Weston Ranch Cougars

Coach: Mike Hale

Career record: 11-29

Record at school: 11-29

Last year: Weston Ranch (4-6, 3-4) nearly pulled off one the biggest wins in school history, before falling 34-29 to Sonora in the VOL opener. The undersized Cougars were no match for the other VOL heavyweights, though, giving up 48, 51 and 49 points in losses to Manteca, Oakdale and Sierra.

Last league title: 2005

Last playoff berth: 2005

Coaching staff: Ed Martinez, Ruben Jackson, Greg Roberson.

Top returners: QB James Simerley (5-11, 170), WR/DB Kenny Williams (5-10, 170), TE/LB Sean Visperas (6-2, 210), RB/DB Alex Esan (5-10, 160), RB/SS Marcus Vega (5-9, 160), OL Cody Simerley (5-10, 230, jr.), LB/DE Eddie Melero (6-0, 185), LB Candelario Elizondo (5-9, 205), RB Joseph Gonzalez, OL Abel Villa.

Top newcomers: DL Tony Taylor (jr.).

Outlook: Simerley (70 of 151, 1,496 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs) could make The Ranch incredibly entertaining with Williams (20 catches, 18.9-yard avg., 5 TDs) and Esan (18, 20.9-avg., 5 TDs) returning as his top targets. Quite a switch from last year, when the Cougars used a two-back system to help move the ball. … Visperas is a wildcard after catching just six passes as a junior, but averaging 22 yards on each of them and catching a 34-yard TD. It’s difficult to match up with his height and size. … The trio of LBs return, so they’ve got experience with the different schemes they’ll be facing from the Wing-T to the spread.

Key game: Week 5 (Sept. 21) vs. Sonora. After giving the Wildcats a difficult time last year in the foothills, The Ranch hopes the homefield might produce that extra touchdown or two and allow it to open league play on a high note.