Servite

Last season: 9-3, 4-1 (tie, first place)

Postseason: 2007, lost to Crespi, 13-10, in Pac-5 Division semifinals

Coach: Troy Thomas (4th year, 27-10)

Outlook: They don't have a playmaker equal to D.J. Shoemate or a lineman like Matt Kalil - both graduated and are at USC - but the Friars still have 13 returning starters, including some 2007 defensive standouts. Among them are Bijon Samoodi, an All-County defensive back last year who will play a lot at receiver this year. Gregory Portis was an all-league running back last year, and Jacob Romero and Jacob Slemmer also made all-league in 2007. Coach Troy Thomas has high regard for quarterback Cody Fajardo, whom the coach praises for his all-around skills and leadership. Thomas said leadership and camaraderie again will fuel Servite this year. A name to remember: Troy Niklas, a sophomore tight end who will line up at defensive end on occasion.

Home stadium: Cerritos College

Factoid: Servite has won at least a share of the league championship in each of Thomas' three years coaching there, and the Friars are 5-3 in the playoffs during his tenure.

Fastest: Chris Nichols

School record: 338-168-11

Players to watch
	Bijon Samoodi An All-County defensive back who will also play receiver this year		Gregory Portis He was all-league first team last year

* Final selection to be determined

Related:
• Trinity League schools: JSerra | Mater Dei  | Orange Lutheran  | Santa Margarita | Servite | St. John Bosco
• All Football Kickoff '08 articles

Contact the writer: sfryer@ocregister.com