2012 Sac-Joaquin Section Preseason Top 25 Football Teams

The Sac-Joaquin Section is the second-largest in the state, closing fast on 200 schools. For decades, the section that stretches from Grass Valley and Marysville in the North to just beyond Placerville in the East, Dixon in the West and as far south Merced and Los Banos has been a football hotbed. It's not cooling any time soon, either.

Section football expects to be superb again in 2012. With the introduction of the CIF Regional Playoffs and section champions meeting for a shot at a CIF State Bowl, the Sac-Joaquin Section could have contenders in Divisions I, II, III and IV.

Here's a peek at the section's preseason Top 25 teams (with last year's record). Keep in mind how some of the highest ranked teams play each other early, providing a unique opportunity for heavies to decide matters on the field, including openers with No. 1 Lincoln vs. No. 2 Elk Grove and Placer and Central Catholic, not to mention Week 1 tilts with Lincoln vs. No. 5 Pleasant Grove and No. 3 Nevada Union vs. No. 4 Grant.

1. Lincoln (Stockton) (11-2)
Coach: Brian Gray
Update: The Trojans return the best 1-2 offensive punch in the section in USC-commit tailback Justin Davis (2,380 yards, 36 touchdowns in 2011) and QB Zack Greenlee (2,340 yards, 22 TDs, 5 interceptions and an Elite 11 participant). Does Lincoln have the linemen to match? Apparently so, making for a monstrous group with unfinished business after falling to Granite Bay in a Division I semifinal last season at home after earlier nonleague conquests over Pleasant Grove (when that team was nationally ranked No. 8 by MaxPreps), and Grant.

[Video: Justin Davis' 2011 highlights]

Nonleague of note: The Trojans will find out in a hurry what they have, opening at home against section No. 2 Elk Grove and No. 5 Pleasant Grove, both speed teams. And there's the hurdle in the form of St. Mary's, the Stockton rival that prevailed in recent seasons.
Projection: Lincoln targets a D-I title and a Regional berth. A section championship would be the program's first since 2001.

2. Elk Grove (12-1)
Coach: Chris Nixon
Update: The Herd was the word again in the region last fall after two downer seasons. Elk Grove stormed to a 12-0 start, beating Grant, Nevada Union and Franklin along the way, before falling to Folsom in the D-II playoffs. Elk Grove lost some size in the trenches, including 6-foot-7 tackle Steven Moore to Cal, but this is one of the fastest, most explosive, quick-strike teams in the state, headed by RB Robert Frazier (1,494 yards rushing, 21 TDs despite missing parts of three games with a foot injury). The defense is fast, too, anchored by DL Bwon Canada (nine sacks) and an active linebacking and secondary crew. LB/FB Waddus Parker and LB Noah Letuligassenoa are other impact leaders. Coach Nixon was the offensive coordinator for the once-in-a-generation Herd section-title juggernaut teams of 1997 and '98 led by QB Ryan Dinwiddie and LB/FB Lance Briggs, a seven-time Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears. Now Nixon, the veteran head coach of the Herd, has Elk Grove back despite declining enrollment, in large part due to so many newer schools in a district Elk Grove for decades owned.
Nonleague of note: Elk Grove opens at section No. 1 Lincoln and also plays ranked Del Campo and Nevada Union early.

[Video: Elk Grove's 23-7 win over Nevada Union in 2011]

Projection: Elk Grove won the Delta Valley Conference in 2011 and aims to repeat with its wing-T attack and swarming defense, with a D-II section title the real target. The Herd has won five D-I titles and is likely in the postseason this fall for the 27th time.

3. Nevada Union (Grass Valley) (7-4)
Coach: Dave Humphers
Update: The Miners return a wealth of talent and gain a spectacular newcomer with the section's first WOW summer transfer. Former Marysville star RB/LB Cole Hannum is now in Grass Valley, giving NU three terrific linebackers as he joins Tanner Vallejo (Boise State) and Hank Humphers, son of the veteran coach who is his 22nd season as head man. Hannum rushed for 1,827 yards and 16 scores last season for Marysville. NU has good lines, team speed, a crafty quarterback in Kyle Cota and an active defense. It's all there for a title run.

