Le Grand Bulldogs

Coach: Rick Martinez

Record at school: 66-77

Career record: 66-77

Last year: Le Grand (12-1, 7-0) won its second straight section Division 5 crown, and advanced to the State Small School Bowl before losing 34-13 to Sierra Canyon. It was the most talented team in Le Grand’s history.

Last league title: 2011

Last playoff berth: 2011

Coaching staff: Raul Alvarez (offensive coordinator), Alex Thomas (defensive coordinator), Leo Alvarez (DL), Marco Gonzalez (LB), Cameron Graham (WR), Mike Serrano (OL), Mark Burrola (QB).

Top returners: TE/LB Juan Gomez (5-9, 205, jr.), RB/DB Ryan Martinez (5-10, 170, jr.), RB/LB Dustin Slate (5-9, 180, jr.), OL Roman Hernandez (6-4, 305), DL Christopher Miranda (5-9, 190).

Top newcomer: DL Eduardo Bedolla (5-10, 230, jr.)

Outlook: Back-to-back section Division 5 titles and a trip to the 2011 State Small School Bowl – it was an amazing two-year run by one of the section’s most remote schools. Do the Bulldogs have another run in them? Martinez says yes, and he points to the imposing Bedolla on the defensive front and a group of talented returing varsity kids. … Gomez (235 yards receiving, 8 TDs, 3 sacks), Martinez (330 yard rushing, 11 TDs – 5 kick returns – 53 tackles, 5 INTs) and Slate (300 yards rushing, 5 TDs, 91 tackles, 3 INTs) were big-play kids a year ago. Hernandez, a two-year returning all-leaguer, should be one of the top linemen in the district this fall. … Le Grand’s JV team was 8-1 and won the SL, so there’s plenty of help on the way.

Key game: Week 9 (Oct. 26) at Mariposa. Does this game help decide the SL title every season, or does it just seem that way? The league’ most talented – and physical – programs get one game after this before playoffs open.