Foothill Capsule Preview

Coach: Marty Redmond , fourth year (20-12)

2007 record: 2-7 (2-4 Southeast)

Returning starters: Four offense, four defense

Top players: QB Aaron Dupin (Jr.); OT/DE Jake Broyles (Sr.); OG Matt Westover (Jr.); OG Hunter Cano (Jr.); DL Ikaika Dix (Sr.); DE Tyler Harris (Sr.); LB Corey Shaw (Sr.); RB Algernon Sewell (Sr.)

Top newcomers: FS/WR Connor Afoa (So.); SS Keegan Buck (So.); C Chris Waitkus (Jr.); WR Terrance Walls (Sr.); LB Ryan Call (So.); CB Michael Leyba (Jr.)

Base offensive set: I Pro

Base defensive sets: 4-3 and 5-2

Outlook: The Falcons long had been the team to beat in the Southeast but struggled through a dismal 2007 campaign.

Redmond said he thinks this year’s team can re-emerge as a contender, especially as teams focus on Silverado and Del Sol in the league. Improved team speed could be the key for the Falcons.

“We have some more athletic kids,” Redmond said. “And character-wise, these kids are top notch.”

Redmond said Dupin has improved at quarterback, and the line should be a strength led by the 6-foot-6-inch, 250-pound Broyles. Redmond called Broyles “one of the best we’ve had come through in a while.”