Tanner Vallejo selected to the 2011 All-Section Team

Nonleague of note: NU opens with McQueen (Reno, Nev.), then renews the best rivalry in the section from the 1990s and early 2000s with No. 3 Grant, before No. 5 Pleasant Grove.
Projection: The Miners won D-I section titles in 1993, '94, 2007 and '09 under Humphers, who said this group is just as talented. Players understand and appreciate NU history, too. Winners of the brutally difficult Sierra Foothill League generally win section titles, as did Del Oro and Granite Bay in recent seasons.

4. Grant (Sacramento) (8-4)
Coach: Mike Alberghini
Update: The Pacers never change. They are again large, physical, fierce and fast, much as they have been since Alberghini took over as head coach 22 seasons ago (he's been at the Del Paso Heights school for 43 years). Grant is seeking a 22nd consecutive playoff berth and a seventh section title. Sacramento Bee Player of the Year Shaq Thompson is gone, playing baseball with the Red Sox farm system and preparing for his Washington football fall tour, but there is a ton back. Six of the team's top seven linemen return with six talented backs to choose from. Three ace linebackers are back for more in Abnor Toma, Moses Moala and Tui Lopa. Emerging QB Isaiah Rios is poised to take over, and there's a national recruit in Trayvon Henderson, a WR/S/P who led Grant with 141 tackles last season.

Sac-Joaquin's most consistent team since 2004

Nonleague of note: Grant plays Northern Section large-school power Paradise in an opener, then entertains No. 2 Nevada Union, with additional dates against No. 17 Burbank and No. 8 Del Oro in one of the state's toughest slates.
Projection: Grant, back in D-I play, expects to win another Delta Valley Conference title, again loaded with Elk Grove, Franklin and Monterey Trail, and it aims to add to its section-record 67th playoff game. But for any good glow in December, the Pacers have to season their QB in a hurry and come of age on the lines.

5. Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove) (12-2)
Coach: Joe Cattolico
Update: The Eagles of Elk Grove are simple in their football approach: line play, running the ball, smart, effective passing and defend with purpose. That formula has quickly made the newish-school Eagles an immediate factor under Cattolico, with a D-I title and two title-game appearances in recent seasons. All-time program rusher Mark Jenkins is gone, as is all-time program recruit in lineman Arik Armstead (Oregon), but a wealth of talent returns, including speed backs Isaiah Saunders (625 yards on just 85 carries, 13 scores) and Brandon Lewis, both exceptional on defense and returns, too. Lineman recruit Nick Terry (6-4, 275) is the new shadow-casting blocker/defender. The heart of the team is FB/LB Tyree Hanson, who lives to block on O and tackle on D.
Nonleague of note: Pleasant Grove opens with 2009 Bowl team Rocklin, section No. 1 Lincoln, No. 2 Nevada Union and No. 20 Inderkum. All different offenses and schemes, and then the always fun Delta River League that includes Folsom, Oak Ridge, Jesuit and Sheldon.
Projection: Pleasant Grove has the pieces and coaching staff to march right back to the D-I finals, and perhaps that elusive bowl game.

[Video: Lincoln of Stockton's 50-49 win over Pleasant Grove in 2011]

6. Vacaville (13-1)
Coach: Mike Papadopoulos
Update: The Bulldogs have been a factor or force for decades, under the late, famed Tom Zunino in the 1970s and '80s and in recent years under his son-in-law Coach Pop, including a D-II section title victory over Folsom. The run-heavy, defensive-minded Bulldogs return standout RB Curtis Goins (1,456 yards, 17 touchdowns in shared handoff duty), and have another steady QB in Nic Ardave to go with a fast defense. Vacaville has won titles in D-I and now in D-II, which is very much on par with the larger schools. Coach Pop has earned state-wide accolades for his leadership (he's also a championship track and field coach).

Curtis Goins' 2011 stats

Nonleague of note: The Bulldogs take on all comers, including Bay Area power Valley Christian of San Jose, Marin Catholic (the only team to beat the 'Dogs last year), No. 7 Granite Bay, No. 12 Oak Ridge and Deer Valley of Antioch.
Projection: Vacaville craves another title and a shot at a CIF Bowl game, and it very well could be that the D-II section champion will land a Regional playoff berth. The Dogs are already woofing and snarling at the prospect.

