Davis Spartans

Coach: Chris Cloward

Career record: 3-7

Record at school: 3-7

Last year: Davis (3-7, 3-3) won three of its last four and was at the goal line to finish an 11-8 loss to Downey in Week 10. Its program decimated by the siphoning of athletes by Gregori, Davis is battling quality and quantity – and two-year star RB Rey Vega (3,500 yards, 45 TDs) is at Central Catholic.

Last league title: 2007

Last playoff berth: 2009

Coaching staff: Don Tetrick (defensive coordinator), Tim Garcia (offensive coordinator), Damien Kennedy, Mike Bravo, Gary Olsen, Ricky Valenzuela

Top returners: QB Matt Christiansen (6-1, 205), WR/LB Ryan Rushing (6-1, 190), LB/FB Josh Bocanegra (6-0, 185), OL/DL William Marcus (5-8, 225).

Top newcomers: RB/DB DeShawn Farran (5-10, 165, jr.), RB/DB McKylby Kao (6-1, 160, jr.), TE/LB Jordan Taylor (6-1, 200), RB/WR/QB O’Shay Nichols (6-1, 200, jr.), WR/DB Tyler Rowe (5-10, 160), LB Travis Fox (5-10, 175).

Outlook: Coach Cloward walked into a challenging program last year, after the opening of nearby Gregori High stripped the campus of many of its finest athletes. RB Rey Vega (3,500 yards, 42 TDS in two seasons) moved during the offseason and is now at Central Catholic, so the Spartans are rebuilding. … It’s an athletic group with a number of transfers – Taylor’s from Mississippi, Fox is from Washington, Rowe is from Downey – and the Spartans will work from a pro-style hybrid on offense and 3-4 on defense. Christiansen can run and throw, but Cloward said his greatest trait might be his leadership – that could be crucial if Davis struggles. … Just 11 seniors on the roster, but the line is big and aggressive. … Rushing was a two-way starter for eight games as a junior, while Taylor will make an immediate impact on both sides. … Farran and Lao were the top rusher and receiver, respectively, on last year’s JV team and Rowe was the top receiver during summer workouts.

Key game: Week 7 (Oct. 11) vs. Gregori. It’s going to be a reunion for kids on both teams, since much of Gregori’s team played their freshman ball at Davis. This also will be Davis’ best opportunity to earn a victory.