNamara, Rohn and McGinnis are all proven varsity players, but the Chargers need help from new linebackers Ali Rubinstein and David Claxton if they want to slow down opposing offenses that will be looking to match the AHS offense point for point.

In a nutshell: The Chargers must play an entire season the way they've played the first half of the last two campaigns. For that to happen, Wegher said AHS must win the turnover battle. The Chargers have won 34 of their last 38 games when they've had more takeaways than giveaways. Thousand Oaks Lancers

Last season's results: (3rd in Marmonte, 7-4 overall) Midseason losses to rivals Moorpark and Westlake prevented Thousand Oaks from making a run at the Marmonte League title in '06. Still, the Lancers won their final three league games and went into the postseason with a head full of steam. Unfortunately, the momentum didn't carry over into the playoffs, where TOHS was whacked by Hart of Newhall 41-19 in the first round.

Notable returnees: John Lister, jr., RB (1,191 rushing yards, 9 TDs); Scott Luft, sr., WR/DL (13 receptions, 151 yards, 75 tackles); Evan Yabu, sr., DB (47 tackles, 3 INTs); Ryan Thompson, jr., DL (34 tackles); Dereck Jester, jr., DL (28 tackles) Impact newcomer: Josh Bounds, jr., DE Who they play: Thousand Oaks faces a tough series of road tests when they embark on a three-game trip in October. The journey starts at Moorpark (Oct. 12) before moving on to Royal (Oct. 19) and Westlake (Oct. 26), where new Thousand Oaks head coach Mike Leibin will visit the school in which he served as a defensive coordinator for the previous seven years. The Lancers roughed up Newbury Park last year. The rematch takes place Nov. 9 at TOHS.

Overview: With Luft, Yabu, Thompson, Jester and Kyle Woodruff all returning, Thousand Oaks may have the best defense in the league. Newcomer Josh Bounds will also help Leibin's group. Leibin described Bounds' play as "well disciplined, with a great understanding of what he's doing."

With Thompson, Jester and Bounds all having two more years at the school, the Lancers may be set on the defensive side for some time.

Lister had a great season as a sophomore, but can he repeat the performance? Leibin says he can and added that after a recent scrimmage all of the other coaches couldn't stop talking about the speed of his ball carrier.

For Lister to net big gains, the Lancers will have to get good play out of their quarterback. Ryan Cloney graduated after a storied career and his replacement still hasn't been determined. According to Leibin, the competition is between senior Kyle Triplett and junior Ian Shultis. Leibin described Shultis as having the stronger arm, while Triplett is a little more athletic and has the ability to run with the ball.

In a nutshell: All the intangibles are there on defense. Whether or not the Lancers can win the league may come down to the quarterbacks. If the signalcallers can perform well, Lister will have an opportunity to be one of the top two running backs in the league, alongside Simi Valley's Langston Jackson. Simi Valley

Pioneers

Last season's result: (7th in Marmonte, 37 overall) The inability to win close games once again proved to be Simi Valley's Achilles' heel in 2006SVHS lost to playoff qualifiers Westlake, Thousand Oaks and Royal by a combined 19 points.

Notable returnees: Langston Jackson, sr., RB (200 rushes, 998 yards, 10 TDs); Jesse Swayze, sr., WR (26 receptions, 286 yards, 1 TD); Mike Ortiz, sr., DL (53 tackles, 3 sacks); Alan Steele, sr., LB (77 tackles, 2 sacks); Adam Hernandez, sr., S (13 tackles, 2 INTs); Marcus Shelby, sr., CB (32 tackles); Chance Cross, sr., SS (59 tackles, 2 INTs) Impact newcomer: Keith Williams, jr., WR Who they play: The Pioneers play three of their first four games at home, including the Marmonte League opener against Moorpark (Sept. 28). After that, Simi Valley has five of its final six league games away from the friendly confines of SVHS. A chance at the playoffs may very well hinge on the final three games of the regular season- all on the road- against Newbury Park (Oct. 26), Thousand Oaks (Nov. 2) and city rival Royal (Nov. 9).

Overview: They say a productive running game and stout defense wins football games. If that's the case, the under-the-radar Pioneers could be in good shape.

