The Rundown: Lindhurst Blazers

Coach: Mike Mason, first season (former head coach from 2002-07)

Last Year's Record: 4-7, lost 34-0 to Mariposa in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

Key Returners: Tino Aguirre QB/LB; Edgar Guzman LB/TE; Stephen Paxton RB/WR/DB; Sergio Ramos C/DL; Brandon Vaitautolu RB/WR/DB

Offense: Spread

Defense: 4-4

Schedule

• Aug. 27, vs. RIVER VALLEY, 7:30 p.m.

• Sept. 3, at Orland, 7:30 p.m.

• Sept. 10, at Live Oak, 7:30 p.m.

• Sept. 17, BYE

• Sept. 24, vs. AMADOR, 7:30 p.m.

• Oct. 8, at Dixon, 7:30 p.m.*

• Oct. 15, at Marysville, 7:30 p.m.*

• Oct. 22, vs. MESA VERDE, 7:30 p.m.*

• Oct. 29, vs. CAPITAL CHRISTIAN, 7:30 p.m.*

• Nov. 5, at West Campus, 7:30 p.m.*

* Denotes Golden Empire League game

Four Downs with Coach

1st — What aspect of the game have you been working on most this offseason? We had to bring back our terminology and restablish what we do. We spent a lot of time on offense and defense and evaluating the JV team.

2nd — What do you feel your team's biggest strengths are right now? The coaching staff. I have one of the best around. When I was at Mesa Verde we won back-to-back section titles with an outstanding staff, and I would put the one I have now right there with them.

3rd — What's the toughest part of your schedule? It's going to be tough all the way through. I think we start tough with River Valley, then Live Oak, Orland, Wheatland and then Amador. I'm concerned with Dixon, they'll probably be the toughest team in league. And we can't count out Capital Christian. We play my former team too in Mesa Verde. I know coach Ron Barney will have his team ready.

4th — Which team in the Mid-Valley are do you feel is poised for success and why? Sutter is good every year. I've heard a lot of good things about Yuba City and Live Oak this year.