It's been a while, and finally my favorite time of year has rolled around. It’s time for some Southern Athletic League football, and it looks like it's going to be one of the more interesting seasons in a very long time. We have had quite a few changes for this season, the league has expanded to eight teams with Gustine returning after a stint in the Western Athletic Conference and Ripon Christian moving from the Trans Valley League.

Also, the playoffs have been revamped, with the large Golden Empire League schools moved up in division, and the SAL should be almost immediate contenders for the section title in Division VI. This season also looks to be wide open balance wise in the league itself, with several teams returning key players and some good incoming youngsters who will have a big impact. As I do traditionally, will start off with my SAL preview and preseason projections, followed by the week one (or two for most teams) picks.

#1. LE GRAND BULLDOGS Coach: Rick Martinez Last Season: 7-5, 5-0

The ‘Dogs are a heavy favorite to repeat, returning league MVP Robert Perez and Lineman of the Year Alex Martinez. They have, by far, the largest interior line in the league. So, expect a tough, physical team that pounds it up the gut. The offense will likely be more limited this year with an untested quarterback, and outside of Perez. Rushing defense should be possibly the major strength of the Bulldogs this season, with their size and experience it will be tough to gain yards in the box on them. But they may be vulnerable to passing teams and teams who can spread the field.

Most SAL teams are rushoriented, and they will find Le Grand a real handful. Many pundits consider the ‘Dogs the section favorites, and they are the team to beat this season.

#2. DENAIR COYOTES Coach: Therion Gregory Last Season: 5-6, 3-2

The Coyotes return two very good running backs in Dylan Souza and Jacob Wagner, and they expect to have an effective passing game featuring junior quarterback Tim Atkinson and wide-receiver Trevor Werner. A versatile offense is expected to be a strength for Denair this season, and the ‘Yotes will bring some of their best overall team speed in several years. Depth and player size will, however, be an issue.

#3. MARIPOSA GRIZZLIES Coach: Bob Kelly Last Season: 6-6, 4-1

It’s a big rebuilding season for the Grizzlies this year, but only the uninformed ever count Mariposa out. It is a very young team, with a relatively small and inexperienced line, but the Kinalele brothers (Brandon and Justin) are quick, elusive, and will break big plays. The Grizzlies get better every year running the fly, and should be able to spread the field more than in previous seasons. The traditional strength of the program, defense, is a question this season. But they will still be tough against the rush, they are always one of the best conditioned teams in the league and play very physical ball. Questions about their pass-defense will be answered early when they face one of the section's top QB's in Summerville's Robinson on Sept. 2.

#4. RIPON CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS Coach: John Vander Schaaf Last Season: 4-6, 2- 3.

The Knights move down from the Division V Trans Valley League, where they finished a surprising fourth in 2009. RC brings in one of the better running-backs and receivers of the TVL, Isaac Norman, and outstanding lineman Elijah English.

#5. WATERFORD WILDCATS Coach: Tod Sevick Last Season: 2-8, 1-4

A lot of folks pick the ‘Cats as a playoff contender because they have seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, but they are veterans of a 2-8 team. Well-known Modesto area coach Tod Sevick takes the reigns at Waterford this season, and reports indicate that the ‘Cats will play a more balanced offense with a shift away from their emphasis on the pass last year. A critical concern will be defense. In league play they were simply overwhelmed, giving up an average of 55 points in the final three games.

#6 TURLOCK CHRISTIAN EAGLES Coach: Rusty Lyon Last Season: 6-4, 2-3

There is some talent, and size, on the 2010 Eagles. Sophomore quarterback Chase Gonzales (6’6”) and three big receivers will be the focus of a pass-oriented attack. Veteran lineman Aaron Bennett (230 pounds) will be the anchor of a relatively large, but inexperienced line. TC has always been able to move the ball since they joined the league, but depth and defense have been a problem. Players going both ways is the rule, more than the exception in the SAL, but a big disadvantage that the Eagles face is the lack of substitutes.

#7. GUSTINE REDSKINS Coach: Manuel Bettencourt Last Season: 1-9, 0-5

After an unsuccessful stint in the Western Athletic League, the Reds return to the SAL in 2010 where they will compete against schools of similar size. Gustine took a big hit from graduation, and they will have very few starters with game experience.

#8. DELHI HAWKS Coach: Rod McCombs Last Season: 0-10, 0-5

Another win-less season for the Hawks last year, but Mc- Combs has instituted an aggressive off-season weight training program and has the most returning starters since their playoff run in 2006. The two leading rushers, Jesus Gudino and Antonio Cervantes, return for the 2010 season... and they will run behind an experienced, but small, line.