UKIAH

2004 record: 5-6

Coach: Chris Burris (9th season, 45-37-3)

Non-league opponents: Acalanes, Petaluma, Eureka

OFFENSE: Taking over QB duties is JR Ty Murdoch (5-10, 150) as the Wildcats will add a spread offense to their power-I set. Running backs are SR Gary Miller (6-0, 215), JR Simeon Sessoms (6-0, 175), fullback JR Nick Henry (5-11, 210) and JR Chad Bunting (5-10, 165). JR wide receiver Quinn Polkinghorne (6-0, 190) is one of just two returning starters on offense and will be joined by SR Joel Sonila (5-7, 140). Tight end is JR Bobby Huerta (6-0, 200). The line includes returning starter SR Brent Lowery (6-0, 265) at center, guard SR Kyle Akin (6-0, 190) and SR Joe Knox (5-11, 210) and tackles JR Josh Kates (6-0, 265) and JR Matt Mayfield (6-2, 220). Also expected to see time on the line is JR tackle Ricky Powers (6-4, 270).

DEFENSE: This side of the line will be anchored by guards JR Robert Willey (6-0, 320) and SR Jake Pauli (6-2, 210)and ends SR Blake De Somma (6-5, 215), Kates and Lowery. Middle linebackers in Ukiah's 4-4 defense will be Miller and Henry and outside backers are SR Brian Lance (5-10, 170) and Polkinghorne. SR cornerback Trevor Hill (6-0, 185) is one of two starters returning on defense. The other corner is JR Taylor Todd (5-10, 170) and the safety will be Bunting. Seeing time in the secondary will be SR Guillermo Lopez (5-10, 160) and Sessoms.

Prospects: Bunting, Polkinghorne and Lowery are all solid players. Trevor Hill figures to be one of the top cornerbacks in the Empire.

OUTLOOK: The Wildcats are young with just two starters returning on each side of the ball. Ukiah is known for its power running game and usually puts together a good line. Head coach Chris Burris said his team just needs some game action and to avoid injuries, which the team has suffered at key positions the last couple of years.

-- Rich Rupprecht