7. Granite Bay (12-2)
Coach: Ernie Cooper
Update: The Grizzlies are the masters of the Fly offense, with a man in motion and then zipping upfield on handoffs. That will be the case again with a number of candidates, including Tony Ellison. New QB Grant Carroway takes over for three-year starting record holder Brendan Keeney, now at Cal. Taft Partridge and Johnny Cooley are the new featured backs, and OT brute Tyler Bardy (6-4, 320) has already set school bench-press records. Imagine how easy it'll be to push teenagers around in the trenches? The defense returns a lot of bodies, none more sculpted and ready than LB Beau Hershberger, he of the 94-yard interception return for a score last season.

[Video: Granite Bay's section title win over Pleasant Grove in 2011]

Nonleague of note: Granite Bay feeds off rigorous early schedules, and this one is the most taxing in school history, with opening games against SoCal super powers Westlake and Oaks Christian in the esteemed Battle for the Veterans showcase, then taking on No. 6 Vacaville, Pittsburg and top-ranked Lincoln.
Projection: After three D-II section titles, Cooper and company won their first in D-I last season, beating Pleasant Grove. Do we smell a repeat? The Grizzlies do, on the momentum of the program's 14th consecutive playoff showing. The Sierra Foothill League is again a meat grinder with Del Oro and Nevada Union among the heavies.

8. Del Oro (Loomis) (13-2)
Coach: Casey Taylor
Update: The Golden Eagles are coming off another banner season in the form of their eighth section title and first CIF Bowl game in continuing the Sacramento-area legacy of football success and bowl appearances (Grant in 2008, Rocklin in 2009, Folsom in 2010). A lot of stars have moved on to the college ranks, but Del Oro, like all top-tier programs, merely reloads. One top gun is a familiar one on RB Brandon Monroe (1,662 yards, 22 touchdowns), who shared handoff duty last fall with the graduated Nick O'Sullivan (1,367 yards, 23 scores). Monroe may get the ball some 25-30 times a game, with another superb line to work with. How will the defense do? There's a lineman of note in Tanner Woods and a tight end in Dalton Hudec, also a superb defensive lineman. And who steps in at QB? Is it Zach LaBar?

[Video: Del Oro vs Placer in 2011]

Nonleague of note: Coach Taylor shies away from no foe and he has yet another brutal schedule, starting with the Battle for the Veterans openers against Westlake and Oaks Christian, and other dates with No. 3 Grant, No. 17 Burbank and James Logan (Union City) of the Bay Area.
Projection: The defending Sierra Foothill League champions target one more banner, another league and section banner (this one in D-II) and another bowl bid. In other words, status quo.

9. Franklin (Elk Grove) (8-4)
Coach: Mike Johnson
Update: It was a breakthrough season of historic proportions for the Wildcats last fall, including the program's first playoff victory, a spirited rally to beat Nevada Union in the driving rain in Grass Valley. Now in Year 10 of the journey from new school wonder to sudden regular to the playoff scene, Franklin thirsts for more. Perhaps only Folsom runs the spread offense better than Franklin, with so many speedy skill players hustling downfield. An army of talent returns, headed by QB Trent Spallas, who rotated with two other signal callers last season due to injuries. The runners are Christian Fonbuena, Steven Rogers and Joey Banks. They all play defense, too. The playmaker is Trevon Lampley, who can catch and run and also play QB. The bulk comes in the form of emerging recruit Tyler Hecht.

[Video: Joey Banks' 2011 highlights]

Nonleague of note: Coach Johnson has told his troops that it's time to put up or shut up immediately, in a Battle for the Veterans opener against Thousand Oaks. Other early games are Tracy, Freedom of Oakley, No. 19 Cosumnes Oaks and No. 24 Jesuit.
Projection: Few teams in Northern California return as much talent as this club, and Franklin is eager for a fast start, DVC showdowns with Grant and Elk Grove and a sprint toward a D-I section title - then maybe more.

