High school football 2023 preview: MVAL/WACC Mission Division

Top players & predicted order of finish in the six-school MVAL/WACC Mission Division

MVAL/WACC MISSION DIVISION

(Probable order of completion)

No. 1 BERKELEY

Coach: David Perry

2022 record: 7-4

What to anticipate: Although All-BANG wide receiver Jackson Harris has graduated, coach David Perry can still rely on elite players on both sides of the ball to produce. Drew Henderson, the league’s best quarterback, has passed for 38 touchdowns as a senior. B.J Thurman, a three-star athlete, will be “the next great wide receiver to come out of Berkeley” while also rushing the passer on defense, according to Perry. Halfback Jalen Harris has college-level athleticism as both a DB and a running back, according to the coach, and linemen Eli Cohen-Moulton and Terrance Phillips will set the tone in the trenches. Lucas Cord, a junior linebacker, has been described as a “tempo setter” and a model of defense consistency.

Season opener: Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Miramonte.

No. 2 HAYWARD

Coach: Virgil Hart

2022 record: 5-5

What to anticipate: Kennedy Braziel, a four-year starter, epitomizes the tough dual-threat, passing for over 1,000 yards and rushing for 10 touchdowns last season. He provides stability under center for coach Virgil Hart, and junior lineman James Fukofuka (395 pounds) and senior WR Eusebio Goncalves bring more experience to the offense. Senior wide receiver Emmanuel Sega led the Farmers in receptions last season and should have another big year, and junior running back Mateaki Paongo is a bruising runner who will be a pass-rushing presence on the edge once again.

Season opener: August 25 at 7 p.m. against Bethel.

No. 3 MT. EDEN

Coach: Raymoses Leal

2022 record: 5-5

What to expect: As the man chosen to replace legendary East Bay coach Paul Perenon, first-year coach Raymoses Leal has big shoes to fill. Tristan Robinson, a 6-2 senior tight end who was a standout on the basketball team before switching to football, has great athleticism and energy, according to Leal. Senior Kyree Fudge is expected to lead a young offense alongside fellow senior WR/DB Isaac Jones. Leal believes sophomore running back/linebacker Johnathan Santiago has “lots of upside” and could complement senior Giancarlo Peralta, who will be in charge of the linebacker and running back rooms.

Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Kennedy-Fremont at 7 p.m. at Washington-Fremont.

No. 4 WASHINGTON-FREMONT

Coach: Fernando Sotelo

2022 record: 4-6

What to expect: Coach Fernando Sotelo has a team that has the talent to challenge Hayward and Mt. Eden near the top of the league returning to Washington. Senior wide receiver Marques Polk returns as a dynamic pass-catcher and defensive back, and senior Gabriel Abrihim will contribute as a WR and kick returner. As a sophomore, Cameron Redd has a chance to make an impact at running back, and junior Esean Johnson returns as the starting quarterback after a promising sophomore season.

Season opener: Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. in Dublin.

No. 5 IRVINGTON

Coach: Anthony Jackson

2022 record: 5-5

What to anticipate: The Vikings offense will be carried by a pair of physical runners under first-year coach Anthony Jackson. Senior Jacob Santos was described by Jackson as “bruising,” and the bowling ball of an RB will be joined by junior Matty Forbes, who is also a threat catching the ball out of the backfield. TE/LB Senior Isaiah Nurie-Rodas was described as Irvington’s “biggest, most imposing returning lineman.”

Season opener: Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. vs. Novato.

No. 6 ENCINAL

Coach: Derrick Lyons

2022 record: 1-9

What to expect: After a difficult first season that included a single victory over island rival Alameda, coach Derrick Lyons expects a more competitive Jets team this season. Senior wide receiver/linebacker Kaleb Westbrooks will be the captain, according to Lyons, who “leads by example,” and junior Bruce Osborne will be a force on the offensive line and at linebacker. Marco Garcia, a 230-pound junior, will return at defensive end but will also be a key target for the Jets’ passing attack at tight end.

Season opener: August 25 at 7 p.m. against Hercules.

In the coming two weeks

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