Lathrop Spartans

Coach: Jesse Rodriguez

Career record: 93-79

Record at school: 5-25

Last year: Lathrop (2-8, 1-6) was 1-1 following a 28-22 win over McClatchy, but lost eight in a row before closing with a 20-0 win over Kimball. Physically unable to compete against the league’s top-tier teams, the Spartans gave up 46 points a game in losses to Oakdale, Manteca, Sonora and Sierra.

Last league title: None

Last playoff berth: None

Coaching staff: Dwayne Davis, Eric Relova, Chuck Garcia, Aaron Terry, Clinton Goblirsch, Jose Sevilla, Jordan Davis.

Top returners: TE/LB Austin Plunk (6-0, 185), RB/S Kevin Rainey (5-8, 165), OT/DL Jay Butler (6-0, 190), FB/DL Alex Relova (5-9, 200), OL/DL Hector Flores, WR/CB PJ Sandhu, QB/S Preston Rizo, RB Jesse Palen, RB Ricardo Matheu.

Top newcomers: Ian Chavez, Johnny Barajas, Angelo Crescini, Mike Santos, JOashua Elliott, Kenny Garrett, Chuckie Garcia. Outlook: Coach Rodriguez has spent the last few tears trying to develop depth, which is necessary to compete in the physically demanding VOL, and his work is beginning to produce results. By mixing two solid classes, the competitive level at practice will also increase – and that can only mean good things on Friday nights. … The offense is shifting from the wishbone to multiple pro-set, which should open the passing attack.

Key game: Week 4 (Sept. 14) vs. Ripon. It’s not a league game, but East Union awaits Lathrop the next week so this is all about momentum. Ripon has strong skill players, so a strong showing here might mean Lathrop has a chance to climb in the VOL standings.