Five players to watch

• Steven Machado

RB, Orestimba

Seven 100-yard games as sophomore (1,293 yards), but he’ll need to find the end zone more often (just 3 TDs in 2011) for Warriors to make the playoffs.

• Damien Bell-White

WR, Modesto Christian

Had 62 grabs for 700 yards and 7 TDs a year ago. He’ll blow past his 2011 average of 11.3 yards a catch, as MC exploits his athleticism and height (6-foot-4).

• Phillip Kimble

QB, Escalon

A dual-threat QB, he’ll look deep for WR Alec Von Alvensleben when he’s not fooling foes in the deceptive Wing-T. Kimble might have the best arm in the league.

• Nestor Montoya

OL/DL, Riverbank

The Bruins traditionally struggle up front in the physical TVL, but this 255-pounder spent his summer lifting weights and conditioning — so he’ll rarely leave field.

• Corey Bayer

OL/DL, Hilmar

One of just two starters back from squad that won section Div. 4 title. The 235-pound Bayer will be the “coach” on the field as Hilmar gets its new kids in shape.