Newbury Park Panthers

Last season's result: (Tied for 4th in Marmonte, 4-6 overall) For the sixth time in seven seasons, the Panthers failed to qualify for the playoffs. After starting the year 1-4, Newbury Park rebounded to win three of its final five games- a good precursor of what may lie ahead for this squad.

Notable returnees: Colby Cameron, sr., QB (195 completions for 2,398 yards, 23 TDs, 14 INTs); Ron Tatham, sr., LB (100 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries); Brian Koenig, sr., RB/LB (75 rushes, 279 yards); Danny Diefenthaler, sr., WR/FS (23 receptions, 289 yards, 4 TDs); Chance Flaaten, sr., LB/RB (89 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INTs); Tim Ketaily, sr., OT/C Impact newcomer: Chris Brown, jr., RB/DB Who they play: Newbury Park keeps things local with its nonleague schedule. The Panthers host Camarillo (Sept. 7) and Rio Mesa (Sept. 14) before traveling to play at Oak Park (Sept. 20). In league, NPHS has two critical games at home against Westlake (Oct. 5) and Moorpark (Nov. 2). They'll play at Thousand Oaks (Nov. 9).

Overview: Despite missing out on the playoffs in '06 and not having won a league title since 1999, Newbury Park is viewed by many as the team to beat this season.

Cameron, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound signal-caller, is a fast-rising college prospect with a big arm, smarts and tons of talent. He'll be protected by a solid offensive line that features returning players Ketaily, Tyler Miles, Luis Gonzalez, Jack Knauer and Daniel Fesmire.

At wideout, Diefenthaler, David Gru and Sean Bayer combined for 65 receptions a year ago. They'll be joined on the outside by the Muscarella brothers, Vincent and Phillip. Brown, the junior running back, brings speed and athleticism to the position the program hasn't seen since Marcus Crawford was running wild several years ago. Brown could be the surprise impact athlete of the season.

Middle linebackers Tatham and Flaaten are the backbone of the Panthers' defense. Tatham is tactical and disciplined. Flaaten has a wild streak. Together they make plays all night long.

Six-foot-6, 225-pound junior defensive end Jackson Powell is raw but has lots of ability. Senior Derek Taylor will see time at strong safety. He also handles the team's long-snapping duties. Place kicker David Matic is a soccer player in his first year in football pads.

In a nutshell: Head coach George Hurley wants to run the ball 40 percent of the time this season. You read that right, 40 percent! If the funandgun Panthers can establish any sort of balance on offense, they could be extremely tough to contain.