WESTERN PIONEERS
Coach: Dan Davidson (first year, 0-0)
Last season: 4-6 overall, 2-4 league
Scouting report: For the first time in 35 years, the Pioneers’ coach will not have the last name Howell. Dan Davidson takes over a team that returns five starters. Known in the past for their wing-T offensive scheme, Western will switch to an up-tempo system. The run game will continue to be the Pioneers’ strength as Raymeon Maae and Don Anderson make a formidable one-two punch in the backfield. The team’s overall depth is the biggest concern. Four players will start both ways, including starting quarterback Nick Zarate, who doubles as the squad’s strong safety. It will take some time for the team to become completely comfortable in Davidson’s new system, so a .500 season would be a major accomplishment.
Players to watch: Don Anderson, Jr.; Joe Burris, Sr.; Gustavo Michel, Jr.; Brandon Olvera, Sr.; Nick Zarate, Sr.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Offense
QB: Nick Zarate, Sr.
RB: Raymeon Maae, Sr.
RB: Don Anderson, Jr.
WR: Joe Burris, Sr.
WR: Brandon Olvera, Sr.
TE: Bryan Kenney, Sr.
T: Farres Sabbogh, Sr.
G: Sam Martinez, Sr.
C: Tui Harrington, Jr.
G: Jeff Alo, Soph.
T: Frank Najera, Sr.
Kicker: Abraham Bojorquez, Jr.
Defense
DE: Luis Villalobos, Sr.
NT: Travis Taafua, Jr.
DE: David Cordero, Jr.
OLB: Nick Zarate, Sr.
OLB: Don Anderson, Jr.
ILB: Raymeon Maae, Sr.
ILB: Gustavo Michel, Jr.
CB: Ramzi Al-Shurman, Jr.
CB: Rodrigo Flores, Jr.
SS: Joe Burris, Sr.
FS: Chris Dubrow, Sr.
Punter: Abraham Bojorquez, Jr.
Punt return: Joe Burris, Sr.
Kick return: Raymeon Maae, Sr.
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Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com