"I learned my lesson," admitted Diaz, who was so confident of his team prior to last season that he boldly announced his team could improve upon its 2003 won-loss record of 4-2. The Pioneers finished 2-8 overall, including 1-5 in the El Camino Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.

"I got in a lot of trouble last year with predictions," Diaz recalled. "The only thing I will say this year is that if we stay healthy, we will shock some people.

"The kids are really looking forward to the season and the coaches are enthusiastic. We've changed our helmets, we've changed our home jerseys, we've changed the whole atmosphere."

And, perhaps most importantly, the scheduling practices have changed.

"We can at least compete with our non-league schedule this season and have a chance to get off to a good start," said Diaz, who inherited last year's schedule when he took the job prior to last season.

After four games in 2004, Cupertino had a 27-12 win over Hillsdale of San Mateo under its belt, but also had three enormous losses. Large-school powers Independence, Los Gatos and Milpitas--all teams that went on to the CCS play-offs--overwhelmed the Pioneers by a cumulative score of 147-7.

The Pioneers begin this season with four home games. The opener is on Sept. 10 against a second-year school, Sobrato of Morgan Hill. It will be the first varsity game of that school's history. A week later, Hillsdale visits Cupertino. The Pioneers host Evergreen Valley on Sept. 23.

The El Camino opener is set for Sept. 30 against visiting Los Altos.

Another change for Cupertino this season will be no Bronson Farr in the backfield. Farr, who powered for more than 1,000 rushing yards a year ago, shouldered most of the offensive load. "This season several players will need to share the load," Diaz explained.

Among the ball carriers will be seniors Bryan Lee (5-foot-9, 170 pounds), Winston Ventura (5-foot-6, 145) and Gonzalo Garcia (5-foot-10, 195) and juniors Scott Savory (5-foot-10, 210) and Kash Erfanian (5-foot-8, 140). Another backfield possibility is senior Anthony Branch (5-foot-11, 175), a transfer from Austin, Texas, who enrolled recently at Cupertino.

"He is in the process of working with the CCS to get eligible," Diaz said. "But he is athletic and seems to be very quick."

Junior Yuekai Yu (5-foot-11, 170), the frosh-soph quarterback last year, has earned the varsity job this season. When he goes to the air, most of his passes will be directed to senior wide receivers Travis Scibetta (6-foot-4, 170), David Warren (6-foot-5, 190) and Reneto Sanchez (5-foot-9, 145) or junior tight ends Chase Hill (5-foor-11, 195) and Bryan Jones (6-foot-2, 170).

Anchoring the offensive line will be junior center Tristan Wilkie (5-foot-8, 175), who is up from the frosh-soph. On his right flank will be senior guard John Lu (6-foot, 265) and junior tackle Max Ingraham (6-foot-2, 235). On the left side will be junior guard Alex Truong (5-foot-11, 225) and senior tackle Khalid Subianati (5-foot-11, 210).

Wilkie also will anchor the defensive line, playing nose tackle. Others on the line in the Pioneers' "53" defense, either standing or in a stance, will be Garcia, Hill, senior Derek Truong (5-foot-11, 230) and junior Chris Haley (5-foot-9, 170).

The linebacking corps was dealt a blow recently, when senior rover back Stephen Gu broke his right ankle during a practice session. Savory, Lee and junior Mikey Bednar (5-foot-6, 160) will be the starting linebackers. Scibetta and senior Justin Barnett (5-10, 155) will be the cornerbacks and Warren will play free safety.

Diaz praised assistant coaches Keith Mello, Scott Green and Dr. Terry Irish for the work "they've put in getting the team ready for the season."

Key Returners

Bryan Lee (5-9, 170), Sr., RB/LB

Reneto Sanchez (5-9, 145), Sr., RB/DB

Gonzalo Garcia (5-10, 195), Sr., FB/DE

Winston Ventura (5-6, 145), Sr., RB/DB

Travis Scibetta (6-4, 170), Sr., WR/DB

Justin Barnett (5-10, 155), Sr., DB

Max Ingraham (6-2, 235), Jr., OL/DL

Khalid Subianati (5-11, 210), Sr., OL/DL

Derek Truong (5-11, 230), Sr., DL/OL

John Lu (6-0, 265), Sr., OL

Stephen Gu (5-11, 200), Sr., RB/LB

Cupertino 2005
Football Schedule

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

Sept. 16, Hillsdale, 7:30 p.m.

Sept 23, Evergreen Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30, Los Altos, 7:30 p.m.*

Oct. 7, at Fremont, 7:30 p.m.*

Oct. 14, Lynbrook, 7:30 p.m.*

Oct 21, Santa Clara at Townsend Field, 7:30 p.m.*

Oct 29, Gunn, 7:30 p.m.*

Nov. 4, Homestead at Diesner Field, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10, Monta Vista, 7 p.m.*

*Denotes Santa Clara Valley Athletic League
El Camino Division