High school football 2023 preview: DAL Valley Division
Diablo Athletic League Valley Division
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 CONCORD
Coach: Paul Reynaud
2022 record: 9-2
What to expect: Concord improved from one win in 2021 to nine wins in 2022, and coach Paul Reynaud returns the league’s best player. Monte Beam, the team’s senior running back, rushed for 1,947 yards and 20 touchdowns, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the team’s yards from scrimmage. Junior Jayden Reger, who Reynaud describes as the team’s strongest player, complements him at RB. As the team’s top receiver, senior Isaac Schwartz will bring big-play ability on the outside, and senior Marcelous Rivera will join him as both a WR and a DB. According to Reynaud, senior Alexis Barba will be expected to lead an offensive line that is mostly green.
Season Opener: Aug. 25 at Newark Memorial, 7 p.m.
No. 2 ALHAMBRA
Coach: Alan Hern
2022 record: 4-7
What to expect: Longtime coach Alan Hern expects his senior class to lead Alhambra to a successful 2023 season. Hern believes slot receiver Luke Beaty is ready for a breakout senior season after a productive summer on the 7-on-7 circuit. Beau Blau, the quarterback, is an athletic passer who will be asked to spread the ball around. The linebacker corps at Alhambra is very experienced, with seniors Jaxson Allred and Kevin Martinez both described as athletic and instinctive. Micah Kushner, a senior right tackle, will lead the offensive line.
Season Opener: Aug. 25 vs. Sonoma Valley, 7:30 p.m.
No. 3 BEREAN CHRISTIAN
Coach: Mark Barcelon
2022 record: 6-4
What to expect: Junior quarterback Joshua Werner, described as a decisive and competitive leader, will lead Berean Christian in its quest for a league title. Senior Jake Silva is a solid defensive back who “runs crisp routes” for Werner, according to Barcelon. Hunter Inkster, a senior running back, is a “strong and fearless runner” who the coach also praised as a hard-hitting linebacker alongside junior Lukas Hines. Malachi Nunsuch, a sophomore wide receiver/defensive back, has been identified as a potential breakout candidate.
Season Opener: Aug. 25 at Willits, 7 p.m.
No. 4 MT. DIABLO
Coach: Fetuao Mua
2022 record: 3-7
What to expect: Herschel Turner Jr., one of the top transfers in the Bay Area, will be available to new coach Fetuao Mua.The Washington State and Utah recruit is a three-star running back who can play runner, receiver, and returner. Antonio Campbell, a 235-pound sophomore, is already listed as a defensive captain. Mua described junior DE/WR Jakorey Robinson as a prolific edge rusher who has the potential to break the team’s sack record.Santiago Rojas, who can play both kicker and defensive end, could have a big season for a team looking for its first winning season since 2009.
Season Opener: Aug. 25 vs. Deer Valley, 7 p.m.
No. 5 YGNACIO VALLEY
Coach: Rae Jackson
2022 record: 0-10
What to expect: Ygnacio Valley is looking for its first win since 2019 and has the talent to do so in Rae Jackson’s second year as head coach. The captain is senior tight end Maurilio Herrera, who Jackson says is “showing a lot of enthusiasm and improvement” after a productive offseason. Junior quarterback Fred Fine will take snaps in front of senior offensive lineman Ronnie Buelna, who Jackson said has worked out extensively. As a linebacker and running back, sophomore rugby standout Romel Mariano brings that intensity, and freshman wide receiver Terrance Murphy has the potential to make plays.
Season Opener: Aug. 26 vs. Alameda, 2 p.m.
