Calabasas Coyotes

Last season's result: (8th in Marmonte, 010 overall) Calabasas lost a 14-13 heartbreaker at El Camino Real in last year's regular-season opener and never recovered. The Coyotes played Thousand Oaks tough and scored a team-high 30 points during a season-ending defeat against Agoura.

Notable returnees: Serop Challian, sr., QB (33 completions for 394 yards, 4 TDs); Cameron Ventura, sr., RB/LB (75 rushes, 342 yards, 21 receptions, 5 TDs); Andrew Bedigian, sr., OL/DL (38 tackles, 2 sacks); Edward Bedigian, sr., OL/DL (14 tackles); Charlie Kaufman, sr., PK/P/DB (27 punts, 15 PATs, 7 tackles); Emon Saee, sr., QB/LB Impact newcomers: Alain Dalencort, jr., TE/DE; Justin Cudworth, jr., LB/FB Who they play: Calabasas gets a rematch against El Camino Real (Sept. 7) in its home opener. After that, the Coyotes play four consecutive road games at Hueneme (Sept. 14), Channel Islands (Sept. 20), Westlake (Sept. 28) and Thousand Oaks (Oct. 5). The first three games are critical. Calabasas needs a victory, and on paper those are certainly winnable ballgames.

Overview: Calabasas' losing streak has reached 42 games, the longest active streak in the state. The state record for consecutive losses is 46, set by Moorpark High from 1972 to 1982. Rest assured, the Coyotes want no part of that record. The players don't think it's a joke, and neither do the coaches. And while no team wants to lose to Calabasas, there are many in the league who would love to see the team snap its winless drought.

First-year head coach Lance Martin is trying to change the culture of the school's football program. The coach said he isn't worried about wins and losses; he wants his players to focus on the details, like blocking assignments and route running. Improving as a team is priority No. 1 for Calabasas.

Challian has claimed the starting quarterback job and is expected to bring a wealth of athleticism to the position. With Ventura at running back and Cudworth playing fullback, the Coyotes have enough skill players to move the ball on the ground, provided the team's undersized offensive line can continue to improve.

On the defensive line, the Bedigian brothers, both of whom are 6-foot-2, must handle the load up front. Dalencort is a tremendous athlete and could provide a solid pass rush from the end, while junior Jan Hammar will have his hands full week-in and week-out at defensive tackle.

In a nutshell: Calabasas has 24 players listed on its varsity roster, less than half the number of some other teams in the league. The Coyotes won't challenge for a league championship or a playoff spot, but under Martin's leadership they'll give it everything they've got on Friday nights.