10. Oakdale (13-1)
Coach: Trent Merzon
Update: The Mustangs of the Valley Oak League have been a section D-III force for years, including reaching the section title game the past two seasons, falling to Del Oro both times. Coach Merzon understands the culture and joys of small-town football, having quarterbacked the Mustangs to championship success and surrounding himself with coaches who also played at the school and grew up in the town that lives for Friday football nights. QB Spencer Thomas returns to lead the run-heavy program that also swarms on defense.
Nonleague of note: Merzon wanted to up his schedule for the experience and to better prepare for the postseason, and he did with SoCal power Oceanside in Week 1 in a Battle for the Veterans showcase.
Projection: Oakdale expects a D-III title return, and with Del Oro in D-II now, a victory. And a bowl game. In other words, its finest season.

11. Folsom (11-3)
Update: The Bulldogs will again be prolific, will again run circles around teams with their perfectly primed spread offense. But one question looms: Who replaces the most prolific QB in state history? Tanner Trosin, the 2011 MaxPreps D-II State Player of the Year, set state single-season marks for yards passing in a season (5,185) and total yards (6,364), not to mention his 69 total touchdowns, second-most in state history behind Folsom's Dano Graves (in 2010). Trosin is now at Cal Poly. How is it humanly possible to replace him? Say hello to Folsom's next wave of QBs in talented sophomore Jake Browning and senior Taylor Miller-Wing. There are plenty of WR targets in Troy Knox (66 catches, 845 yards, 4 TDs) and Phillip Carter (24-292, 5). The new defensive coordinator - in for the legendary outgoing one in Max Miller - is Lou Baiz, the longtime Sacramento State assistant coach. He has a LB to work with in Derek Stiles. Troy Taylor also returns to full-time coaching duty at Folsom as co-coach/offensive coordinator after the previous seven seasons as the Cal color radio voice, his alma mater.
Nonleague of note: Folsom opened with Grant in each of the previous two seasons and elected to change it up a bit and open at Woodcreek. Other games include San Ramon Valley, Roseville, Deer Valley and No. 25 Casa Roble before the Delta River League rumble.
Projection: The Bulldogs expect to compete for yet another DRL title and return to the section D-II finals for the third successive season. But to win it, a QB has to come of age, as does a young offensive line.


12. Oak Ridge (El Dorado Hills) (7-5)
Coach: Eric Cavaliere
Update: The Trojans were a D-III power in the 1980s, a D-II force in the 1990s and last decade and now look to make footprints in Division I. They'll take on this challenge with yet another fine QB in Jason Samuels (927 yards, 11 touchdowns after taking over due to injuries last season). Oak Ridge has a wealth of linemen, including brothers Hekoti and Tuita Chapman (both 6-5, 290 pounds) and Jake Proul and Kareem Ballal, and the Trojans collectively look the part of brawlers in the weight room. One can sense team pride amid the sound of pumping iron in El Dorado Hills.

QB Jason Samuels' 2011 stats

Nonleague of note: Oak Ridge opens at dangerous Vista del Lago of Folsom, then Rocklin, Washington of Fremont and then braces for No. 3 Grant and No. 6 Vacaville, alma mater of Coach Cavaliere.
Projection: The Trojans expect to compete in a Delta River League that includes ranked rivals in Pleasant Grove, Folsom and Jesuit, with visions of the program's first D-I title.

13. Placer (Auburn) (9-3)
Coach: Joey Montoya
Update: The Hillmen are a storied program nestled in cozy Auburn, and this could be the program's best team since the state-ranked D-II power programs of some 30 years ago under famed coaches Bill Miller and Bob Johnson. Miller is the grandfather of current coach Montoya, who will unleash a player for all eras in defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, a USC commit who was offered by every major program in the land, including Alabama and LSU. The 6-4, 303-pound Vanderdoes, the section's top recruit by a landslide, is explosive off the snap, powerful and athletic with character and leadership skills to match. He will also play some tight end and goal-line fullback. It seems almost inhumane, Vanderdoes carrying the ball downhill, with Montoya remarking, "I'd sure hate to tackle him." Placer has a recruit QB in Peter Denham (811 yards, 5 touchdowns) to balance the run-heavy wing-T that returns RB Michael Robinson (762 yards rushing, 13 TDs) and Isaac Brahce (415, 6). There's also tight end recruit Stone Sander.

