San Diego U-T Preps

MUST-SEE LIST

Offense: Imperial junior running back Royce Freeman is sure to be a Division I prospect.

Defense: Linebacker Jeral Mohamed upholds the Brawley family tradition.

Game: Annual Bell Game, Central at Brawley, Nov. 2, 7 p.m.

•?Teams in predicted order of finish.

IMPERIAL

Last year: 9-3

Coach: Kerry Legarra, 5th year

Key players: Royce Freeman (RB-DB), Chris Carter (QB-DB), Alec Ormand (RB-DB), Dajon Staton (TE-DB), Tyler Swarthout (OL-DL), Evan Pumphrey (OL-DL), Silvano Cardenas (TE-DL), Dexter Bell (WR-DB), Joseph Gawat (OL-DL), Victor Ponce (OL-DL), Davion Stoval (RB-DB).

Scouting report: Freeman is one of the section’s unsung standout running backs. The 6-foot, 219-pound junior bolted for more than 1,000 yards a year ago and is certain to repeat that mark this season. No question he is the key to the Tigers’ success as the team tries to improve upon last year’s record.

BRAWLEY

Last year: 8-3-1

Coach: Jon Self, 2nd year

Key players: Donavan Buck (SE-OLB), Jeral Mohamed (FB-LB), Tanner Rollins (RB-SS), Joshua Godinez (QB-FS), Fernando Jimenez (K), Miguel Moreno (OL-DL), Isaak Comparan (WB-FS), Hunter Wharton (OL-DL), Christian Gonzales (OL-DL), Abraham Lopez (FB-LB).

Scouting report: Never count out the Wildcats, who have won 10 of the last 14 Imperial Valley League championships. The team missed the mark last year, averaging 32.8 points per game, as Imperial claimed the crown. Brawley is experienced at the skill positions but lacks depth, though 14 starters return.

PALO VERDE VALLEY

Last year: 7-4

Coach: George Dagnino, 12th year

Key players: Ryan Galvan (QB), Dion Wilson (OL), Leonardo de Leon (OL), Alberto Louriero (OL), Ivan Aguayo (LB), Josh Messerli (DL), Richard Henderson (DL), Felix Ruiz (K), Vediri Atiyota (WR-LB), Phillip Bias (WR-DB), Rafael Adame (QB-DB), Treshawn Edmond (WR-DB).

Scouting report: The Yellowjackets have been a passing machine over the past two years and hope that senior Galvan can continue his aerial success. A problem for the Yellowjackets is that most of their receivers are untested, but a strong offensive line may allow Galvan time to find these rookie receivers.

CENTRAL

Last year: 5-5

Coach: Michael Hobbs, 2nd year

Key players: Jakob Salgado (WR-DB), Isaiah Castillo (Slot-LB), Sergio Osuna (QB), CJ Lopez (OL-DL), Joe Estrada (OL), Austin Petter (RB-DB), Marc Storms (LB-OL), Joseph Ackie (Slot-DB), Bronson Helix (LB-RB), John Del Valle (OL-DL).

Scouting report: The cornerstone for the Spartans is Salgado (6-3, 180), who is a double threat. Junior Osuna takes over at quarterback for a team that is used to success but facing challenges in that department this year.

EL CENTRO SOUTHWEST

Last year: 4-6

Coach: Darren Spence, 2nd year

Key players: Christopher Arambula (RB-LB), Caleb Ashurst (QB-WR-DB), Gabriel Garcia (TE-LB-DE), Rodolfo Tapia (OL-DL), Ricardo Vargas (RB-LB), Steve Villanueva (OL-DL), Frank Estrada (OL-DL), Branden Gamez (RB-LB), Esteban Urias (WR-DB), Arturo Valesquez (OL-LB).

Scouting report: The Eagles are short-handed in terms of experience, especially at quarterback. However, a solid offseason developed some new talent for Southwest, which may surprise in the IVL.

CALEXICO

Last year: 0-10

Coach: Allen Heck, 2nd year

Key players: No information submitted by team.

Scouting report: The Bulldogs enter the season working to snap a 17-game losing streak.