The three players that inspired beads of sweat to roll down the rest of the SSL's chances at a league title last year have officially graduated.

While it was fun to see Velasquez, Garza, and Tamayo go to work in the Bear offense the last two years, it leaves one to wonder if Arvin will be able to put together the firepower to match the performances of these three outstanding individuals.

Even though they were difference makers, the 'Oso Tremendous Trio' weren't the only players to leave Arvin with holes heading into their 2005 season under head coach Edgar Mares.

Also gone are Saul Perez, Jesus Pentoja, Justo Flores, and Alphonso Valencia on the offensive line, Angel Pineda at runningback, and Edgar Sanchez at wideout, who scored the Bears final touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Warriors last season.

STARTERS GONE - Arvin's high-powered offense should suffer from the loss of senior leadership in the backfield in Jose Tamayo and Hector Velasquez, along with a talented line that included Alphonso Valencia and Saul Perez.

Francisco Tamayo (#42) should be one to watch at tailback for Arvin early-on, the younger brother of the departed Jose.  Jose Flores (#44) should also be a sound threat at tight end, and should be helped in the receiving department by Miquel Venegas (#1), who was third on the team last year in catching yards at 101, while also recording a couple of picks on defense.  Tony Gonzalez (#54) and Ray Martinez (#58) are also two starting offensive lineman returning for the Bears.

PITCH AND SPRINT- Sean Finley (#32) took one of his 29 carries and 171 yards for a big gain against the Arvin defense last year.  Tehachapi used their ground game to post 320 total rushing yards and a 35-7 advantage through the third quarter in last season's victory.

Overall, match-ups with Tehachapi has been a very frustrating undertaking for Arvin.

The Warriors may or may not know it, but some very impressive Bear teams have been knocked off by past Tehachapi varsity Mountain Men...some of the notable teams in 1998, when Tehachapi reeled off a 16-6 upset win to clinch a playoff spot, 2003 in a hard fought 17-13 win that lead to a CIF title for the Warriors, and last season, where 237 yards passing by Tamayo was still not enough.

If Arvin can find an answer to Tehachapi's ground attack, which gained 320 yards against the Bears last year, it might tell a different story in 2005.  If not, it could be another business-as-usual game for the Warriors heading into the final two games of their league season.

For a brief history of each of the games that the Warriors and Bears 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.