HIGH-LOW—Thousand Oaks High defenders Dillon Tunney, right, and Nathan DeBeikes bring down Crespi’s ball-carrier during a scrimmage last week at TOHS. The Lancers open their season Friday night at home against Hueneme. Oaks Christian and Newbury Park will also be in action. IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers The most highly anticipated Marmonte League football season of all time is finally upon us.

With the addition of Oaks Christian and St. Bonaventure high schools, the Marmonte schedule has never been more daunting—or thrilling.

Westlake, the defending league and CIF-Southern Section Northern Division champion, is considered to be among the top programs in the state, if not the entire nation.

The Warriors are our pick to win this year’s Marmonte crown.

But don’t sleep on Thousand Oaks or Oaks Christian, either. Both squads have more than enough firepower to defeat the mighty Warriors.

TWO-WAY STAR—In addition to his role as the team’s starting QB, Westlake High senior Nick Isham, right, also plays safety. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers Pundits say St. Bonaventure is down a bit, but we’ll believe that when we see it.

Looking for possible sleepers? Royal and Agoura fit the bill. Take them lightly at your own peril.

Five of the league’s 10 teams are guaranteed postseason berths. A sixth squad could also sneak into the playoff dance.

So, without further ado, we present the Acorn’s 2010 Marmonte League football preview, with teams listed in predicted order of finish.

1) WESTLAKE

WARRIORS

Last year’s record:

14-0, 1st in Marmonte Starting QB: Nick Isham

Top RB: Tavior Mowry

No. 1 WR: Nelson Spruce Three impact defenders: Justin

Solis, DT; Johnny Stuart, DE;

Jack Shepherd, LB

Potential breakout players:

Tre’shon Wilson, WR;

Jared Fry, WR/DB

Team strengths: The reigning CIF-Southern Section Northern Division champions return a talented, deep team.

The talents of Westlake’s Big 3—Nick Isham, Nelson Spruce and Tavior Mowry—have been well-chronicled.

The surrounding players, however, will be vital to the Warriors’ title defense.

“We have experience, camaraderie and good teamwork. I would say our overall team speed is very good, too,” head coach Jim Benkert said.

Defensive tackle Justin Solis, defensive end Johnny Stuart, cornerback Casey Bliss and senior linebackers Max Winsberg and Jack Shepherd are returning all-league defensive studs.

Westlake will count on five sophomores to start.

Justin Moore is a wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback. Cornerback Dashon Hunt, offensive lineman Tony Mekari, linebacker Dylan Ray and defensive end Shayne Henley are the other super sophomores.

David Ortiz takes over for the graduated Adrian Muguerza at middle linebacker. Kicker Alex Ball, who set a single-season county record with 98 points last year, is a special-teams ace.

Team weakness: Just one big thing: “We need to stay hungry,” Benkert said.

2) THOUSAND OAKS

LANCERS

Last year’s record:

5-6, 4th in Marmonte Starting QB: Avondre Bollar

Top RB: Rickey Minyard

No. 1 WR: Richard Mullaney Three impact defenders: Alex Singleton, DE/LB; Travis Key,

DE/LB; Dane Griffin, DL

Potential breakout players:

L.J. Wiley, WR; Steven Townsley, OLB; Landon Poling,

TE; Nathan DeBeikes, OLB/

RB; Brice Reeder, OT

Team strengths: With established senior stars across the board, this Lancer offense can be videogame-esque.

Quarterback Avondre Bollar averaged 158 passing yards and 54 rushing yards per game as a junior. When healthy, the guy is electric. Tailback Rickey Minyard is built like a freight train and, during the preseason, ran like a man possessed. Wideout Richard Mullaney is 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds. Mullaney’s blend of height and athleticism make him nearly impossible to contain deep down the field. All three are legitimate MVP candidates.

Keep an eye on the Lancers’ defensive front. It may be one of the league’s finest, with Alex Singleton, Travis Key and Dane Griffin leading the push.

Head coach Mike Leibin is in his fourth year with the program. The players have all grown up in the coach’s system and are playing with extreme focus. This team is a big-time contender.

Team weakness: The offensive line has five new starters. One of them is 6-foot-4, 290- pound left tackle Brice Reeder, so how bad can it really be?

3) OAKS CHRISTIAN

LIONS

Last year’s record:

13-1, 1st in Tri-Valley Starting QB: Trevor Gretzky

Top RB: Ishmael Adams

No. 1 WR: Jordan Payton

Three impact defenders: Dillon van der Wal, DE; Carlos

Mendoza, LB; Brian Fifita, S

Potential breakout players: Ronny Camacho, RB/DB; Trey

Smith, WR; Austin Carey, OG

Team strengths: Head coach Bill Redell says this is the fastest squad he’s ever had at Oaks Christian. Marmonte foes may be playing catch-up all year.

First-year starting quarterback Trevor Gretzky, a senior, will throw to a crop of Division I-caliber receivers whose combined talent is unmatched in the county.

