Kickoff 2009: Surprise, Muir is No. 1 in the Star-News Preseason Top 10 poll, but can they walk the walk?

1. MUIR
This may be the thinnest Mustangs team yet, but what makes them the consensus favorite to top the rankings is the return of an established quarterback and four returning linemen. Jarron williams, who threw for 1,599 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior, returns for his final season and is ready to lead. Sure, Muir graduated 24 players but a strong nucleus in the trenches, a battle-tested QB and team speed puts the Mustangs in a class of their own.

2. MONROVIA
Nick Bueno is arguably the fastest quarterback in the West San Gabriel Valley. What he lacks in height he more than makes up with great vision and leadership. The Wildcats return four linemen, including All-CIF tackle Josh Lowden, who will also anchor the defense at inside linebacker. Wildcats coach Ryan Maddox turned doubters into believers when in his first season led Monrovia to the semifinals of the Mid-Valley Division playoffs. Monrovia lacks experience at the skills position, but Maddox can and will get the most out of his players who by now have more than bought into his system.

3. ST. FRANCIS
It's always hard to gauge where the Golden Knights rank among area teams. St. Francis arguably plays the toughest schedule in the area, but clearly it's not by choice. Still, the Knights boast the San Gabriel Valley's most gifted player in Dietrich Riley, automatically making St. Francis a true threat against any team. The Knights have plenty of depth to go around, but experience could expose them early.

4. ALHAMBRA
Mitchell Crockom (791 yards receiving) will have a breakout year, and the return of Darrian Cazarin (2,209 yards passing last year) not only accentuates that but it also gives the Moors one of the more explosive offenses in the area. Vailele Peko, a junior, has matured, put on some muscle and even grown taller. His speed and toughness will be an asset no matter where he ends up on the field.

5. SAN GABRIEL
If it seems like Isaac Valdez is in his sixth season with the Matadors it's only because he's made a lasting impact since exploding onto the scene his sophomore year. He's improved each season and was unanimously voted first team All-Area quarterback after throwing for 2,754 yards, ranking in the top 10 among Southern Section quarterbacks.

6. TEMPLE CITY
Arguably the best offensive line in the WSGV, the Rams could make some serious noise again this season. The semifinalists in the Mid-Valley Division playoffs last year return one of the premier running backs in junior Max Ruckle. He rushed for an impressive 1,599 yards and 17 touchdowns, this after not taking over the position full-time until almost midway through the season. First-year Rams coach Anthony White and his star-studded staff will unveil a spread offense that could make or break Temple City's season.

7. ROSEMEAD
The Panthers will have to find a way to make up the offense that virtually vanished after running back Tra Sumler and quarterback Angel Alejandre graduated. Joey Diaz will try to fill Sumler's shoes in the backfield. If he's successful, Rosemead will not skip a beat. The Panthers' defense remains intact with Diaz (12 sacks) anchoring the defense at linebacker and Luis Diaz (nine sacks) tearing things up on the defensive line.

8. ARCADIA
Senior quarterback Garret Tuck (1,598 yards, 15 touchdowns) gives the Apaches some much-needed continuity on offense. He'll have his hands full with inexperienced but extremely talented players, including sophomores Taylor Legeace and Rodney Arnett.

9. MARANATHA
North Carolina-transfer Cody Keith takes center stage at quarterback, replacing the talented Matt Schilz now at Bowling Green. Keith, a Steve Clarkson client just like Schilz, will have Danny Beckwith to rely on not only at the receivers end but also as a playoff veteran. This could be the Minutemen's best team yet.

10. SAN MARINO
The Titans return their two key players from last year's team that got off to a hot start. Stevie Yortsos will be a threat at each end of the field and quarterback Joe Forgatch's experience last year will be valuable this season.

miguel.melendez@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4485