[Video: Eddie Vanderdoes' highlights at this year's The Opening]

Nonleague of note: The Hillmen open with a doozy in longtime section power in No. 14 Central Catholic, then have Northern Section power Foothill of Palo Cedro and ranked No. 25 Casa Roble.
Projection: The Hillmen hunger for a Pioneer Valley League title that has seemingly been copyrighted by rival Colfax, and a D-III section title. And this: the pieces are there for an unbeaten season.

14. Central Catholic (Modesto) (10-3)
Coach: Roger Canepa
Update: Small school status not withstanding, this is one of the section's true juggernauts, with a lot of wins against much larger schools over the years to add to that value. The Raiders have the most playoff wins in section history, any level, with 47, to go with a section all-levels record 15 championships. In addition, Central Catholic has finished state-ranked No. 1 in D-IV or V nine times. Central Catholic gladly welcomed transfer RB Rey Vega, who rushed for 3,500 yards and 42 scores his last two seasons at Modesto's Davis High. And there's Oregon commit tight end Johnny Mundt to push people around and catch passes.

[Video: Central Catholic vs. Escalon in 2011]

Nonleague of note: CC opens with Brookside Christian of Stockton, then rumbles with No. 13 Placer - Vanderdoes vs. Mundt on a few snaps is worth the price alone - before the annual St. Mary's game. Nothing easy.
Projection: The Raiders anticipate a march to the D-IV title game and a spot in the state Small School championship bowl. It's par for the course here.

15. St. Mary's (Stockton) (9-3)
Coach: Tony Franks
Update: The Rams breathed a collective sigh of relief in knowing veteran coach Franks would be returning after he was a finalist for the Jesuit job. St. Mary's has been a section power for years under Franks, thanks in part to the spread offense that runs foes silly. The new primary back is Javon Wilson, who is shifty and quick. Plenty of linemen, receivers and defenders also return.

[Video: Javon Wilson highlights]

Nonleague of note: The Rams open with East Union and Stockdale of Bakersfuled before Central Catholic and the annual showdown with national superpower De La Salle of Concord before section No. 1 Lincoln. Brutal stretch.
Projection: The Rams seek an 11th-consecutive trip to the postseason, a sixth-consecutive Tri-City Championship and the program's third section title since 2006, this one in D-II.

16. Buhach Colony (Atwater) (12-1)
Coach: Kevin Swartwood
Update: The Thunder are coming off back-to-back 10-0 regular seasons, thanks to dominating line play and a lot of carries for a lot of backs (500 carries, 3,927 yards, 52 yards last season alone). Leading rushers Stefon Gold (931, 16 touchdowns), Leon Miles (809, 9), Jayce Webster (565, 6), Kevin Kelleher (474, 5) and Tyler Dew (462, 6) return. The top talent is massive OT Aaron Cochran, all 6-6 and 360 pounds of national recruit whose brother Matt signed with Cal last February (imagine the relief on the fridge when there's an empty nest).
Nonleague of note: The Thunder's scrimmage against section No. 1 Lincoln will be telling, then so will dates at San Ramon Valley and home vs. Fresno power Clovis North.

[Video: Buhach Colony beats Christian Brothers 63-6 in 2011]

Projection: There isn't as much size on the lines as before, though Cochran casts a considerable shadow, but this team returns a ton of good backs, and there's a culture of success. A return to the D-II playoffs is the least of this team's goals.

17. Burbank (Sacramento) (9-2)
Coach: John Heffernan
Update: The Titans have taken over the Metro League, completely overwhelming all comers within the Sacramento City Unified School District and outlining Elk Grove schools, but it hasn't launched them to much playoff success despite the admirable efforts of coach Heffernan. This could be a breakthrough year as Burbank sports some of its best talent ever, certainly since the title teams of the early to mid 1960s. Two top backs return in Isaiah Williams (1,496 yards, 23 touchdowns) and Keith Marcus (1,125 yards, 7 touchdowns). There are linemen, defenders and depth as scores of players enjoy the Titans' sparkling new on-campus stadium. DL Noel Pinnock has impressed in summer camps.

