Orestimba Warriors

Coach: Aaron Souza

Career record: 11-11

Record at school: 11-11

Last year: Orestimba (5-6, 2-4) was cruising along at 5-2 before losing its last three regular-season games and then 62-21 to Argonaut in the playoffs. Defense led to the late-season downfall, as the Warriors gave up 223 points in their final four losses. Last league title: 1990

Last playoff berth: 2011

Coaching staff: Louie Dominguez, Bert Perez, Sal Perez, Mario Martins, Bob Moorehead.

Top returners: RB/OLB Stevem Machado (5-7, 170, jr.), WR/DB Ernie Esquivez (5-9, 160), OL/DL Brad PAnelli (6-2, 240), OL/DE Manuel Molina (5-9, 190), OL/DL Mark Bryant (6-1, 195), TE/LB Nate Martin (6-2, 225), WR/DB Jeremy Orozco (5-7, 150), QB/RB/LB Alex Garcia (5-9, 185).

Top newcomers: OL/DL Kevin Tucker (6-4, 260), OL/DL Ivan Luna (6-2, 250), TE/LB Zack Fraga (6-0, 175). Outlook: After going two decades without a playoff berth, the Warriors have gone the last two years and could be looking at a third trip with all-TVL RB Machado (1,293 yards, 6 TDs) returning for his junior year. … Esquivez (400 yards receicing, 4 TDs; 4 INTs) leads the secondary, while all-TVL Molina (45 tackles, 2 sacks) and Martin (70 tackles; 1 INT) are up front – seven starters return on defense. … Panelli is the top offensive linemen, and he’ll get help with the hefty tandem of Tucker and Luna arriving from JV to join three returning starters. … The roster has 22 players with playoff experience, but the Warriors have a three-way battle for QB that will carry into the season. … Machado needs to stay healthy, because it’s thin after him.

Key game: Week 8 (Oct. 12) vs. Hughson. Both these teams think they have what it takes to reach the playoffs this fall, but with Escalon, Hilmar and Ripon solidly in place as the top three contenders. The loser here sees its playoff bid disappear.