The two local eight-man football programs kick off their seasons this weekend.
Condor League-champion Cate plays at East Valley in North Hollywood on Friday night, and Laguna Blanca is home against Orcutt Academy at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Cate has a handful of returning players, led by three seniors: linebacker/lineman Zach Ell, defensive end/tight end Abe Tall and running back/defensive back Max Vasquez.
The Rams go into their opener with several options for the quarterback spot. The coaching staff is looking at senior John Basar, who ran the offense after standout Kyle Mayfield broke his leg last season, Vasquez, junior Iman Fardghassemi and sophomore Michael Nettesheim.
Laguna Blanca has a pair of solid senior players running back/linebacker Quentin Tedesco and wide receiver/defensive back Andrew Vignolo. Junior quarterback Stephen McCaffery has a strong arm.
The key for the Owls is staying healthy. The team has only 12 players.
