In 1999, in only their second year in the Santa Teresa Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic league, they wore the crown of league champions. The following season found them moving up and playing in the tough Mt. Hamilton Division of the BVAL, where they have remained for the past three years.

The Mustangs have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with each year. They have been in the Central Coast Section playoffs each of the past four years and made it to the Division IV championship game in 2001.

Krail and the Mustangs hope to make it five years in a row in 2003. Krail says, "We have a great team attitude and we are looking forward to a successful year."

A key factor will be the crop of frosh-soph players, who were 2002 Mt. Hamilton Division champions, joining the varsity program and how quickly and effectively they develop on the varsity level.

"We are going to be very young," Krail says, as he points out that the Mustangs have only seven returning starters from the 2002 squad. There are many holes left by graduating seniors that must be filled.

In their three years in the Mt. Hamilton Division, the Mustangs have finished in the middle of the pack each season.

When confronted with the question of where the Mustangs might finish the 2003 campaign, Krail said, "It's hard to say—it could be seventh or could be fifth."

Krail believes the title favorites in 2003 are defending champion Piedmont Hills and perennial power Oak Grove.

In 2002 the Mustangs displayed a formidable offense, with four running backs finishing the season among the top 10 scoring leaders in the Mt. Hamilton Division. Three of those players were lost to graduation, but the co-Junior of the Year, running back Jeremy Landucci (5-foot-9, 190 pounds), returns and will provide a solid nucleus to build around. Landucci finished the 2002 season seventh in the league in both rushing yards and scoring.

In addition, the Mustangs have the experience of returning starter Sinan Dumlugol (5-foot-10, 195) at fullback. Landucci and Dumlugol should provide some stability in an inexperienced backfield.

The Mustangs lost experienced leadership at quarterback to graduation, but anticipate the arrival of junior Jarod Koblis (5-foot-10, 175), a first team all-leaguer from the undefeated league champ frosh-soph Mustangs.

The ability to maintain that strong offensive showing of last year will also be enhanced by the presence of junior running back Andrew Schulz (5-foot-8, 170), who was the 2002 MVP of the Mt. Hamilton Division frosh-soph league.

The offensive line could be a question mark, as the Mustangs have only two returning starters, senior all-leaguer Armando Apolinar (6-foot-2, 270) and senior Jeff Terry (6-foot, 240).

First team all-league junior Steve Matos (5-foot-9, 200), who saw playing time as both an offensive and a defensive lineman on the talented frosh-soph squad, should provide some solid support in the trenches on both sides of the ball for the Mustangs in 2003.

On the defensive front, the Mustangs have just a handful of returning starters as well. This group is led by all-league defensive lineman Paul Bocanegra (5-foot-10, 210).

Other returning varsity starters include linebackers Matt Loeffler (5-foot-9, 185) and Ray Marcil (5-foot-10, 205). Krail is counting on junior Collin McCarthy (6-foot, 190) to fill a spot in the linebacking corps. McCarthy was a first team all-leaguer in the frosh-soph league last year.

Youth and inexperience often create more questions than answers.

"Our 2002 frosh-soph team was the Mt. Hamilton Division champion and it's a talented group," said Krail. "How they transition will determine our finish."

The answers could come quickly, as there will be plenty of challenges early for the Mustangs when they face some solid opponents in their pre-season schedule, including defending CCS Division III champion Menlo-Atherton on the road in week two.

Will it be five trips to CCS in a row for the Mustangs in 2003? Only time can answer that question.

Pioneer High School 2003 Football Schedule

Sept. 5 at Leland 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Menlo-Atherton 2 p.m.

Sept. 20 Santa Clara 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Gunderson * 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Leigh * 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Oak Grove * 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Piedmont Hills * 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Santa Teresa * 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Independence 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Silver Creek * 1:30 p.m.

*Denotes Blossom Valley Athletic League Mt. Hamilton Division game.