High school football 2023 preview: MVAL/WACC Foothill Division
Top players & predicted order of finish in the six-school MVAL/WACC Foothill Division
MVAL/WACC FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Probable order of completion)
No. 1 JAMES LOGAN
Coach: Eddie Smith
Record in 2022: 7-4
What to anticipate: Logan, who finished second to Tennyson in the MVAL/WACC Foothill last season, is the favorite to win this fall. Robert Mendez and Tu’unahala Leao are three-year starters for the Colts, so they have experience in the proverbial “athlete” role. They are both seniors. Coach Eddie Smith referred to Leao as the “heart and soul of the squad.” Jonathan Craft, who transferred from Valley Christian, is the team’s new quarterback. Craft, a junior, is described as dynamic and a leader by Smith. OL/DL Geovanni Valverde and Danzel Mercado (DB/WR) are both three-year starters. Logan will pay a visit to Tennyson on October 20.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. against Archbishop Mitty.
No. 2 TENNYSON
Coach: John Pangelina
Record in 2022: 8-3
What to anticipate: Tennyson went undefeated in league play last season but graduated its best player, wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons, who is now a freshman at the University of Washington. Larrie Noble ll, a receiver and edge rusher, and OT/DE Pauliasi Taulava is one of the players who will play important roles this season. Noble was named Foothill Division defensive player of the year in 2022. Osana Vaeao-Saga, a junior tackle in his third season on varsity, “has been working relentlessly for this opportunity,” according to Pangelina. QB/LB Troy Finau and ATH/DB Lamont McDonald are two freshmen to keep an eye on. They “will be the future of Tennyson football,” according to Pangelina. Siosiua Vete, a three-star lineman from Fremont-Oakland, is a transfer.
Season opener: August 25 at 7 p.m. against East Union-Manteca.
No. 3 BISHOP O’DOWD
Coach: Hardy Nickerson
Record in 2022: 4-6
What to expect: While the Dragons return a number of skill-position players, they are retooling the offensive and defensive lines in order to rebound from a four-win season in 2022. Senior OL and DL Berlin Lillard will serve as the lines’ anchor. He has committed to Colorado State. Last season, QB Devin Wilson, now a junior, went 4-2 as a starter. “We are excited to watch him this season,” coach Hardy Nickerson said. Elisha Glenn, the team’s vocal leader, and ATH Deji Ajose provide speed. WR/DB Miles Dixon has good hands and a keen sense of the game.
Season begins at Tamalpais on August 26 at 2 p.m.
No. 4 MOREAU CATHOLIC
Coach: Keith Minor
Record in 2022: 7-4
What to expect: Moreau has moved up to the stronger division after finishing second to Berkeley in the Mission Division last season. This is most likely where the Hayward school belongs. Coach Keith Minor is pleased with his defensive front seven, noting the return of DT/C Jeremiah Bailey and LB/RB Andrew Placido. Last season, Placido was named the Mission’s defensive player of the year. Bailey was named to the league’s first team. In 2022, junior QB Luca Oca will pass for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, and RB/DB Peyton Collins should have a productive season behind an experienced offensive line. Junior Eriq Fields is in his first season at MLB. “We think he’s going to have a huge year,” Minor predicted.
Season opener: 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 at St. Mary’s-Berkeley.
No. 5 SAN LEANDRO
Coach: Brad Bowers
Record in 2022: 3-7
What to expect: San Leandro has a young roster, with many first-year varsity players, but longtime coach Brad Bowers says he has a strong group of running backs and an aggressive defense. Last season’s sub.500 record was the program’s first in a full schedule since 2012. Senior Running Back/Defense This season, Martis Ferguson Jr. will play a larger role. Jamal Perry, a returning starter on defense, is expected to play a larger role on offense. OL/DL Isaac Rodriguez has served as a mentor to his younger teammates, and TE/LB Tye Morgan is eager to reap the benefits of his offseason efforts. Another player to keep an eye on is RB/LB AJ Branchaud.
Season opener: 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Burrell Field in San Leandro against Redwood.
No. 6 CASTRO VALLEY
Coach: Denny Molzen
Record in 2022: 2-8
What to anticipate: Coach Denny Molzen is encouraged by the off-season dedication, noting that more kids have bought into the work and the results are visible. “We’re the strongest we’ve ever been,” he declared. “We have some really strong senior leadership.” QB Cooper Matthew, OL/DL Emon Dost, and WR/DB Drew Leipold lead the senior class. Matthew missed half of last season due to a non-football injury, but he has pushed himself and his teammates to improve. “He has done everything he possibly could to ensure a good (senior) year,” Molzen said. A strong junior class includes LBs Andy Arias and Connor Cooper, center Vinny De Alba, and K Adrian Guzman.
Season opener: August 25 at 7 p.m. against Carlmont.
In the coming two weeks
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