VALLEY MISSION

OUTLOOK

San Fernando, Kennedy and Sylmar shared the title last season and again should crowd the top of the standings. The trio possess similar talent and their proximity to one another makes for spirited rivalries. Reseda and Monroe are capable of an upset.

SCOUTING REPORT

SYLMAR

Jeff Engilman, 14 years

* Coming back: QB John Valdez is a playmaker. Josh Martin might be the region’s best LB. Donnell Livingston and Phillip Samano are dangerous skill players and Richard DelGaudio is the top lineman. Isidro Medina and Kevin Kirk join Martin at LB. Checking in: Danny Burney and James Pringle are WR-DBs with speed. Nestor Robles and Luis Solis are big linemen.

*

SAN FERNANDO

Sean Blunt, 7 years

* Coming back: Opponents are weary of tackling strong RB Bob Stanley. RB-WR-DB William Lang adds a speed threat. LBs Eddie Martinez, Ulysses Ramirez and Edgar Acosta anchor the defense. Checking in: Junior QB Ruben Nevarez (6-5, 230) has great potential. Ramon Perry, Willie German, Devon Puckett and Carlos Velasquez will be his targets for the next two years.

*

KENNEDY

Bob Francola, 15 years

* Coming back: James Norris is the region’s most dangerous WR. LB Robert Avina is the school’s first four-year starter and has moved from OG to TE. Charles Nettles is a polished DB and junior MLB-FB Brandon Robinson is a college prospect. Checking in: Junior QB Adam Geery takes over the Cougars’ high-powered passing game. OT Victor Romero (6-5, 315) is a junior transfer from Napa.

*

RESEDA

Joel Schaeffer, 23 years

* Coming back: RB Eddie Robinson is the league’s top rusher and WR-DBs Joe Guerrero and Kurtis Godfrey are other threats. OT-DT Lee Williams is an excellent lineman. OT Matias Valdez and C-DT Travis Fausey aren’t far behind. Checking in: QB Anthony Ugolini will be asked to avoid mistakes handing off to Robinson.

*

MONROE

Chris Richards, 2 years

* Coming back: DE-OT Wilquin Garcia could be dominant. WR Brandon Browner has Division I size and hands. LB-RBs John King and Lionail Derby must fill rushing void left by Tyrone Burwell and DeAndre Phillips. Checking in: James Buxton is challenging incumbent Steve Beltran at QB. Peter Le, Alex Best and Randy Garcia bolster the line.

*

VAN NUYS

Mark Pomerantz, 6 years

* Coming back: The Wolves return eight offensive starters, including QB Luis Arreola, RB Abel Pulido, RB-DB Eddie Kirakosian and K Johan Colocho. Checking in: Juniors Kenneth Riley, Louis Ibarra and Jose Gaytan will bolster the line.

DATES TO MARK

Oct. 20 Kennedy at Sylmar

Nov. 3 Sylmar at San Fernando

Nov. 9 Kennedy at San Fernando

FAST FACT

Sylmar had its state-record league winning streak stopped by Kennedy last season. Kennedy beat the Spartans again in the playoffs, 69-33.