PACIFIC VIEW

OUTLOOK

Defending-champion Camarillo has the experience with 17 returning players, including sizable linemen and running back Loren Cerny, the league’s offensive MVP. “We’re big, but we’re slow,” Camarillo Coach Carl Thompson said. That’s not the case for Hueneme, the other league favorite, which features speedy senior running backs Leslie Lee, Dwayne Taylor and Tamar Lee, Leslie’s cousin. Oxnard, with a core of young talent, could contend and will try to fend off Rio Mesa and Channel Islands for third place.

SCOUTING REPORT

CAMARILLO

Carl Thompson, 17th year

* Coming back: The Scorpions’ wealth of experience comes from 12 returning starters, six each on offense and defense. Among the returnees is 6-3, 225-pound senior RB Loren Cerny. Senior QB Mike Jasper returns, along with linemen Glen Propst and Justin Schlimgen. Senior LBs Ralph Garcia and Michael Gonzalez will lead the defense with CB Danny Saltee and SS Chris Alvarado. Checking in: Camarillo features 21 juniors, including WR Brad Boyer and LB Jack Williams.

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CHANNEL ISLANDS

Donnie Rea, 1st year

* Coming back: The Raiders have four offensive and four defensive starters back from a team that struggled to a 2-9 record last season. Junior quarterbacks David Herrera, with quick feet and a strong arm, and Eric Diaz, who also has good mobility and is accurate, are battling for the starting job. Bullish senior FB Tommy Menga (5-6, 180) will do much of the groundwork. Checking in: Sophomore wingback-linebacker Miller Aupiu was a freshman team standout. Junior TB/LB Boomer Williams was ineligible as a sophomore, but is expected to make an impact.

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HUENEME

Larry Miller, 7th year

* Coming back: The Vikings’ speed not only includes RBs Leslie Lee, Dwayne Taylor and Tamar Lee, but Julian Gooden and Lamar Patterson. QB Gordie Pinedo is more confident in his second season of running the wing-T. The backs will work behind OT Angel Palazuelos (6-5, 280) and OG Juan Bautista (6-0, 235). Checking in: The Vikings hope sure-handed WR Gherrette Levette will be a capable replacement for graduated standout Keary Colbert, now at USC.

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OXNARD

Mark Beckham, 2nd year

* Coming back: SS Lonnie McCowan and CB Jason Parker lend strength and speed to a defense that includes LBs Daniel De La Rosa, James Cabana and Matt Kaikaina and DL Miguel Campos. Checking in: QB Tim Eglin and RB Aaron Brown lead an impressive group of seven sophomore starters up from last year’s league-champion JV team. Other youngsters expected to make an impact are OTs Roger Vargas and Nick Peterson.

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RIO MESA

George Contreras, 7th year

* Coming back: Junior linemen Ryan Osgood, Mike Dominguez and Guy Espinoza, who also plays linebacker, return to provide experience to a team that needs it. Chris Davis will play TE-LB. Checking in: QB Lionel Carrizales and RBs Corey Nunnery and John Cerda should make an impact.

DATES TO MARK

Sept. 8 Hueneme vs. Arroyo Grande

Oct. 13 Oxnard vs. Hueneme

Oct. 20 Hueneme vs. Camarillo

FAST FACT

Hueneme has lost to San Luis Obispo in the playoffs the past two seasons, falling in the quarterfinals last year and in the semifinals in 1998. Hueneme is ranked sixth, San Luis Obispo seventh in the Southern Section Division IV preseason coaches’ poll.