Four different tailbacks are expected to tote the rock, most notably senior Ishmael Adams, a highprofile transfer from Georgia, and quick-as-a-cat Ronny Camacho, another senior bulldozer.

Under the direction of former NFL linebacker Clay Matthews, the OCHS defense will continue to fly toward the football and take it away once they get there.

Team weakness: The Lions return only one starter on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Critics have always questioned whether Oaks Christian’s depth—there are about 50 players on the varsity roster—could hold up under the rigors of a Marmonte slate. Lastly, are there enough team leaders?

4) ST. BONAVENTURE

SERAPHS

Last year’s record:

0-13, 6th in Channel

Starting QB: Marc Evans

or Nick Arbuckle

Top RBs: Diamond Schouder

and Shaun Wick No. 1 WR: Christian White

Three impact defenders:

Tanner Souza, DB;

Jalen Jefferson, LB/SS;

Cody Kurz, LB

Potential breakout players:

Adrian Torres, DL;

Jeremy Sanchez, WR/RB

Team strengths: Head coach Todd Therrien says this group of Seraphs are a hardworking, hard-hitting bunch.

St. Bonaventure will hope to display a healthy offensive balance of running and passing.

The Seraphs’ defense is all about pressure. They relish blitzing and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

“Every week, the game plan is to rush the quarterback,” the coach said.

The Seraphs are looking forward to being a member of the Marmonte League, where they’ll play Thousand Oaks, Royal and Simi Valley for the first time in school history.

“It’s an honor to be in one of— if not the most—competitive leagues in Southern California,” Therrien said.

Team weakness: Injuries and depth are a concern. Also, how will the program react after forfeiting all of its wins from 2009 because of an ineligible player?

5) MOORPARK

MUSKETEERS

Last year’s record:

12-2, 2nd in Marmonte

Starting QB: Grant Rohach

Top RB: Tyler Peterson Top WRs: Cheldon West, Jerry

Shumway and Patrick Blandin

Three impact defenders: Jake Woolley, LB; Quinn Bauducco,

LB; Bobby Anzures, S

Potential breakout players:

Tyler Peterson, RB;

Grant Rohach, QB

Team strengths: Never count out Moorpark. Year in and year out, the Musketeers boast one of the most consistently strong programs in the Marmonte.

Head coach Tim Lins likes this team’s attitude and exuberance.

“There’s been improvement, not a lot, but a little,” the coach said. “It’s a long season, so the team is capable of improving.”

The Musketeers are strong at inside linebacker with Quinn Bauducco and Jake Woolley. Bauducco has committed to Minnesota while Woolley is also getting Division I looks.

Left tackle Curtis Arndt is the team’s best offensive lineman. Center Brandon Flynn has enjoyed a good camp. Their play, along with several fresh faces on the offensive line, will be crucial to the development of first-year quarterback Grant Rohach.

Team weakness: Youth and inexperience. Moorpark, a section finalist four of the past five seasons, will feature four newcomers on its defensive line and a revamped secondary.

How rapidly the defense gels is a big question.

6) ROYAL

HIGHLANDERS

Last year’s record:

4-6, 5th in Marmonte Starting QB: Zach Collins

Top RB: Kyle Gauthier

Top WRs: Chris Foster

and Logan Bateman

Three impact defenders: Mason Huether, DE; Ethan LaVoie, LB; Keith Langley, CB

Potential breakout players:

Codey Mann, DB/WR;

Armando Reynoso, OG/DE

Team strengths: The Highlanders want to play an old-school style of football. They want to run the ball and defend the run.

“Those are two things we have to do to stay in games,” head coach Kevin Flye said.

Royal’s coach is high on a young offensive line that could start five juniors. Although the group may dominate next year, the linemen are being asked to develop at an accelerated pace.

That being said, Kyle Gauthier, Keith Langley and Devonte Riley don’t need a lot of room to make plays on offense.

Linebackers Chris Pinneri and Ethan LaVoie must step up for Mason McCormick, who will miss the season with an injury.

Kicker Alex Wardle gives the Highlanders an added dimension on special teams that they’ve lacked. Flye said Wardle can convert field goals from beyond 45 yards.

Team weakness: Inexperience on the offensive line. Although it’s a talented group, the linemen need time to mature.

7) AGOURA

CHARGERS

Last year’s record:

3-7, 6th in Marmonte Starting QB: Gerard Poutier

Top RB: Frank Schmidt

No. 1 WR: Kyle London

Three impact defenders:

Wesley Rowell, MLB; Kevin Beams, SS; Frank Schmidt, DL

Potential breakout players:

Michael Kay, LB; Kamron Daftari, CB/WR;

Drew Jordan, RB/LB

Team strengths: Agoura’s offense is built around the quickstrike pass.

With returning senior quarterback Gerard Poutier guiding an air attack that features veteran pass-catchers Corey Da Silva, Stephen Yang, Kevin Beams and upstart sophomore Kyle London, the Chargers are poised to make plenty of big plays on offense.

