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2010 CENTRAL VALLEY CONFERENCE
Talent abounds for South Salem in 2010. But who will effectively guide the Saxons in the upcoming season will ultimately determine their success in terms of wins and losses. Coach Scott Dufault described this summer as one of the most successful since he arrived at South High. He is hoping that the dedication and enthusiasm his players have shown can translate into a Central Valley Conference championship come November.
OFFENSE All totalled, South returns seven players on offense. On the offensive line, the Saxons boast a wealth of senior experience. Tackles Bryan Martz (6-3 220) and Levi Rayburn (6-3 295)--a three year starter--are the largest specimens. Guards Mario Mirnda (5-11 235) and Colin Meier (5-10 260), and center Skyler McManus (5-10 225) also played full or part time last season. They have plenty of support in the form of juniors Dylan Gutierrez (5-9 220), Tyler Despain (5-10 200), and thomas Pressley (5-10 210). Senior and returning starter Jake Whithnell (6-5 230) is a Division-I prospect, and will provide extra blocking up front as well as soft hands as a receiver. Who will be South's quarterback is still uncertain. Junior Justin Burgess (6-2 190) has a big arm, but is recovering from knee surgery that will delay his return to the field. Sophomore signal caller Jaylyn Bailey (5-9 180) was a scoring machine as a JV player last year, but will have to adjust to the speed of varsity football in a hurry. Senior running back Jake Fohn (5-9 195) is the top Central Valley Conference rusher back from a year ago--with nearly a thousand yards on the ground out of the Saxons' single back, spread offense. Senior Ian Ogami (5-9 180) will relieve Fohn as needed. At receiver, Junior Espitia (6-3 210 Jr) is the top returning performer. Considered a Division I player, he caught 39 passes for 850 yards and 13 TDs as a sophomore and coaches expect those numbers to increase in 2010. Senior Chad Miller returns after missing last season due to injury. Jake Dufault (5-10 190) should start as a sophomore after scoring nine TDs on last year's freshman team and making the varsity for the state playoffs. Junior Kyle Moore (6-0 180) should be a great possession receiver for the Saxons. DEFENSE The South defensive line will have size and depth. Miranda, McManus, Martz and Meier will have some playing time, but juniors Jimmy Raynak (6-0 240), Bryan Larkins (6-0 185), and Justin Merriweather (6-1 235) will be an active part of the defensive front. At inside linebacker, Ogami, senior Izik Salazar (5-9 190) and junior Dirk Bowman (6-0 215) and sophomore Craig Adams (5-10 170) will split playing time. Outside, Withnell and Espitia should be all-conference performers, but will be spelled at times by Adams and athletic junior Dustin Watson (6-0 170) In the secondary, the Saxons will have Dufault, Bailey, Miller, and Moore seeing some minutes, with support from senior Colton Grimwood (6-1 190) and sophomore Jake Kelly (5-9 150).
Full Access Sports Coaches Poll Prediction: 2nd place
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SOUTH SALEM 