Jackson's an explosive ball carrier who's already received a full scholarship offer from Utah. He's also being recruited by multiple Pac10 universities. Running behind an offensive line that head coach Todd Borowski says is the most tactically sound in his three years at the helm, Jackson should easily post a 1,000-yard campaign.

Juniors Jared Zahorik and Tim Ferralli continue to battle for the starting quarterback job. Both have made strides in their on-field development, but neither has claimed the starting role. Williams, a transfer wideout from Thousand Oaks, is 6-foot-3 and should be a versatile perimeter weapon.

The Pioneer defense, led by Ortiz, Steele, Hernandez, Shelby and Cross, returns seven starters and will be much improved, Borowski said. Simi Valley allowed 24.8 points per game last year.

In a nutshell: Simi Valley has been knocking on the postseason door some time now- two years ago they started 5-0 and finished 5-5- but for one reason or another they haven't been able to get over the hump. Borowski expects much better than another seventh-place finish, and the talent is there to surprise some teams. We say the Pioneers will go as far as their defense takes them. Newbury Park

Panthers

Last season's result: (Tied for 4th in Marmonte, 4-6 overall) For the sixth time in seven seasons, the Panthers failed to qualify for the playoffs. After starting the year 1-4, Newbury Park rebounded to win three of its final five games- a good precursor of what may lie ahead for this squad.

Notable returnees: Colby Cameron, sr., QB (195 completions for 2,398 yards, 23 TDs, 14 INTs); Ron Tatham, sr., LB (100 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries); Brian Koenig, sr., RB/LB (75 rushes, 279 yards); Danny Diefenthaler, sr., WR/FS (23 receptions, 289 yards, 4 TDs); Chance Flaaten, sr., LB/RB (89 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INTs); Tim Ketaily, sr., OT/C Impact newcomer: Chris Brown, jr., RB/DB Who they play: Newbury Park keeps things local with its nonleague schedule. The Panthers host Camarillo (Sept. 7) and Rio Mesa (Sept. 14) before traveling to play at Oak Park (Sept. 20). In league, NPHS has two critical games at home against Westlake (Oct. 5) and Moorpark (Nov. 2). They'll play at Thousand Oaks (Nov. 9).

Overview: Despite missing out on the playoffs in '06 and not having won a league title since 1999, Newbury Park is viewed by many as the team to beat this season.

Cameron, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound signal-caller, is a fast-rising college prospect with a big arm, smarts and tons of talent. He'll be protected by a solid offensive line that features returning players Ketaily, Tyler Miles, Luis Gonzalez, Jack Knauer and Daniel Fesmire.

At wideout, Diefenthaler, David Gru and Sean Bayer combined for 65 receptions a year ago. They'll be joined on the outside by the Muscarella brothers, Vincent and Phillip. Brown, the junior running back, brings speed and athleticism to the position the program hasn't seen since Marcus Crawford was running wild several years ago. Brown could be the surprise impact athlete of the season.

Middle linebackers Tatham and Flaaten are the backbone of the Panthers' defense. Tatham is tactical and disciplined. Flaaten has a wild streak. Together they make plays all night long.

Six-foot-6, 225-pound junior defensive end Jackson Powell is raw but has lots of ability. Senior Derek Taylor will see time at strong safety. He also handles the team's long-snapping duties. Place kicker David Matic is a soccer player in his first year in football pads.

In a nutshell: Head coach George Hurley wants to run the ball 40 percent of the time this season. You read that right, 40 percent! If the funandgun Panthers can establish any sort of balance on offense, they could be extremely tough to contain. Royal Highlanders

Last season's result: (Tied for 4th in Marmonte, 5-6 overall) The good: Royal won three of its final four regular-season games to stake its claim in a three-team tie for fourth place in the final Marmonte League standings. A coin toss went the Highlanders' way and they made the playoffs. The bad: RHS was hammered by Canyon 63-3 in the first round, leaving a sour taste to an otherwise solid season.

