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2009 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
South Salem's 2008 Central Valley championship was the high water mark in Coach Scott DuFault's tenure at the school. It may be tougher in 2009, but the Saxons are expected to be among the conference leaders again in 2009. Although DuFault is quick to point out that he lost a lot of key players, including an experienced receiving corps, there are arguably some improvements over last year's edition of the Saxons. And it is those improvements that have some of the Saxon-faithful thinking the team could pick up back-to-back conference titles.
OFFENSE Size on the front line is a decided upgrade this year for the Saxons. Last year's starting center, junior Levi Rayburn, is moving his 6-2, 265 pound frame to tackle. Fellow-junior Bryan Martz (6-4 210) is also projected to start at the other tackle. Guards include senior Pedro Castaneda (6-1 210) and juniors Colin Meir (6-0 250) and Mario Miranda (5-11 220). DuFault is looking to junior Skyler McManus (5-10 205) to fill the duties at center. The centerpiece of the Saxon offense is Conor Lynch (6-3 190 Sr.). He returns after winning the starting job last season and throwing for nearly 1500 yards and 19 touchdowns in '08. More of the same is anticipated for 2009. Gone are are last year's stable of receivers, but their replacements are taller as a group and could be just as successful. Junior Espitia (6-3 200 Soph) and Chad Miller (6-2 190 Jr) provide the size, while seniors Mark Mason (5-10 175), Travis Koon (5-10 160) , Chad Cox (5-10 165) and Willie Sloan (175) are possession receivers who will see plenty of time in the South spread offense. At running back, Colby Wall (5-10 190 Sr) and Jake Fohn (5-8 175 Jr) return with some limited varsity experience. DuFault says both runners will need to touch the football a lot to keep defenses honest. At tight end, junior Jake Withnell (6-5 210) is the apparent starter, but Micah Villareal (5-10 190 Sr.) should also see some minutes. DEFENSE South's defense experience begins with Castaneda on the line, where he is a three year starter. Miranda, Meir and Rayburn should be in the mix up front, along with seniors Jesse Butler (6-0 245 Sr.) and Miles Helm (6-0 220 Sr.). At inside linebacker, DuFault has four players to share time. Gilberto Bedolla (5-9 190 Sr.), Chad Conner (6-3 200 Sr.), Izzik Salazar (5-10 175 Jr.) and Ian Ogami (5-9 185 Jr.) all have a good nose for the football. On the outside, Withnell, Wall, Villareal and Espitia should be key contributors. In the secondary, the Saxons will rotate plenty of bodies. Fohn , Koon and Cox are expected to play at the corners; Sloan, Mason and Miller be at safety. OTHER DuFault says senior Jordan Rideout (6-1 175) should prove to be a strong-legged place kicker for South this season.
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 2nd place
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SOUTH SALEM 