High school football 2023 preview: DAL Foothill Division
DIABLO ATHLETIC LEAGUE FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 CAMPOLINDO
Coach: Kevin Macy
Record in 2022: 12-1
What to expect: Despite the graduation of QB Dashiell Weaver and receiver Robbie Mascheroni, the Cougars remain the favorite to win another DAL Foothill title. Things get dicey after that. Campo moves up to D-I this season, joining big boys De La Salle, Pittsburg, and Clayton Valley, thanks to the NCS’s competitive equity model, after winning the D-II title in 2021 and reaching the D-II final last season. Kevin Macy, a long-time Campo coach, hopes the NCS reconsiders the model, noting that his small-school program is being punished for its success. Senior S James Giordani, senior WR Scott Lyon, and senior WR/DB Tim Daugherty will lead Macy’s team this season. Senior LB/FB James Erickson and senior CB Jake Spencer are also expected to play a significant role. “Last year’s team lacked depth,” said Macy. “This year’s team will have no top-line names, but the hope is to have more depth.”
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Vanden-Fairfield, 7 p.m.
No. 2 ACALANES
Coach: Floyd Burnsed
Record in 2022: 10-2
What to expect: Acalanes came up just short of winning the DAL Foothill championship last season, falling to Campo by a field goal. The Dons will host their rival this fall to finish the regular season, and they will have plenty of firepower on the field, led by track stars Trevor Rogers and Paul Kuhner. Acalanes finished second in the 4100 at the state championships in May, thanks to the receivers, both of whom are college prospects. Last season, Rogers caught 58 passes for 1,120 yards and 15 touchdowns. Kuhner finished with 33 receptions for 441 yards and a touchdown. Sully Bailey and Jake Boselli, the team’s quarterbacks, combined for 2,958 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2022. LBBrady Morrow and Chase Caicedo return to the disabled list, while Jack Giorgianni is a three-year starter. “Defense has a lot of speed,” coach Floyd Burnsed said.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at San Marin, 7 p.m.
No. 3 LAS LOMAS
Coach: Doug Longero
Record in 2022: 5-6
What to expect: Las Lomas’ depth is limited, and the roster is thin. Veteran coach Doug Longero, on the other hand, said it’s a “hard-working” team with “some young talent that is stepping up.” QB/DB is one of those players.Dylan Thomas, who made his debut as a freshman last season. “A gifted athlete.” Longero mentioned a bright future. OL/DLCharlie Kruger and Sava Pouridis, both seniors, are three-year starters, and junior WR/DBAccording to his coach, Roman Mercado is poised for a breakout season. “Sure-handed wideout,” Longero remarked.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Vintage, 7 p.m.
No. 4 MIRAMONTE
Coach: Jack Schram
Record in 2022: 8-5
What to expect: The Mats won the NCS Division V championship thanks to Luke Duncan’s big arm. Duncan, who is now at UCLA, will pass for 3,415 yards and 42 touchdowns in 2022. According to coach Jack Schram, three players – a senior, a junior, and a sophomore – are vying for Duncan’s spot. On offense and defense, the team returns five starters. Three of the returning offensive line starters. Defense experience is concentrated in the front seven. “Secondary will need to be rebuilt,” said Schram. Senior RB/LB Gabe Roman, senior TE/OLB Finn McManus, junior OL/DL Andrew Davenport, senior OL/DL Nick Blair, and senior WR/DB JD Pearce are all players to keep an eye on.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Berkeley, 7 p.m.
No. 5 NORTHGATE
Coach: Ben Ballard
Record in 2022: 7-5
What to anticipate: The Broncos return a large number of players from the team that advanced to the NCS Division III semifinals last season.One of them is Maxime Anum, who plays center and defense. He stands at 6 feet and weighs 300 pounds. “Max has developed into a great lineman and an even better teammate,” said coach Ben Ballard.Lucas LeSieur, the team’s kicker and punter, has returned. Last season, he hit the game-winning field goal against Las Lomas in the playoffs. In 2022, Tony Pucci led the Broncos in tackles and tackles for loss.Jake Berger brings receiver experience. “Jake has great hands and is a very smart player,” Ballard said of his teammate.Running back Ben Hosler is expected to start.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Reno, 7 p.m.
No. 6 COLLEGE PARK
Coach: Casey Moreno
Record in 2022: 7-4
What to expect: After winning the Valley Division in 2022, College Park was promoted to the stronger DAL Foothill. Casey Moreno inherits a program that made headlines last season after opposing coaches accused the team of dirty play and running up the score. Moreno, who takes over for Travis Raciti, inherits a team with 24 returning lettermen. Among them is 6-4 junior quarterback James Voorhies, who was named first-team all-league last season. Hunter Pelayo (RB/S), slot receiver/DBSeniors Julian Abeyta and Langston Cook are also expected to contribute. Mason Kern, a sophomore who can play QB, RB, and LB, is another player to keep an eye on. Moreno has 12 years of experience as a head coach and 34 years of coaching experience overall.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Fremont-Oakland, 7:30 p.m.
No. 7 BENICIA
Coach: Scott Swartz
Record in 2022: 2-8
What to expect: Benicia is looking to get back on track after losing its final eight games last fall, two seasons after winning nine games and reaching the NCS Division III final. Scott Swartz, the team’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 21, is leading the charge. Last season, he did not coach. This year’s team is young and learning new offense and defense systems. However, as Swartz put it, the Panthers would like to return to the playoffs. Senior DE Jordan Snowden, senior WR/DB Daniel Valdez, senior WR/DB Truedell Minnieweather Jr., senior WR/DE Kemoni Love, and senior OL/DL Dom DeLeon are all players to watch.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Fairfield, 7:30 p.m.
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