[Video: Keith Marcus' 2011 highlights]

Nonleague of note: The Titans open heavy before the Metro, with ranked clubs in Napa, Grant and Del Oro. There's a bye before the Grant tilt, a spirited, feel-good rivalry of programs that respect each other deeply.
Projection: Burbank will win the Metro again, and if it can find a QB to balance the runners, then the sprint is on to reach the D-I section finals.

18. Napa (7-4)
Coach: Troy Mott
Update: The Indians were this summer recognized by MaxPreps as one of the section's Top 10 most consistent programs since 2004. The program has been a factor since the 1980s, including a 2007 D-I title under QB leader John Boyett, a standout safety for Oregon. Two-way standout Zach Jones returns for Napa as the lead talent in the program's triple-option attack. He rushed for 405 yards last season and six scores, and he can play QB. He also scored on a punt return and an interception.
Nonleague of note: The Indians open against a familiar foe in No. 17 Burbank, a team that they have faced in the regular season and postseason, before playing Northern Section large-school power Paradise.
Projection: Napa will again battle Vacaville for Monticello Empire League honors, and then it's a scramble to the D-I finals, no easy chore considering the heavies on tap.

19. Cosumnes Oaks (Elk Grove) (8-4)
Coach: Scooter Gomes
Update: The Wolfpack, the ninth and newest addition to the Elk Grove Unified School District, is poised for another breakthrough season after earning its first playoff win last season. Coach Gomes has surrounded himself with top-tier coaches, including Steve Robards, who coached Gomes at former Northern Section small-school power Delta in Clarksburg in the early 1990s. There are scores of recruits on this roster, but who will be the QB and lead the ground game? The WR talent is Alex Van Dyke, son of the former Nevada All-American receiver by the same name, and the field-tilting linemen are Kameron Schroeder, Kyke Saxelid and Sam Smith, all 6-5 or bigger and all on the recruiting radar.

[Video: Cosumnes Oaks vs. Manteca in 2011]

Nonleague of note: The Pack opens with longtime regional playoff regular Roseville and later takes on No. 9 Franklin in a test of speed and pride as the teams share the same stadium.
Projection: Cosumnes Oaks is favored to win the Sierra Valley Conference that includes Union Mine, Vista del Lago, Liberty Ranch and River City. A D-III title is the primary goal and an attainable one.

20. Inderkum (Sacramento) (10-2)
Coach: Terry Stark
Update: The Tigers have been ravaged by bad luck and bad breaks in the summer, making their plan for their greatest season a bit more daunting. Leading rusher D.J. Myart (886 yards, 10 touchdowns) is out for the season after sustaining a knee injury. Two starting linemen have transferred. Two defensive starters are out until midseason, at the earliest with injuries. Still, there is talent. Inderkum runs the wing-T under coach Stark, a master of the offense at Mira Loma in the 1970s as the Matadors' QB, and he still has Jose Montes (1,016 and 7) and two-way lineman leader Dedric Allen.

[Video: Highlights of D.J. Myart in 2011]

Nonleague of note: The Tigers open with Fresno-region power Clovis East and have a date with No. 5 Pleasant Grove in what should be a track meet.
Projection: The Tigers expect a seventh consecutive Tri-County League title and third section title game appearance, but they need newcomers to fill in for the injured and departed.



21. Del Campo (Fair Oaks) (8-4)
Coach: Mike Dimino
Update: The Cougars are as subtle in football approach as a forearm to the chops. They live to power run and hit on defense, and for a program that won section D-III titles in 2006 and 2009, it'll be more of the same. Team leaders include QB/WR Cameron Purcell, QB Derek Rodigo and lineman recruit A.J. Samataua, who had a superb spring and summer of camp workouts.
Nonleague of note: The Cougars open against Vallejo and the Northern Section's Enterprise of Redding before playing host to section No. 2 Elk Grove in a true gauge game.
Projection: The Cougars placed second to decades-long rival Casa Roble in the Capital Valley Conference last fall but aim to take top honors (one of these teams has won the league title in each of the past 10 seasons). Del Campo expects a D-III title.

