C.J. Smith wasn't pleased with how the high school football season unfolded a year ago at Camarillo High.

"It wasn't good at all," says the Scorpions' senior safety. "We were supposed to be the big team and all that, and it didn't happen for us. We didn't have good chemistry. We didn't work hard enough. We're ready to change things this year."

If the Scorpions are to erase the memories from last season, which featured a 4-7 record and a 51-21 loss to Moorpark in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, then Smith and his mates in the defensive backfield will play a key role.

Right out of the box, beginning with Ventura tonight in a game that begins at 7 p.m. at Larrabee Stadium, the Scorpions face three of the region's most prolific quarterbacks.

Tonight, it's Cougars senior Blake Kreutz, who threw for 1,905 yards and 18 touchdowns as an 11th-grader. Next up are two of the Marmonte League's strongarmed seniors: Newbury Park's Colby Cameron and Agoura's Doug Shumway.

"It's going to be quite a challenge," said Camarillo coach Dennis Riedmiller. "I suspect that (Ventura) will throw the ball quite a bit, and I know that Newbury Park and Agoura will want to put the ball in the air a lot.

"It will be good experience in getting ready for (Pacific View) league. Our guys are looking forward to it."

If Camarillo vs. Ventura portends an interesting matchup on the opening night of the high school football season, then the Scorpions' pass defense vs. Kreutz and company becomes the game within a game.

Camarillo secondary coach John Doleman makes it clear from the outset: His back four aren't in this alone.

"We need a pass rush," he said. "That's the key to stopping any good passing attack. You give any good quarterback too much time, and he's going to hurt you."

Buoyed by three returning starters, with seniors Blake Barroso, Tyler Brown and Smith all two-year starters, the Scorpions like the speed and experience on the back end of their defense.

Brown (6-0, 175) becomes the strong safety, with Smith (6-0, 165) at free safety. Barroso (5-7, 145) and junior Alex Clark (5-10, 170) man the corner slots.

"We've come to trust and rely on each other," said Brown. "We've played together ever since being on the JV team."

Ventura coach Brad Steward will count on Kreutz to bear a hefty load on offense this season. He doesn't mind a test on opening night.

"We went up against Camarillo in 7 on 7 this summer and I was very impressed with the quality athletes they have," he said. "They will be a good challenge for us."

Experience in the secondary allows Camarillo to vary its pass coverages.

"We'll play some man (to man). We'll play some zone," said Barroso. "It's important that we mix things up against the good quarterbacks. We need to give them as many different looks as possible."

Ventura, Newbury Park and Agoura will all be looking to identify their go-to wide receivers this season. That doesn't escape the attention of the Camarillo secondary.

"We want to see who the quarterback likes to throw to in clutch situations," said Brown. "We need to take that away from him."

For Ventura, Christian Savala is the top returning receiver. The 6-2, 195-pounder caught 10 passes for 134 yards last season.

This being preseason, Steward agrees that his prime impetus is his own players.

"We're looking to see who can perform well under pressure," he said.

Brown acknowledges that grace under pressure is among the key assets for a defensive back. Oh, a short memory helps, too.

"You can't let any bad play bother you," he said. "You've got to be strong and go onto the next play."