Agoura Chargers

Last season's results: (Tied for 4th in Marmonte, 6-4 overall) Agoura began the 2006 season by winning its first five games, including road wins at Simi Valley and Newbury Park. In the second half of the year, however, the Chargers fell apart by losing their next four games, three of them at home and two games by only three points each.

Notable returnees: Doug Shumway, sr., QB (121 completions for 1,429 yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs); Adam Azoff, sr., LB/RB (19 tackles); Kevin Graf, jr., OL/ DL; Matt McGinnis, sr., RB/LB (74 tackles, 1 INT); Patrick Rohn, sr., WR/ DB (25 tackles, 2 INTs) Impact newcomer: Sam Bradley, soph., RB Who they play: After opening the season at home vs. Ventura (Sept. 7), the Chargers play three consecutive contests on the road, including a tough Marmonte League opener against Thousand Oaks (Sept. 28). Agoura will then return to play four of its next six games at home, including big showdowns against Simi Valley (Oct. 5), Newbury Park (Oct. 12) and Moorpark (Oct. 19). The rematch against Westlake- an absolute classic a year ago- is Nov. 2 at WHS. Circle that one on your calendar, and expect the unexpected.

Overview: With a returning senior quarterback and an experienced offensive line, Agoura may contain one of the more explosive offenses in the league. In his junior year, Shumway averaged 158.8 yards passing per game and proved to be a tough customer in the pocket.

With players like Graf, James Barmasse, Nick Rubin and Chris Lees returning on the offensive line, look for Shumway to improve his numbers. Shumway will be throwing to receivers such as Rohn, senior Nick Haraden, junior Kevin Hansen and senior Sean McNamara.

The Chargers lost running back Matt Bradley to graduation but gained his younger brother, Sam. According to head coach Charlie Wegher, the younger Bradley isn't as hard nosed of a running back as Matt Bradley was, but Sam is a better receiver coming out of the backfield.

The key to the team's success will be its defense. Azoff, McNamara, Rohn and McGinnis are all proven varsity players, but the Chargers need help from new linebackers Ali Rubinstein and David Claxton if they want to slow down opposing offenses that will be looking to match the AHS offense point for point.

In a nutshell: The Chargers must play an entire season the way they've played the first half of the last two campaigns. For that to happen, Wegher said AHS must win the turnover battle. The Chargers have won 34 of their last 38 games when they've had more takeaways than giveaways.