Senior all-league returner Joeseph Townsend (6-foot-4, 280 pounds) will retake his place protecting the quarterback and forcing holes as a tackle, but he won't stop there. Townsend will also be playing on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive tackle, definitely a player to keep an eye on this season.

Next to Townsend comes senior Justin Willis (6-foot-1, 285) at the guard spot. Willis will be swinging around the ends blasting open holes and leading the running backs up the field. Of course, when the Warriors don't have the ball, Willis will be right in the middle of the pile getting dirty as the nose guard for the defense.

One more down the line comes senior Mark Pirotta (5-foot-10, 240) snapping the ball. Pirotta will play a major role in the offense on every down at the center position, but he will also be a force to reckoned with on defense as a returning all-league defensive tackle.

With these three young men on both sides of the ball, Valley seems to have a solid set, but the list goes on.

Senior Kyle Thompson (6-foot-3, 210) will join his teammates on defense, where he made a name for himself last year as an all-league defensive end.

Yet another returner to the defense is senior Michael Loprest (5-foot-10, 170). Loprest will be in the secondary this season as a defensive back, waiting for the opportunity to make that pick.

Of course, even the offense can have some heavy hitters and all-league halfback J.R. Adams (6-foot, 180) is no exception. Adams is coming off a great junior year and will be moving the ball down the field once again.

Joining Adams at the halfback position is junior Dominique Hunsucker (5-foot-10, 180). Hunsucker was West Catholic Athletic League Sophomore of the Year last year and will most definitely be a player to watch.

Aside from the returning varsity players, Valley has a solid transfer, and a handful of juniors and a sophomore coming off an undefeated 10-0 season who are expected to shine this fall.

Senior transfer Colin Maher (6-foot-3, 195) will be running down the pigskin as a wide receiver for the Warriors. Maher will be chasing the ball on defense as a defensive back as well.

Yet another halfback for the Warriors, junior Mike Ginther (5-foot-11, 180) is not a player to overlook. Ginther was the WCAL junior varsity MVP last season and will add some serious punch to this already impressive cast of athletes.

Junior Tim Najar (5-foot-9, 170) will join the crew of halfbacks as well as fighting to stop the ball as a defensive back. Najar was also an all-leaguer last season.

Bryan North (6-foot, 170) will have a busy job this season. North will not only be on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and a defensive back, but he is also the place-kicker and he will be kicking off for the Warriors. North was also an all-leaguer on the JV squad last year.

Yet another JV all-leaguer is Travis Nilmeyer (5-foot-11, 200). Nilmeyer will be at the fullback spot this season, pounding his way through the line. Of course, when he isn't carrying the ball, he is hunting it down as a linebacker.

Junior A.J. Alvarez (5-foot-11, 190) will stick to the defensive side of the ball this year—just one more all-leaguer who will be roaming the middle looking for a victim as a linebacker this season.

And then there is Ryan Gardner (6-foot-2, 220). Gardner is the only sophomore joining the varsity this season, and is a promising addition to both the offensive and defensive lines.

"We have a very athletic group this year," said Machado. "We're young in some positions, but are coming along nicely."

Valley Christian is coming off of a great season and hopes to keep the momentum this year. The Warriors walked away as the Central Coast Section Division IV champions last year and finished with an overall record of 11-2.