"The depth of the De Anza League is a concern," said Homestead head coach Charlie Bostic, referring to the strength and size of perennial playoff participants Los Gatos, Milpitas and Wilcox.

Considering that Palo Alto, Mountain View and Saratoga have occupied a collective seven playoff berths in the past four seasons, there are no "lemons" on the schedule. In fact, just winning three league games usually earns a nice reward.

"The De Anza Division always puts three teams in the playoffs, and sometimes four," Bostic said.

Homestead's last trip to the CCS playoffs was in 2002, when Will Faules, Brian McGee and company won the El Camino Division title and two playoff games before bowing to Menlo-Atherton 48-34 in the Division II title game.

The Mustangs finished that year with a 10-3 record, and their success earned a promotion to the De Anza Division, but the past two seasons have ended in disappointment. After showing promise in non-league games (3-1 in 2003 and 4-0 in 2004), they went 1-5 and finished sixth in De Anza play both years.

Only time will tell if 2005 is the year Homestead gets back to the playoffs, but Bostic says his team "will be improved from last year." The veteran coach believes "a top-four finish in league" is possible, if the Mustangs "stay healthy and play consistently as a team."

Bostic's optimism is fueled by a "new and improved" offensive line and the leadership of seniors Jay Atkins (5-foot-10, 180) and Tom Andrews (6-foot-2, 210). Atkins and Andrews were first-team all-league defensive players last season--Atkins in the secondary, Andrews in the line--but will be counted on to play both ways.

Atkins will be the featured running back in Homestead's winged-T offense, while Andrews will be a part of the offensive line that will work to provide running room for Atkins and junior wingbacks Brian Backo, Matt Powers and Shamir Ross. Backo and Powers

were starters as sophomores, while Ross sparkled and earned all-league honors at the frosh-soph level.

Senior Gareth Pack (6-foot, 190) will get the starting nod at quarterback.

"The offensive line is a strong point for us," Bostic said. "Our line is a lot bigger than the past couple of years, and it has some athleticism."

Joining Andrews on the offensive line will be seniors Josh Laben (6-foot, 245) and John Fernandez (6-foot-1, 215), who missed last season because of a shoulder injury, and tight end Caleb Wilcox (6-foot-2, 210). Senior Chris Sy and junior Trent Lee are battling for the starting center spot, while seniors Ryan Candaso, Michael Uribe and Tom Navarro are competing for time at tackle.

"I'm pleased with the competition for the line positions and the overall attitude of the team," Bostic said.

Junior wingback Evan Mathews and sophomores Jonathan Pique (DL/OL), Philip Birton (LB/TE) and Kevin Rogers (RB/LB) are players from last year's frosh-soph squad who are expected to contribute this season, the coach said.

Assistant coaches Paul Steffen, Shawn Hook and Milo Lewis have joined Bostic in preparing the Mustangs for their non-league opener against Branham on Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m., at Diesner Field.

Key Returners

Jay Atkins (5-10, 180), Sr., DB/RB

Tom Andrews (6-2, 210), Sr., DL/OL

Brian Backo (5-9, 175), Jr., RB/DB

Matt Powers (5-11, 190), Jr., RB/LB

Caleb Wilcox (6-2, 210), Sr., TE/LB

Gareth Pack (6-0, 190), Sr., QB

Homestead 2005
Football Schedule

Sept. 9, Branham, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17, Leland at Fremont, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 23, at Fremont, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 30, Palo Alto at Fremont,
7:30 p.m.*

Oct. 7, at Saratoga, 3:15 p.m.*

Oct. 14, Mountain View at Fremont, 7:30 p.m.*

Oct. 21, at Wilcox, 7:30 p.m.*

Oct. 28, Los Gatos at Fremont,
7:30 p.m.*

Nov. 4, Cupertino at Fremont,
7:30 p.m.

Nov. 11, at Milpitas, 7:30 p.m.*

*Denotes Santa Clara Valley Athletic League
De Anza Division game