Last season's results: (Tied for 6th in Marmonte, 5-5 overall). There seemed to be two different Pioneer football teams last year. There was the one that started out the year on fire going 5-0, and the one that ended the season in a slump going 0-5. To be fair, Simi Valley lost a couple of close games at Royal, at Thousand Oaks and at Newbury Park by a combined seven points.

Notable returnees: Langston Jackson, jr., RB/DB (68 rushes, 411 yards, 3 TDs); Jack Albert, sr., DE/TE (30 tackles, 26 assists); Nathan Mullett, sr., DT/OT; Luke Fleckenstein, sr., DT/OG (12 tackles, 23 assists); Alan Steele, jr., DE/FB (18 tackles, 15 assists) Impact Newcomer: Brandon Fricke, sr., QB Who They Play: SVHS has a chance to improve on its solid start from last year as their first six matchups are against teams that had sub-.500 records a season ago. In order to make the playoffs in 2006, Simi needs to get off to a fast start in Marmonte play when they host Newbury Park (Oct. 20) and T.O. (Oct. 27). The Pioneers last two games of the regular season may be their toughest. Late in the year, they play at Moorpark (Nov. 3) and at city rival Royal (Nov. 10).

Overview: The Pioneers lost a great running back in Devin Kelley, but Jackson should fill in nicely. As a sophomore with limited carries, Jackson gained 411 yards. Now with a year of varsity experience under his belt, Jackson could challenge for a league rushing title thanks to a great offensive line that includes returning starters Mullett and Fleckenstein.

Simi Valley also has a new quarterback this year in senior Fricke, who transferred from Pleasant Valley High in Chico. If Fricke's passing game takes off, so will the Pioneer offense.

The real test for the Pioneers will be their defense. Last year Simi Valley allowed a staggering 245 points against Marmonte League opponents, an average of 35 points per game. If that point total doesn't decrease significantly, the Pioneers won't succeed, no matter how good their offense may be.

In a nutshell: Head coach Todd Borowski likes what he's seen so far from the defense-they are doing better with communication and technique, he said. Borowski's also been impressed with his team during the offseason because they've played mistake-free football. If the Pioneers cause more turnovers than they create, and if some breaks go their way that didn't during the second half of last season, Simi will push for a playoff spot.