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The Star's picks: Marmonte League
MARMONTE LEAGUE
LEAGUE PREVIEW:Seven are serious Marmonte League contenders
IMPACT PLAYERS:
Defense: Justin Lilley, Westlake
Offense: Colby Cameron, Newbury Park
TEAM BY TEAM:
At a glance
THE STAR'S PICKS:
League rankings
Led by quarterback Colby Cameron, the talent is in place to win the program's first league championship since 1999. The real key may come down to attitude: Do the Panthers have the confidence to win the close games?
After two down seasons, the Warriors rebounded all the way to a league title in 2006. RB Cooper Shockley and WR Curtis Peterson offer big-play potential, but either Nick Owens or Ben Conlin will need to step to the forefront at quarterback.
An eventful offseason featured the transfer of running back Darrell Scott. Now the offense will rise or fall with the play of quarterback Adam Barry. If the defense, as usual, matures into a solid unit, the Musketeers again shape up as a top league contender.
Highly respected defensive coordinator Mike Leibin, formerly of Westlake High, finally has his own team to run. Considering the offense features gifted junior running back John Lister, strong play by the Lancers defense could equate to a run at the league title.
Doug Shumway is one of only three returning starting quarterbacks in the league, which gives the Chargers an obvious edge. With good skill players and a big offensive line, Agoura will score points. The Chargers' league fortunes should ultimately be decided by the play of their defense.
Coach Gene Uebelhardt thinks he has not one, but two quarterbacks who can become stars. If sophomore Brian Blechen and junior Trevor Shubert do develop, then the Highlanders are solid in enough other areas to compete for a playoff berth.
One of these seasons, the Pioneers will indeed make the leap to elite league contender. Senior running back Langston Jackson is already one of the region's top players. If youngsters develop along the offensive and defensive line, then this could be Team Surprise.
The first challenge is to stop that 42-game losing streak. Highly regarded first-year coach Lance Martin just might be the man to affect positive change. Then the Coyotes can focus on forward progress in the league standings.
— Loren Ledin
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