Kickoff '09: Empire League

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:

Century League

Empire, Freeway leagues

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