Atwater Falcons

Coach: Bob Valladao

Career record: 19-33

Record at school: 19-33

Last year: Atwater (4-6, 1-4) was 4-3 and looking at a potential playoff trip before losing its final three, including a surprisingly close 28-21 loss to section semifinalist and crosstown rival Buhach Colony. The Falcons gave up 27 points or more in five of its six losses. Three defeats were by seven points or less, so a bit of defense could have gone a long way.

Last league title: 1998

Last playoff berth: 2009

Coaching staff: Jordan Bell, John Mobley, Brett Nickelson, Jarrod Pimentel, Ray Valladao, Seneca Ybarra.

Top returners: OLB Trevor Coleman, OLB Cory Maxwell, QB/DB Andrew Avila, RB/DB Shane Lambert, TE Matt Parker, OL/DL David Vasquez, OL Clayton Heafner.

Top newcomers: RB/LB JoJo Ochoa (jr.), WR/DB Isaiah Washington (jr.).

Outlook: Avila had a rough introduction (48 of 123, 676 yards, 6 TDs, 13 INTs), and he’s breaking in new receivers this fall. The goods news includes quality skill players, Ochoa and Washington, from the JV squad should help the offense. … Lambert (415 yards, 6.4-yard avg., 3 TDs) is the only experienced back, as the Falcons return five starters on offense and five on defense. … Coleman’s the star of the defense, after averaging 12 tackles a game, collecting 10 sacks and picking off two passes.

Key game: Week 4 (Sept. 13) at Beyer. The Falcons should be a 2-0 going into this game against the MMC contender, and Beyer’s true Wing-T scheme will provide Atwater’s defense with a physical challenge up front. Mighty Clovis comes to town a week later, so gaining momentum here could be crucial.