The foundation of the defense, meanwhile, rests in the Chargers’ linebacking corps, where savvy playmaking and grind-it-out toughness will be featured each Friday night.

Middle linebacker Wesley Rowell, a first-team all-league selection last season, is the unit’s heart and soul.

Head coach Charlie Wegher raves about his squad’s cohesiveness, maturity and on-field effort, and after a few down years, the coach said the Chargers now have reasons to believe they can win.

Team weakness: There isn’t a lot of beef on the defensive line, which could hurt Agoura against some of the league’s smashmouth programs.

A year ago, the Chargers forced only nine turnovers in 10 games. Nine. Unless that number doubles, Agoura will have a tough time making the playoffs.

8) NEWBURY PARK

PANTHERS

Last year’s record:

10-2, 3rd in Marmonte

Starting QB: Jake Geringer Top RBs: Michael DiFronzo

and Taylor Zander

No. 1 WR: Dakota Dunlea

Three impact defenders: Michael DiFronzo, LB; Calvin

Carter, DE; Sean Garry, S

Potential breakout players: Cole Sanchez, LB; Zach Gabel,

OL/DL; Andrew Gessler, OT

Team strengths: In a passhappy offense, a good quarterback is a necessity. The Panthers have a great one in Jake Geringer. The senior enters his third season as the team’s starter.

“He knows what we’re trying to do; he’s enthusiastic and he’s a team leader,” head coach Gary Fabricius said.

Newbury Park’s offensive line looks solid. Seniors Zach Gabel, Andrew Gessler, Robert Chen and Chris Cocilovo form a stout core in the trenches.

Fabricius said the linemen are mature but need an entire season to grow together.

Coaches are also excited about Michael DiFronzo, a junior who was voted captain by his teammates. DiFronzo earned valuable playing time as a sophomore and will be an important two-way player for the Black Cat Attack.

Team weakness: Lack of starting experience. Newbury Park lost more than a half-dozen starters on each side of the ball. Although the Panthers have traditionally used two-way athletes, a few injuries could be devastating.

9) SIMI VALLEY

PIONEERS

Last year’s record:

1-9, 7th in Marmonte

Starting QB: Dominic

Zazzarino (until starter Jake Maranto returns from injury)

Top RB: Matt Baynard No. 1 WR: Beau Sandland

Three impact defenders:

Jens Jeters, LB; Dakota Lingard, DE; Eric Pinkston, CB

Potential breakout player:

Jordan Thiel, WR

Team strengths: The Pioneers’ defense is coming together, second-year head coach Lance Martin said. Defenders know their assignments and are close to executing a game plan.

Right guard Tanner Geiger and outside linebacker Reece Schmidt have shown promise this offseason. They must contribute right away.

The Pioneers are buying into Martin’s system. They believe they can succeed and improve, and that positive outlook will be necessary to survive.

“It’ll take a lot of discipline and perseverance because things aren’t always going to be great,” Martin said. “We’ve got to stay focused. There’s going to be good times. There’s going to be bad times.”

Team weakness: Simi Valley is young and unproven on the offensive line. A lack of depth could hamper the line’s development.

Early-season injuries have been a problem, too.

10) CALABASAS

COYOTES

Last year’s record:

1-9, 8th in Marmonte Starting QB: Kyle Zion

Top RB: Ryan Duong

No. 1 WR: Shane Bick

Three impact defenders: Jake Hayes, DE; Emilio Perez,

DT; Caleb Madden, DB

Potential breakout player:

Alex Varonos, WR/DB

Team strengths: The Coyotes’ offensive line has improved since last year.

“They’ve really dedicated themselves to getting stronger and getting bigger,” head coach Larry Edwards said of the linemen.

The protection they provide will be crucial for signal-caller Kyle Zion to connect with his receivers. Edwards said the linemen grasp their schemes and possess athleticism to create space for the playmakers.

Jake Hayes, an All-Marmonte second-team defender, will be counted on for protection at left tackle. Michael Edwards, a thirdyear starter, anchors the hogs at center while Richard McCuaig mans right tackle.

Calabasas also has depth at running back, with four players battling for carries.

Team weakness: Confidence. Calabasas must believe all its hard work will lead to victories.

“For the kids, I want them to see what it feels like to win and go into a game confident,” Edwards said.

The road to respectability is now open. Top local games

• Sept. 16 - Thousand

Oaks at Westlake

• Sept. 16 - Newbury Park

at Moorpark

• Sept. 17 - Oaks

Christian at

St. Bonaventure

• Sept. 24 - Thousand Oaks at Newbury Park

• Oct. 1 - Westlake

at Oaks Christian

• Oct. 15 - Thousand Oaks at Oaks Christian

• Oct. 29 - Westlake

at Agoura

• Nov. 5 - St. Bonaventure

at Westlake

• Nov. 5 - Newbury Park

at Oaks Christian