East Union Lancers

Coach: Willie Herrera

Career record: 1-9

Record at school: 1-9

Last year: East Union (1-9, 1-6) had a disappointing season, coming off a 2010 campaign that featured a 7-4 record, a playoff berth and upset of crosstown rival Manteca. The defense spent much of the season on the field, giving up 40 points a game and failing to hold any opponent under 28.

Last league title: 1989

Last playoff berth: 2010

Coaching staff: Daniel Taylor, Dan Triglia, Danny Herrera, Eddie Koeller, Steve Bertchtold, John Espana.

Top returners: LB/RB Brennan Koeller (5-6, 160), OL/DT Josh Byrd (5-10, 260), RB/SS Mark Aguilar (5-6, 145), Q B Aaron Ramos (6-0, 175), WR/FS Jack Zeller (6-0, 165).

Top newcomers: QB/DB Lucas Garcia (5-6, 145, soph.), LB/OT Will Cateineau (5-10, 170), RB/FS Victor Lopez (5-9, 170, jr.), WR/DB Eddie Daube (5-7, 140, jr.), LB/WR Nick McGill (6-0, 180, jr.), TE/DE Clay Cuneo (6-4, 215, jr.).

Outlook: Koeller (54 tackles, 3.5 sacks, INT) and Byrd (31 tackles, sack) provided experience on defense, a benefit after the Lancers allowed a league-high 42 points a game last fall. … Aguilar (600 yards rushing, 12 catches, 5 TDs) will benefit from the up-tempo offense that offensive coordinator Taylor is installing. Ramos and sophomore Garcia spent the summer competing for the QB job. … The JV team was 5-5 a year ago, and provides some key skill players in Lopez, Daube and McGill. Lot of interest to see how Cuneo adapts to the physical varsity play – has the size to be a receiving threat with his height and long arms. … Herrera will exploit the versatility of his players on both sides of the ball – because many can play multiple positions, EU can shift into a variety of different looks without changing personnel. Physically, though, EU is going to be smaller than the league’s top four contenders.

Key game: Week 6 (Oct. 5) vs. Weston Ranch. For the Lancers to climb to the top of the second-tier teams in the VOL, they have to beat The Ranch. EU’s new up-tempo offense will have a few months of work before this game rolls around.