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Kickoff '09: Empire League
See what's in store for the season.
COACHES' POLL
1T. Cypress (29 poll points)
1T. Pacifica (29)
3. Valencia (28)
4. Kennedy (22)
5. Loara (11)
6. Katella (7)
*Teams receive 6 points for a first-place vote, 5 points for a second-place vote, etc.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Cypress. The Centurions went 5-0 in league a season ago, but they line up with a new quarterback and new pieces at key spots on defense. Will that make the defending league champions vulnerable?
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Loara. The Saxons have to replace their top offensive playmakers (top passer, rusher and kicker) from a year ago.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cypress RB/WR Akeelie Muhammad. With last year's top rushers gone, Muhammad (932 yards in 2008) might be the league's most dynamic playmaker.
Kennedy QB Andy Peterson. As a junior last season, Peterson finished second on the team in rushing. He also threw for eight touchdowns. He figures to be better in both areas as a senior.
OTHER TOP PLAYERS
Cypress: WR Jared Cohen, LB Rob Van Deripe, RB Vincent Rivera, QB Zack Ortiz, DL Salman Mojadidi
Katella: QB Andy Judd, LT Travis Cotter, FS Cody Harkins, RB Cody Orosco, MLB Jonathon Tran
Kennedy: WR Eli Pleasant, OL/DL Arnold Chu, CB Ian Jansen, LB Nick Arellano, LB Troy Anderson
Loara: OL/DL Andrew Pangelinan, QB Michael Schneider, WR/DB Jeremy Grass
Pacifica: QB Mario Nava, RB Cody Johnson, WR Clay Leonard
Valencia: WR/LB Greg Hammond, QB Matt Gonzalez, RB/DE Omar Perez
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Valencia vs. Cypress, Oct. 15, at Bradford Stadium. The Centurions beat the Tigers, 15-10, last season to finish ahead of Valencia for the league championship. This also happens to be the league opener for both teams.
TOUGHEST SCHEDULE
Kennedy. The Fighting Irish play Tustin and Mayfair in nonleague games. Both opponents reached the CIF-SS division finals last season. No other Empire team can say that about its nonleague opponents.
OTHER LEAGUE PREVIEWS:
Garden Grove, Golden West leagues
Orange, Orange Coast leagues: Friday, Aug. 28
Pacific Coast, Sea View leagues: Saturday, Aug. 29
South Coast and Sunset leagues: Monday, Aug. 31
Trinity league, small schools: Tuesday, Sept. 1
