BANNING

Home field: Nicolet Middle School, Banning

2007 record: 3-7

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2007 / The Press-Enterprise

Defending champ Citrus Hill will again rely on quarterback Caleb Herring, a rare four-year starter who's headed to UNLV.

2007 league record, finish: 1-3, fourth

Last playoff appearance, result: 2004, Division 11 quarterfinals (lost to Agoura Oak Park, 56-14)

Coach: John Stockham, second year (3-7)

KEY PLAYERS

Derron Smith (QB-S, Jr.): A dual threat on offense and a potential college prospect at safety.

Michael Chaparosa (OL-DL, Jr.): At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, he anchors an experienced offensive line.

Michael Ford (WR-DB, Sr.): A two-year starter on defense, he could make a big impact on offense.

Oscar Aguirre (OL, Sr.): Probably the strongest player on the team, he can squat 600 pounds.

Bottom line: Expect to see the Broncos open up the offense, scratching the familiar wing-T for a shotgun scheme. Banning is deep at the skill positions, and a veteran corps of offensive linemen and an experienced defense could help the program end its playoff drought.

BEAUMONT

Home field: San Gorgonio Middle School

2007 record: 2-8

2007 league record, finish: 0-4, fifth

Last playoff appearance, result: 2004, Division 11 first round (lost to Pasadena La Salle, 35-20)

Coach: Paul Lopez, first year

KEY PLAYERS

Willie Davis (RB, Sr.): Speedy runner who will be a home run threat if he gets into open space.

Shane Mitchell (WR-S, Sr.): Will be one of the leaders in what should be a very strong secondary.

Femi Odaibo (WR-CB, Jr.): Two-way standout should make big catches and prevent them on defense.

Art Moreno (LB, Sr.): Should be a top tackler after making the move from end.

Bottom line: Beaumont relied on its passing game last season, but Lopez said his offense would be more run-oriented, featuring creative ways to get the ball to skill players. A quick defense and veteran secondary should keep the Cougars in the playoff hunt.

CITRUS HILL

Home field: Citrus Hill High, Perris

2007 record: 14-0

2007 league record, finish: 4-0, first

Last playoff appearance, result: 2007, East Valley Division champion (defeated San Jacinto, 28-6)

Coach: Doug Dubois, fourth year (23-8)

KEY PLAYERS

Caleb Herring (QB, Sr.): Headed for UNLV, he begins his fourth year as the team's quarterback.

Deontae Cooper (RB, Jr.): His speed and work ethic already have helped him get Pac-10 offers.

Greg Smith (TE-DL, Sr.): Strong lineman who has racked up double-digit sacks two years running.

Dennis Fite (DB, Sr.): Shutdown defender has greatly improved, and several colleges have noticed.

Bottom line: Citrus Hill took a big leap forward, going undefeated and winning a CIF title in just its third varsity season. With numerous starters returning on both sides of the ball, the Hawks are one of the favorites to contend for the Eastern Division championship.

HERITAGE

Home field: Heritage High, Romoland

2007 record: none

2007 league record, finish: none

Last playoff appearance, result: none

Coach: Kraig Broach, first year

KEY PLAYERS

Robert Ortega (RB-LB, Jr.): Last year's junior varsity quarterback will move to tailback.

Luis Medrano (TE-MLB, 6-0, Jr.): Expected to provide leadership and dish out some big hits on defense.

Nicholas Sbardellati (WR-LB, Jr.): A 4.0 student who will be used at multiple spots on the field.

Cody Werth (QB, Jr.): Takes the reins after playing receiver on junior varsity.

Bottom line: The goal for Heritage in its first varsity season is to build a solid foundation for the years to come. The Patriots will jump into the thick of things immediately when they take on Big 8 League playoff contender Riverside King in their opener.

NOTRE DAME

Home field: Riverside City College

2007 record: 8-5

2007 league record, finish: 2-2, third

Last playoff appearance, result: 2007, East Valley Division semifinals (lost to San Jacinto, 34-0)

Coach: Bob Burt, first year

KEY PLAYERS

Will Smith (RB-LB, Jr.): Moves into the feature role after playing fullback last year.

