CHANNEL LEAGUE

OUTLOOK

Buena and Ventura . . . again. League supremacy last year came down to the final week of the season, with Buena beating the previously undefeated Cougars, 49-28. Buena is slightly favored to win its fourth consecutive title. However, Ventura running back Tyler Ebell and an experienced offensive line make the Cougars a threat in an Oct. 13 showdown. Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Santa Barbara will fight for third place.

SCOUTING REPORT

BUENA

Rick Scott, 13th year

* Coming back: RB Freddy Keiaho will chase a 2,000-yard season. FB-DE Brandon Faumuina is one of the top defensive players in the region. LB Jake Scott closes in on the school record for tackles. DB Ryan Cobos is a good cover man and tackler. Checking in: QB Paul Johnsonbaugh has a stronger arm and better scrambling ability than graduated Kyle Loughman. Junior OL Ted Harrell and Kyle Campbell try to shore up weakest area of team. Junior Dan Robledo might start at DB and WR.

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VENTURA

Phil McCune, 15th year

* Coming back: Senior RB Tyler Ebell, nicknamed “Mighty Mouse,” plays much, much bigger than his 5-foot-9, 180-pound size. LB-TE Bryan Easterly is physical on both sides of the ball. LB Richard Martinez is powerful and sheds blockers well. Senior linemen Casey Andrews, Jason Gruber and Bill Griffin know how to open holes. Checking in: Junior QB Andrew Lovier tries to replace graduated Scott Ellis. Junior Kris Vasquez starts on the OL. Trevor Prophet will start at WR-DB.

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DOS PUEBLOS

Jeff Hesselmeyer, 2nd years

* Coming back: Sophomore QB Shane Lopes became a starter halfway through last season and directs a more wide-open offense. WR Kyle Shotwell is a big target at 6-2, 210 pounds. Checking in: Jacob Clark heads a line that lost all five starters from a year ago. WR Corey Sanchez is a transfer from Bishop Diego.

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SAN MARCOS

Rick Messer, 2nd year

* Coming back: Spencer Schomer played DB last year and becomes a rusher in an offense that won’t be quite as run-oriented this year. OL Tom Shellhort (6-5, 230) is the Royals’ biggest blocker. Checking in: Junior QB Ari Mangham played junior varsity last year. WRs Israel Guerrero and Justin Pugh are soccer stars.

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SANTA BARBARA

Coach Craig Moropoulos, 2nd year

* Coming back: Returning QB Matt Huff tries to improve an offense that was outscored, 80-27, by Ventura and Buena last year. Checking In: The Dons, hit hard by transfers and injuries during the off-season, are hoping for immediate dividends from junior RB David Garcia.

DATES TO MARK

Sept. 8 Westlake vs. Buena

Sept. 22 Newbury Park vs. Buena

Sept. 29 Arroyo Grande vs. Ventura

Oct. 13 Ventura vs. Buena

FAST FACT

Freddy Keiaho’s older brother, George, owns the Ventura County career rushing record with 6,615 yards from 1990-93.