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2009 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Last year was admittedly a rough learning experience for the North Salem High football team. Coach Jeff Flood started his coaching tenure with just three players with any varsity playing experience, and it showed at times last season, as the Vikings were outscored 498-100. Still, there is a large measure of optimism at North as nearly 20 players who took their lumps in 2008 are back to help the Vikings move up on the Central Valley Conference standings.
OFFENSE North Salem brings back plenty of experience from 2008. Junior Cole Ferguson (6-1 200) became a starter halfway through last sason and is much more comfortable with the Viking offense. He also has strong back up from sophomore Sam Lyon (6-3 210). The running backs also return for North. Josh DaFoe (5-10 240 Jr.) and Brandon Aldis (5-9 230) hope to have big years. Other players vying for playing time will include juniors Tavin Williams (5-10 160), Jonny Garza (5-10 165) and Dominic Casillas (5-7 145), and senior Drew Bolliger (5-7 155). The line also returns plenty of veterans. Seniors include tackles Quinten Lockhart (6-3 280) and Cody Hickey (6-0 220), and guard Joel Rocha-Torres (5-8 230). Juniors Anthony Tolefoa (6-3 260) and Phil Busey (6-1 220) will also see plenty of time at guard and center respectively. The leading candidate at tight end is senior Shelby Hanson (6-4 240). The Viking receiving corps will be led by returnee Dylan Young, (6-2 180 Sr.) and athletic sophomore Avery Holmes (6-1 150). DEFENSE Flood says while several players will have to go both ways, he also has some very sound defensive specialists to anchor the Viking "D." David Kinkade (6-2 180 Sr.) will team with Tolefoa to provide impact on the defensive line. At linebacker, Zach Causey (5-8 230 Jr.) will join Aldis, DaFoe and senior Marcelo Aguilar (5-9 140) to make things difficult for opposing offenses. The Viking secondary should include Young, Garza and Wiliams as key contributors. OTHER North's kicking game is not set, but leading candidates include senior placekicker Erick Chavez (5-8 180) and senior punter Reno Santiago (5-10 160).
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 7th place
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NORTH SALEM 