Cameron Averill (OL, Sr.): Returning starter leads what should be a solid group of linemen.

Jake Duncan (LB, Jr.): Should follow in brother Joe Don's shoes as an impact defender.

Chris Lopez (QB, Jr.): A solid spring and summer have prepared him for bigger responsibilities.

Bottom line: The biggest challenge is replacing the production of Kenjon Barner, who rushed for 3,124 yards last season. Look for the offense to have a more balanced look. The presence and experience of Burt should keep the Titans near the top.

RUBIDOUX

Home field: Rubidoux High

2007 record: none

2007 league record, finish: none

Last playoff appearance, result: 2001, Division 8 first round (lost to La Quinta, 62-34)

Coach: Bob Green, first year

KEY PLAYERS

Brandon Edwards (RB, Jr.): Should continue in the tradition set by cousins Curtis and Kendall.

Daniel Hockenbrough (OL, So.): Strong player whom Green calls "a quintessential building block."

Shawn Tausaga, (LB, Sr.): One of the few seniors who should provide excellent leadership skills.

Clinton Green (QB, Jr.): Good decision-maker who will be the leader of the option offense.

Bottom line: The rebuilding process has begun, and the program will look to take the first steps toward re-establishing its once-proud tradition. Green will have patience, and he and his veteran coaching staff should help things move smoothly.

SAN JACINTO

Home field: San Jacinto High

2007 record: 11-3

2007 league record, finish: 3-1, second

Last playoff appearance, result: 2007, East Valley Division finals (lost to Citrus Hill, 28-6)

Coach: Bill Powell, 11th year (79-42)

KEY PLAYERS

Tony Austin (RB-DB, Sr.): Quick and slashing runner who gained more than 1,000 yards last season.

Matt Carlson (WR-S, Sr.): Two-way starter will lead the receivers and help anchor the secondary.

Alex Thom (LB, Sr.): A returning starter who should be among the team's leading tacklers.

Adam Castellano (RB, Sr.): Powerful and bruising runner who also topped the 1,000-yard mark.

Bottom line: San Jacinto has reached the CIF title game the past two seasons, and the Tigers are talented enough to challenge Citrus Hill. Inexperience on the offensive line is a concern, but seven returning starters on defense will make up for offensive growing pains.

TAHQUITZ

Home Field: Tahquitz High, Hemet

2007 record: 2-4

2007 league record, finish: none

Last playoff appearance, result: none

Coach: Steve Silberman, second year (2-4)

KEY PLAYERS

Tim Morovick (QB, Jr.): Has a very strong arm, quick release and good grasp of the offense.

Kevin Creek (WR-S, Jr.): Silberman says, "He's as good of a safety as I've ever coached."

Nesiasi Tuitavake (DL, Jr.): At 295 pounds, he will provide a big presence on the defensive line.

James Maynard (OL, Jr.): Will be the starter at left tackle and protect Morovick's blind side.

Bottom line: Tahquitz played six varsity games last season, and that experience could give the Titans a slight edge over the other new programs. Depth at the skill spots and some talented defenders could be enough for the program to be in contention for a playoff spot.

PREDICTED FINISH

1. Citrus Hill

2. San Jacinto

3. Notre Dame

4. Banning

5. Beaumont

6. Tahquitz

7. Rubidoux

8. Heritage

CAN'T-MISS GAMES

Sept. 12: Twentynine Palms vs. Notre Dame at RCC, 7 p.m. -- Well-respected coach Bob Burt returns to the sidelines for Notre Dame after a seven-year absence.

Nov. 7: San Jacinto vs. Citrus Hill, 7 p.m. -- The league front-runners square off in a rematch of last year's East Valley Division championship.

Nov. 7: Banning vs. Beaumont at San Gorgonio MS, 7 p.m. -- One of the area's oldest rivalry games could determine the league's final playoff spot.