Five players to watch

•l; Anthony Cota

RB, Sierra

VOL’s most explosive threat, a healthy Cota could deliver Sierra its first-ever league title. Guillermo Nunez (a point guard in winter) will throw him passes.

•l; Eddie Smith

LB/RB Manteca

He has that toughness that used to frighten the Buffs’ foes. Smith is expected to get the share of the carries, and he’s got a monster line he can run behind.

•l; Zach Johnson

QB, Kimball

Top passer and rusher last two years for Jags, No.2 in VOL in yards despite missing three games in 2011; took part in ESPN Elite 11 competition in May.

•l; Mark Aguilar

RB/SS, East Union

He’s a captain this fall after rushing for 600 yards and 5 TDs a year ago. He’s as anxious as everyone else to see how EU adapts to its up-tempo offense.

•l; Brandon Camara

RB, Sonora

Frightening combo of size and quickness at 6 feet, 220 pounds; ran for 1,400 yards in 9½ games as a junior. Will challenge Cota to be VOL Back of the Year.