Here is a brief summary of all the teams competing in the Marmonte League. Click on the link at the bottom of this page for the full extensive and excellent preview at The Acorn website.

Last season's results: (Tied for 3rd in Marmonte, 6-4 overall) Agoura defended its home turf well, going 4-1 at AHS. The Chargers picked up victories against Ventura and Rio Mesa in non-league action, and Marmonte wins against Simi Valley, Moorpark, Royal and Calabasas. Agoura didn't lose when it scored 27 or more points in a game.

In a nutshell: The key to Agoura's season will be keeping senior quarterback Justin Arias healthy, forcing more turnovers and protecting the ball. The Chargers didn't lose a fumble on offense in '07, and that eye-opening trend must continue if AHS is to return to the postseason for the first time since 2005.

Last season's results: (Tied for 3rd in Marmonte, 6-5 overall) Following a tumultuous offseason that saw the transfer of star running back Darrell Scott to St. Bonaventure, the Musketeers still made a run at the league title until a late-season loss to Westlake derailed their championship chances.

In a nutshell: You can never count Moorpark out because the coaching staff is so good. The defense is legit and the running game will produce. If the quarterback (yet to be picked) steps up, watch out.

Calabasas Coyotes

Last season's results: (8th in Marmonte, 19 overall) The Coyotes ended a 44-game losing streak by upending Channel Islands, 28-14. Calabasas' offense struggled last year by getting shut out three times and scoring only a single field goal on three other occasions

In a nutshell: CHS has lost 40 of 42 Marmonte League games all time, and has never won a league game at home since joining the field in 2002. Calabasas will try to improve on last year's mark and stay healthy—the Coyotes only have 20 players on their varsity roster, by far the fewest in the league. Bottom line, a home win would be huge, but expectations are tempered.

Last season's results: (Tied for 1st in Marmonte, 11-2 overall) So many things went well in George Hurley's final season coaching the Panthers. The team won its first eight games and split the league title with Westlake. It was the program's first Marmonte championship since 1998. NPHS also made the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division playoffs.

In a nutshell: The Panthers' stars will shine, but the team's questionable quarterback and offensive line situations raise concerns. Don't be surprised if NPHS improves as the season progresses, as is often the case with teams in transition.

Last season's results: (Tied for 6th in Marmonte, 3-7 overall) After winning only one of their first eight games a year ago, the Highlanders finished with a pair of league victories over Calabasas and Simi Valley. The program's last Marmonte title came in 2004.

In a nutshell: Despite the brutal schedule, Royal is poised for a bounce-back campaign. Having an experienced quarterback like Trevor Shubert will help move the chains.

Last season's results: (Tied for 6th in Marmonte, 46 overall) Simi Valley once again showed promise in the first half of the season by winning four of six games. The Pioneers' second half, however, was a disaster as the squad lost its final four contests.

In a nutshell: The Pioneers must realize the race for a Marmonte League title is a marathon, not a sprint. The past three years, the Pioneers are 1-14 during the second half of the season, with their only late season win coming against Calabasas.

Last season's results: (Tied for 3rd in Marmonte, 5-6 overall) Half of the Lancers' losses in '07 came by seven points or less, including a three-point setback at rival Westlake. Although they made the playoffs, Thousand Oaks was blasted by Hart of Newhall 48-24 in the first round.

In a nutshell: If they can win the close games—a problem last season—the Lancers will be in the thick of the league title chase. This definitely looks like a playoff team.

Last season's results: (Tied for 1st in Marmonte, 8-4 overall) The Warriors, co-league champions along with Newbury Park, won their first back-to-back Marmonte titles since the 200203 seasons. Head coach Jim Benkert, a member of the Ventura County Hall of Fame, improved his career record at Westlake to 157-67-5, a 68.5 winning percentage through 19 years at the helm.

In a nutshell: It's tough to pick against Westlake. Every time it looks like they may be down a little, the Warriors find a way to pull out victories. We're watching QB Ben Conlin, an extremely competitive young man who battled a bad concussion and diabetes last year.