Canepa in his element, Delhi 'D' and Livingston

Central Catholic is always a contender for the section Division 4 title, but this year’s club is capable of so much more. With the arrival of Rey Vega (transfer from Davis), the Raiders boast a three-deep rotation at tailback with 5-foot-11, 205-pound Blake Escobar at fullback. Coach Roger Canepa became a legend in the foothills for his ability to overpower foes with a physical run game, and it looks likes he will return to that style. The Raiders won’t lack for competition — state-ranked Placer and St. Mary’s come in early, then Central travels to play Downey and Aaron Zwahlen, a University of Hawaii commit.

MIA: Hawks' Defense

History will be made when Central Valley's Jason McCloskey makes his first call in tonight's opener vs. Gregori: It will be the first time CV has had someone other than Tim Garcia making a coaching decision. Garcia had coached the Hawks since the school fielded its varsity team in 2006 — but he's now the offensive coordinator at Davis. McCloskey will benefit from one of the district's top backs (Ja'Quan Gardner) and a veteran QB (Abraham Navarro), but he also has to rebuild a defense that gave up 35 points a game in the WAC. Defense has been a weak spot for CV since its first season, but there's a playoff berth to be earned if the Hawks make a few tackles.

Wolves Need Fast Start

Livingston got into the playoffs in 2011 on the strength of its first six weeks. It started 5-1 by exploiting a light non-conference schedule. With the WAC's strongest teams at the end of the season, it then lost four in a row. Livingston won't be able to survive a late stumble this year because early wins will be at a premium. Gone are Modesto Christian and Orestimba, with defending section champion Hilmar and Division 1 Johansen in their place. After that, it's small-school powers Le Grand and Mariposa — then the talented WAC.