AT A GLANCE

* THE PROVEN: For points, look to Oxnard running back Desmond Davis, who rushed for 1,577 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. For a counterpoint, look to linebacker Joe Martinez of Ventura, the league’s top defensive player last season. Davis is joined in the Oxnard backfield by three-year starter Chad Pierson, and Martinez is joined at linebacker by returning starter Mark McKinney. Other experienced linebackers include Buena’s Kurt Probasco, Hueneme’s Carl Dean, and Rio Mesa’s Bo Espinoza and Richard Hernandez. The only returning quarterbacks of note are San Marcos’ Jeff Van Pelt, son of former NFL player Brad Van Pelt, and Ventura’s Mike Anderson. None of the five Ventura County teams will pass much, but Oxnard’s Eric Swanger should be watched. Rio Mesa fullback Jay Flores rushed for 856 yards last season.

* THE PROMISING: Oxnard quarterback Adrian Maciel, who started two years ago at Santa Clara and played defensive back at Oxnard last year, is ready to blossom. Transfer Jerome Stevens, a junior, could make a huge impact at linebacker for Rio Mesa, and wrestling champion Cristobal Gonzalez could do the same at Ventura. The Cougars also recruited from the track team, adding wide receiver Matt Appel, the Southern Section 400-meter champion.

* FAST FACT: All three Santa Barbara-area schools have new coaches: Bob Archer at San Marcos, John Hallenbach at Dos Pueblos and Ben Hallock at Santa Barbara.

* 1996 STANDINGS: 1. Ventura 7-0 (league), 9-2 (overall); 2. Dos Pueblos 5-2, 8-3; 3. Rio Mesa 5-2, 8-3; 4. Buena 4-3, 5-5; 5. San Marcos 2-5, 3-7; 6. Oxnard 2-5, 2-8 (the Yellowjackets forfeited six losses and two ties); 7. Santa Barbara 2-5, 2-8; Hueneme 1-6, 1-9.