6. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.) Last season’s record: 13-0, CIF North Coast Section and Division I state champion
Coach: Bob Ladouceur
Key players: RB Kylan Butler (5-7, 190, Sr.), WR Noah Perio (6-1, 175, Sr.), QB Blake Wayne (5-10, 170, Sr.), DB Khyri Knowles (6-0, 180, Sr.), DB/WR Blair Wishom (5-11, 190, Sr.), RB/DB Tyler Anderson (5-11, 190, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Experience at skill positions, tradition
Question mark: Inexperience at OL, DL and LB
Outlook: The six-time National Prep Poll champion Spartans have some rebuilding to do, primarily in the trenches. But it wouldn’t be the first time that a team coached by Ladouceur (332-20-3 in 29 years) has looked much better on the field during the season than it did on paper at the start of it. De La Salle’s vaunted veer-option offense evolved into a more wide-open attack, incorporating elements of the spread, last season. Wayne, who split time as the starter in ’07, benefits from two returning playmakers. Butler, an Arizona recruit, ran 97 times for 761 yards (7.8 average) and 13 touchdowns. Perio is a returning starter at receiver and safety, where he led the team in interceptions. An underclassman to watch is Anderson, who could see a lot of action on both sides of the ball. The strength of the defense is the secondary were Wishom and Knowles saw extensive duty last season.
Toughest games: Sept. 13 at Serra, Sept. 27 vs. No. 20 Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep
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