PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 59 Oaks Christian

59. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)

Last season’s record: 11-3, CIF-SS Northwest champion

Coach: Bill Redell

Key players: RB/LB Malcolm Jones (6-0, 210, Jr.), DE/TE Chris Coyle (6-3, 215, Sr.), LB Zach Stout (6-2, 220, Jr.), DT/OL Cassius Marsh (6-2, 270, Jr.), OT Erik Kohler (6-4, 260, Jr.), LB/OL Tanner Maddux (6-0, 220, Sr.), QB Tony Macarena (6-0, 210, Sr.), QB Nate Montana (6-2, 175, Jr.), QB/LB Trevor Gretzky (6-2, 180, Jr.)

Biggest strength: Speed, experience

Question mark: Depth

Outlook: Eight starters return on each side of the ball for the Lions, who have won five consecutive section titles. Jones, already a three-year starter, was an impact player as a sophomore with 2,025 rushing yards on 236 carries (8.5 average) and 29 total touchdowns on offense with 69 tackles, two sacks and an interception on defense. Coyle, an Arizona State recruit, added 10 sacks and Stout led the team with 111 tackles. The offensive line is young but seasoned with returning starters Marsh, Kohler and Maddux. The most publicized story at Oaks Christian during the offseason was the battle for the starting QB position. Macarena, who transferred from St. Bonaventure during the offseason, is the starter going into fall drills. But he will be pushed hard by De La Salle transfer Montana (son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana) and Gretzky (son of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky).

Toughest games: Sept. 26 at Chaminade, Oct. 3 vs. Venice