Empire  League

COACHES POLL

1. Cypress, 10-3 in 2007, 33
2. Pacifica, 10-3, 30
3. Valencia, 8-3-1, 25
4. Kennedy, 8-4, 19
5. Loara, 2-7, 11
6. Katella, 2-7, 8

(Click on team link to reach team preview)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Cypress. All eyes will be on the Centurions to see if they can repeat the magic of last year's CIF championship run. Cypress returns 14 starters but has to replace Mr. Everything, Ryan Saumur. Saumur and quarterback Mike Vanderipe were the glue that held the Centurions together last year.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Katella. New coach Fred DiPalma inherits a team with only two starters returning. Patience is the key word around Katella.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Raymond Huizar, Pacifica
The senior quarterback passed for 2,700 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.

OTHER TOP PLAYERS

Pacifica - Running back Josh Brannon, outside linebacker Seth Trader, offensive tackle Ross Pitsenberger, middle linebacker Jacob Saludes, wide receiver/corner back Clay Leonard
Katella - Quarterback Brian Porter, tight end/defensive end Justin Olsen, strong safety Mitch Dolezal, defensive back Dexter Carter
Cypress - Running back Taylor Coe, middle linebacker Vince Perry, outside linebacker Marcus Maldonado, strong safety Shawn Hansen, offensive tackle Jamil Douglas, quarterback Max Rexa, offensive tackle Brian Chacon
Kennedy - Wide receiver Tony Nunez, wide receiver/free safety Jordan Collins,quarterback Andy Peterson
Valencia - Quarterback Dave Pina, Wide receiver/free safety Aaron Brewer, defensive end Shane Reekstin, defensive tackle Dan Becerra; Loara - Quarterback Marcus Meraz, tight end Jesse Benron, defensive end/fullback Isaac Falealili

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Cypress vs. Pacifica, Nov. 14, at Bolsa Grande High. The teams staged two classics last year. Pacifica won by one point, 35-34, in the regular-season meeting, and Cypress rallied from a 17-point deficit to win, 36-30, in the CIF final.

TOUGHEST SCHEDULE

Kennedy. The Fighting Irish begin the season with nonleague games against Tustin, El Dorado and Vista Murrieta. Kennedy will play host to Cypress and Pacifica in league games.

Related:
• Empire League schools: Cypress | Katella | Kennedy | Loara | Pacifica | Valencia
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com