High school football 2023 preview: BVAL West Valley Division
BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE WEST VALLEY DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
NO. 1 DEL MAR
Coach: Robert Chapman
2022 record: 7-3
What to expect: Andre Latimore returns at quarterback after leading the Dons to a second-place finish and West Valley junior of the year honors last season. He’ll be able to do so behind a veteran offensive line and with his top receiving target from last season, Jake Schwoob, still available.Ayden Ayala, who led the Dons in sacks last season, is also back. According to coach Robert Chapman, the team simply needs “young players to step up at running back.”
Season opener: Aug. 24 vs. Westmont, 7:15 p.m.
No. 2 GUNDERSON
Coach: Jason Harrison
2022 record: 3-7
What to expect: After finishing fifth in the six-team BVAL Santa Teresa-Valley Division in 2022, the Grizzlies have returned to the West Valley. With only seven seniors, they will be a young team this fall. Coach Jason Harrison stated that he has “some young, athletic talent looking to blossom as the year goes on.” The team’s top returning player is senior quarterback/OLB Jackson Wurz. “He can play every position on the field,” said Harrison. Sophomore WR/FS Elisha Anderson worked hard in the offseason and is eager to demonstrate his abilities. Daniel Henry, a sophomore, is a “monster” at DT. He also plays running back. Senior Marquise Hall can play WR, TE, SS, and LB, and senior Jason Stoner will anchor the defense at MLB.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Mt Pleasant, 7:30 p.m.
No. 3 SAN JOSE
Coach: Raul Sandoval
2022 record: 4-6
What to expect: Raul Sandoval takes over for Prashant Kumar this season, looking to improve on the team’s 4-3 record in the West Valley in 2022. The new coach believes his young, up-and-coming team will be a division title contender. RB Mike Guzman, who rushed for 1,000 yards last season, is now a senior, and Brandon Pacheco is an outstanding edge rusher who also plays tight end and fullback. Sandoval described LB/TE Michael Aliki as a defensive leader. Pete Garcia, a transfer from Lick, will play quarterback and free safety.Marquise “Q” Jones Hawthorne, a Piedmont Hills transfer, will be relied on as a receiver and defensive back.
Season opener: Aug. 24 at Overfelt, 7:15 p.m.
No. 4 PROSPECT
Coach: Rick Esparza
2022 record: 0-9
What to expect: The Panthers hope to rebound from a winless season in 2022 as they move down to the West Valley from the BVAL’s Santa Teresa-Valley Division. Rich Esparza, the coach, stated that he has a “dedicated group of seniors looking to turn the program around.” Senior quarterback Tommy Lewit is at the helm. “Always challenging himself and others to improve every day,” Esparza explained.Jordan Sharpe should carry a heavy load at RB while also providing coverage as a DB. RB/DB Kieran Friss returns after missing the previous season due to injury. RB/LB Shakked Edelstein can play multiple positions, and both lines will be led by Blake Quinonez.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Saratoga, 7 p.m.
No. 5 EVERGREEN VALLEY
Coach: Gabe Resendez
2022 record: 4-6
What to expect: The Cougars have a strong but small group of senior leaders, so coach Gabe Resendez will rely heavily on juniors and sophomores to fill key roles as the team looks to improve on its 3-4 finish in the West Valley last season. Senior LB/TE/QB Noah Holseberg has been a varsity starter since his freshman year. “All the players look up to him,” said Resendez. Last season, OLB/DE Mateo Hernandez was voted defensive player of the year by his teammates. As a sophomore in 2022, OL/LB Jacob Diaz was a captain.Lenard Castillo is a returning starter at LB/FB, and Brandon Chan, a sophomore newcomer who plays OLB/FB, was the top defender on the JV.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Silver Creek, 7:15 p.m.
No. 6 YERBA BUENA
Coach: Adrian Pedroza
2022 record: 2-6
What to expect: Victories over Andrew Hill and James Lick kept YB out of the West Valley cellar last season, and running back/defensive back Elijah Duncan was the division’s sophomore of the year in 2022. The Aztec Warriors went 5-5 two seasons ago and last won a game in 2018, finishing 6-4.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Lynbrook, 7 p.m.
No. 7 ANDREW HILL
Coach: Earl Locke Sr.
2022 record: 1-9
What to expect: Last fall, the San Jose school had a difficult season. According to MaxPreps data, the Falcons averaged 40 points per game and allowed 44.7. Their only victory came by default. The difficulties occurred one year after the program had won seven games and was undefeated in league play. Andrew Hernandez, now a junior, was named all-league in 2022.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Monta Vista, 7 p.m.
No. 8 JAMES LICK
Coach: Chris Pope
2022 record: 1-9
What to expect: The Comets have only won one game in the last two seasons, a 12-0 victory over Andrew Hill in their final game last fall. Pete Garcia has transferred to San Jose after being Lick’s leading rusher and second-leading passer in 2022.Senior Julian Carrera finished second on the team in rushing.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Gunn, 7 p.m.
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