22. Pitman (Turlock) (10-2)
Coach: Brandon Harris
Update: The Pride stormed to a 10-1 start last season and was promptly run under by Pleasant Grove 45-0 in a D-I quarterfinal contest. It's part of the growing pains of a newer program, with unfinished business a theme this fall in Turlock. Pitman returns its top three rushers and plenty on defense for a repeat effort in the postseason.
Nonleague of note: The Pride expect a fast start out of the gates again against non-ranked foes in Enochs, Chavez and Modesto.
Projection: Pitman aims to win the Central California League after Buhach ran the table in each of the previous two seasons.

23. Antelope (6-5)
Coach: Matt Ray
Update: The Titans burst onto the scene as a new school in the Sacramento region and hunger for a lot more than just a league title and playoff berths. Recruits dot the roster, headed by WR Tyler Winston and linemen Darren Esheveria, Leonard Hazewood, Michael Okoroike and Nick Golovko. Ray is of legendary coaching stock as his father and grandfather coached for decades at his alma mater Quincy of the Northern Section. He has done them both proud.

[Video: Leonard Hazewood 2011 highlights]

Nonleague of note: Antelope opens with Liberty Ranch of Galt, which went 9-4 last season, then gets a speed test with Monterey Trail before taking on Rio Linda and Woodcreek, both regulars to the postseason.
Projection: The Titans expect to win the Capital Athletic League for the second time in three seasons, with El Camino and Whitney offering challenges.

24. Jesuit (Carmichael) (5-6)
Coach: Marlon Blanton
Update: The big news in the offseason for Jesuit was the farewell of one of the section's great coaching leaders in Dan Carmazzi, who left Jesuit after 35 seasons to return to his alma mater of Christian Brothers. New coach Blanton was a three-year starting RB at De La Salle in the 1980s who also coached at the national powerhouse program. He was the head coach at St. Patrick/St. Vincent in Vallejo the last 14 seasons with nine playoff teams. Blanton will install the run-heavy, linemen-critical veer offense, but how long will it take for the Marauders to come of age? There is a ton of talent with dominant lower-level teams and do-all talent Thomas Sperbeck, a very effective and dangerous QB out of the spread last season. Sperbeck may play some WR this season with the emergence of QB Jason Elenberger. The anchor in the trenches is scholar Garrett Strohmaier, a rising recruit. Andrew Endicott is one of the section's best kickers.
Nonleague of note: The Marauders open with decades-long rivals Rio Americano and El Camino before the annual Holy Bowl game with Christian Brothers, and then No. 9 Franklin. How will the Marauders fare against speed?
Projection: A new era and same old expectations of winning the Delta River League and getting back to the D-I title game, having won it twice before. The DRL is a track meet with Pleasant Grove, Folsom, Oak Ridge and Sheldon, however.

25. Casa Roble (Orangevale) (10-3)
Coach: Norm Ryan
Update: The Ryan Express in prep football form is what has unfolded the last 10 seasons in Orangevale under coach Ryan: league titles, section titles, records galore with a wildly entertaining product. Expect more fireworks. RB Kody Jones (1,501 yards, 16 touchdowns) is back to lead the charge, and he has a new QB in Peyton Wilfley, younger brother of Cal tight end Harrison Wilfley and former Rams star Houston Wilfley. Ryan said Peyton could emerge as perhaps the best QB in program history, which speaks volumes.

[Video: Casa Roble's 61-58 win over Placer in 2011]

Nonleague of note: The Rams open against Rio Americano, then take on Woodcreek (which beat Casa Roble 70-54 last year in one of the section's all-time regulation shootouts) before ranked foes Placer and Folsom.
Projection: The league title has gone to either Casa Roble or Del Campo in each of the 10 past seasons, and could be the same again. The Rams will go as far as the new QB and old RB take them.

Joe Davidson has covered prep sports at The Sacramento Bee since 1988. Follow him on Twitter: @sacbee_joed and on Facebook: facebook.com/sacbeepreps