Now they're back another season—and they're looking to improve on their league placing.

"We have our top three players returning with only scores that count [in a match]," said Willow Glen coach Bob Parker. "We have six other newcomers competing for the fourth spot."

Because of his squad's experience, Parker is looking for the Rams to be contenders for the league crown this spring. He predicts a first- or second-place finish for the Rams, adding that Pioneer appears to be the division title favorite.

Howsman, Barreto and Radjabi all starred for a Willow Glen team that posted a 10-4 record and finished third in the division last year. All three players qualified for the league tournament, and Howsman qualified for the Central Coast Section tourney.

Sophomore Brad Kompetien is back for his second varsity season, and he'll battle for the number four position in the Willow Glen lineup with Andy Olan, Casey Forbes, Andy Fujihara, Joseph Pineda and Tim Smith.

The Rams jumped out to a 2-0 start in league action last week with back-to-back wins over James Lick.

Barreto fired a two-over par 38 to lead the Rams to a 169-206 win over Lick at the San Jose Municipal Golf Course.

Three days later, Barreto carded a three-over 37 to drive Willow Glen to a 162-185 win over the Comets at the Las Lagos Golf Course.

Sandwiched between the two league wins was a 160-162 non-league loss to Santa Teresa High at Las Lagos. Howsman was the star of the day, firing a one-over 35.