Hilmar Yellowjackets

Coach: Frank Marques

Career record: 85-22

Record at school: 85-22

Last year: Hilmar (12-2, 5-1) opened the season by blowing a 20-point lead at home during a 30-27 loss to Beyer, but finished the season by driving for a game-winning score to beat defending state champ Escalon in the section Division 4 final. Hilmar won its first three playoff games by 27, 27 and 30 points.

Last league title: 2005

Last playoff berth: 2011

Coaching staff: Jesse Da Rosa, Jack Handy, Nick Casey, Jeff Ma, Matt Esquivel, Scott Sousa, Adam Komos. Top returners: OL/DL Corey Bayer (6-1, 235), David Bisp (5-10, 215, jr.), OL/MLB Joseph Bello (5-8, 190), WR/DB Victor Teixeira (6-0, 185), OL/DL John Brindeiro (5-7, 205), WR Jesse Burke (5-9, 185).

Top newcomers: RB/FS Kenny Camden (5-7, 50, jr.), RB/DB Kris Camden (5-8, 135, jr.), QB Beau Balswick (5-11, 175, jr.), OL/DL Antonio Mell (5-7, 200, jr.), RB/LB Breck Smith (5-8, 170, jr.), WR/DB Tyler Robinson (5-8, 145, jr.).

Key game: Week 8 (Oct. 19) at Escalon. Was last year’s title win over the Cougars a fluke? Escalon had dominated Hilmar 10-0 in the regular season, and the Cougars were playing the final without their top linemen. Hilmar has heard all the excuses and realizes a second win over Escalon would silence the doubters.