Looking back at the year that was for south valley prep football, this had to go down as one of the biggest upsets of the year...and certainly the week.

Tehachapi went into the contest heavily favored, but without the services of All-SSL linebacker Mike Faulkner, and Finley getting winded down the stretch, the Trojans were able to eek out a thrilling 20-17 win at home.

It was supposed to be a gimme game.  So much for that notion, right?

One thing is for sure, the returning players on the Warriors will undoubtedly remember the loss handed to them, so there will be focus heading into the third pre-season game.  Many of Foothill's stars are gone...but many good players still remain on the up-and-coming school that is home to Pittsburgh Steeler's Joey Porter and Bakersfield Coaching legend Ned Permenter.

Senior utility backs Matt Alvarez and Eric Valez are gone for the Trojans, but they should still find consistent running behind Matt Peralta (#22), who hopes to match Valez's 1,198 yards and six TD's from 2004.  Peralta's best game came against Garces towards season's end, where he rushed for 59 yards and two scores in a 27-21 loss to Garces.  Also look for Jeremy Hernandez (#30) to make some plays at both runningback and in the secondary as a roaming safety.  Tanner Wilson (#12), Foothill's backup QB last season, saw significant action behind center against Tehachapi and is the early favorite coming in to take over the snapping duties from departing Senior Mario Bucio.

From the Ranks - Last year JV Players like Donnie Evans (#11) are expected to provide an instant spark to the Trojans this upcoming fall.

On defense, All-CIF down-lineman Isaac Quiroz has graduated, but his brother, Ivan Quiroz (#51), should be around to terrorize opponents next season.  Helping out Ivan on defense should be returning Trojan Michael Poe (#70), who is going to be a junior in his second year on varsity.  From the JV ranks, Donnie Evans (#11), Tim Thomas (#66), and Dric De La Rosa (#52) could help fill some gaps to bring Foothill success.

Getting Through - Levi Kerstien (#75) (show in the center) and the rest of the Warrior defensive lineman will need to get penetration at the line of scrimmage if they want to avenge last season's loss to Foothill.

Tehachapi owns an overall 4-1 record over Foothill.  For a brief history of each of the games that the Warriors and Trojans have played each other, click here.  You can also view 2004 Weekly Warrior analysis and 2004 game stats of the last meeting between these two teams.