Notable returnees: Cameron Flye, sr., LB (150 tackles, 4 sacks); Derek Morris, sr., RB (42 rushes, 243 yards); Jake Mittel, sr., FS (62 tackles, 4 INTs); Matt Andreolli, sr., OL; Brad Dade, sr., C; James Preece, sr., OL Impact newcomers: Nick Zortea, jr., DE; Matt Rulon, jr., FB/LB Who they play: The Highlanders' non-league schedule features consecutive road trips to Oak Park (Sept. 14) and Ventura (Sept. 20). Expect physical, intense ballgames. In league play, head coach Gene Uebelhardt must have his players focused from the get-go. Royal's first four Marmonte matchups are at home against Newbury Park (Sept. 28), at Moorpark (Oct. 5), and back home to take on Westlake (Oct. 12) and Thousand Oaks (Oct. 19). That's a grueling six-week stretch.

Overview: Flye, the team's two-time All-County linebacker, and Mittel, a free safety with a nose for the ball, will lead a Royal defense that has been one of the league's stingiest units for years.

Offensively, RHS averaged less than two touchdowns per game in '06. Uebelhardt believes he has enough quality athletes to fix those deficiencies.

Morris moved from fullback to running back and should see the bulk of the carries. Rulon will slide into the fullback role. Michael Cooper, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound tight end, started as a sophomore. He has the physical tools to create headaches for opposing defenses. Look for sophomore wide receiver/ slot back Thomas Garner to make plays as well.

With three-fifths of the offensive line returning- Andreolli, Dade and Preece- Royal looks strong in the trenches. The question is at quarterback, where junior Trevor Shubert and sophomore Brian Blechen continue to vie for the No. 1 role.

Shubert has varsity experience and has impressed during offseason workouts. Blechen is the wild card, not only for the Highlanders but perhaps the entire league. He led the Royal freshman team to a 10-0 record last year.

In a nutshell: Although they've been a running team in the past, the Highlanders want better balance on offense. If Shubert or Blechen can emerge, Royal should contend for a title. Calabasas

Coyotes

Last season's result: (8th in Marmonte, 010 overall) Calabasas lost a 14-13 heartbreaker at El Camino Real in last year's regular-season opener and never recovered. The Coyotes played Thousand Oaks tough and scored a team-high 30 points during a season-ending defeat against Agoura.

Notable returnees: Serop Challian, sr., QB (33 completions for 394 yards, 4 TDs); Cameron Ventura, sr., RB/LB (75 rushes, 342 yards, 21 receptions, 5 TDs); Andrew Bedigian, sr., OL/DL (38 tackles, 2 sacks); Edward Bedigian, sr., OL/DL (14 tackles); Charlie Kaufman, sr., PK/P/DB (27 punts, 15 PATs, 7 tackles); Emon Saee, sr., QB/LB Impact newcomers: Alain Dalencort, jr., TE/DE; Justin Cudworth, jr., LB/FB Who they play: Calabasas gets a rematch against El Camino Real (Sept. 7) in its home opener. After that, the Coyotes play four consecutive road games at Hueneme (Sept. 14), Channel Islands (Sept. 20), Westlake (Sept. 28) and Thousand Oaks (Oct. 5). The first three games are critical. Calabasas needs a victory, and on paper those are certainly winnable ballgames.

Overview: Calabasas' losing streak has reached 42 games, the longest active streak in the state. The state record for consecutive losses is 46, set by Moorpark High from 1972 to 1982. Rest assured, the Coyotes want no part of that record. The players don't think it's a joke, and neither do the coaches. And while no team wants to lose to Calabasas, there are many in the league who would love to see the team snap its winless drought.

First-year head coach Lance Martin is trying to change the culture of the school's football program. The coach said he isn't worried about wins and losses; he wants his players to focus on the details, like blocking assignments and route running. Improving as a team is priority No. 1 for Calabasas.

Challian has claimed the starting quarterback job and is expected to bring a wealth of athleticism to the position. With Ventura at running back and Cudworth playing fullback, the Coyotes have enough skill players to move the ball on the ground, provided the team's undersized offensive line can continue to improve.

On the defensive line, the Bedigian brothers, both of whom are 6-foot-2, must handle the load up front. Dalencort is a tremendous athlete and could provide a solid pass rush from the end, while junior Jan Hammar will have his hands full week-in and week-out at defensive tackle.

In a nutshell: Calabasas has 24 players listed on its varsity roster, less than half the number of some other teams in the league. The Coyotes won't challenge for a league championship or a playoff spot, but under Martin's leadership they'll give it everything they've got on Friday nights.