2016 Green Valley Football Capsule

League: Class 4A Southeast

Head coach: Brian Castro, sixth season (36-18)

2015 record: 6-5 (3-1 Southeast League, second)

Returning lettermen: Nine

Returning starters: Five offense, four defense

Base offensive set: Spread

Base defensive set: 4-3

Top offensive players: OL Eric Brown (Jr.); WR Christian Mayberry (Jr.)

Top defensive players: DE Brock Hershberger (Sr.); LB C.J. Araujo (Sr.); DB Braxton Harms (So.); LB Eric Faber (Sr.); DL Headrick Faumuina (Sr.)

Key losses: WR Brayon Williams; RB Austin Warhop, QB A.J. Amelburu

Outlook: The Gators finished second in the Southeast last season, but the league figures to be much tougher with Sunrise champion Liberty moving over from the Northeast, along with Silverado, which was second in that league.

To make things tougher, the Gators lost some key cogs on offense, including quarterback Amelburu, who decided to focus on baseball for his senior season.

Amelburu passed for 1,934 yards and 23 TDs last season and rushed for 342 yards and six scores.

With Amelburu leaving the program and receiver Marquez Powell transferring to Liberty, the Gators lost their top passer, top three rushers and four of their top five receivers.

Mayberry is the most experienced offensive weapon, having caught 33 passes for 433 yards and four TDs last year.

Castro has strong expectations for junior quarterback Kalyja Waialae and senior receivers Logan Beard and Dakotah Beard.

Things look better on the defensive side of the ball, where leading tackler Araujo (98 tackles) and defensive end Herschberger (69 tackles, 4 sacks) return. But that unit took an unexpected hit, as well, when linebacker Chance Faitau (77 tackles) transferred to Liberty.