Central Valley Hawks

Coach: Jason McCloskey

Career record: 19-11

Record at school: 0-0

Last year: Central Valley (4-6, 2-4) lost its six games by an average of 25 points and the four teams it beat were a combined 8-32, as the Hawks continued to struggle with a lack of depth and a porous defense.

Last league title: None

Last playoff berth: None

Coaching staff: Antone Lopez (defensive coordinator), Derrick Goblirsch, Jesse Padilla, Jim Patterson, Joe Borba, Greg Magni, Eric Payne, Reg Evans.

Top returners: RB Ja’Quan Gardner (5-8, 165, jr.), QB Abraham Navarro, OL/DL Marcus Rodriguez, QB/fS Kenny Lopez, DE/TE Nick Van Tuinen, MLB/FB Ben Antelea, FB/MLB Josh Garcia, OLB Jose Vellegas, RB/WR Juan Plasencia.

Top newcomers: SS/WR Miko Uri, TE Christian Romo, T/DE Jesus Medina, T/DT Joe Medina, RB/DB Angelo Bermudez.

Outlook: McCloskey takes over a program that has never made the playoffs or posted a winning record, but he’s got one of the district’s top players in the explosive Gardner (1,986 yards, 25 TDs; 218 carries without a fumble). Look for Gardner to be busy this fall, because the more he carries the ball, the less time CV’s defense has to spend on the field. It gave 31 points a game in 2011. … The JV team was 7-3 last fall, so there’s some talent coming. ... Navarro’s knee injury spoiled last year’s playoff bid, but he’s healthy and part of a strong senior class.

Key game: Week 6 (Sept. 27) vs. Patterson. The Hawks will feature Gardner and a running game, but can do they succeed against a physical team like Patterson? The answer will determine whether CV makes its first-ever playoff appearance.