High school football 2023 preview: PAL Lake Division
PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE LAKE DIVISION
(In predicted order of finish)
No. 1 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Coach: Kolone Pua
2022 record: 6-4
What to expect: Last season, the Warriors made a successful return to varsity football under Frank Moro, who has now handed over the head coaching reins to Pua, a former player of his. As sophomores, RB/LB Elijah Fields and WR/FS Darren Miller both made significant contributions. WR Payton Jackson and DB Justice Goodman add to the team’s skill position depth. The offensive line will be led by LT John Langi (6-0, 260), a returning all-league selection.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. San Lorenzo Valley, 7 p.m.
No. 2 MONTA VISTA
Coach: Ceazar Agront****
2022 record: 5-5
What to expect: Monta Vista’s player turnout is increasing, fueling optimism for the upcoming season.Rohit Pamidi is back at quarterback. “He has the speed, IQ, and arm ability to lead this team,” Agront said.Sai Patel is a potential receiver.Hamza Moharram, who averaged 6.6 yards per carry last season, will be the primary running back.Avant Kuchlous is the team’s top lineman, and Maaz Zafar, who had four interceptions as a junior last year, has the potential to be a standout in the secondary. Pamidi, Patel, and Zafar are all varsity players in their fourth year.
Season opener: Aug. 26 at Andrew Hill, 2 p.m.
No. 3 CUPERTINO
Coach: Chris Oswald****
2022 record: 3-7
What to expect: Oswald, a 25-year high school coaching veteran, believes the Pioneers will be quick. Shen Hernandez-Ong, who had 190 yards passing and over 100 yards rushing in his first varsity start last year, will lead the way. “A true dual threat,” Oswald described it.Hernandez-Ong’s primary target will be James Xue, a wide receiver with big-play ability.The team’s top linemen are Liam Radcliffe and Victor Silva. Radcliffe (6-1, 265) is a three-year starter with a squat capacity of more than 550 pounds. Silva has also been a starter for three years.
Season opener: Aug. 24 at Branham, 7 p.m.
No. 4 MILLS
Coach: Rick Angelini
2022 record: 3-7
What to expect: WR Kai Hernandez will be an important part of Mills’ pro-style offense. Last season, he led the team in rushing and was second in receptions.Lopini Vaka (5-10, 260) is a dominant offensive lineman. The defense is led by linebacker tandem Ulysses Huerta and Isaac Aqleh, and running back Matthew Juul will take handoffs from Givanni Angelini, a returning starter at quarterback.
Season opener: Sept. 1 at Kennedy-Richmond, 7 p.m.
No. 5 SARATOGA
Coach: Stephen Matos****
2022 record: 3-7
What to expect: Despite the loss of Shane Timmons, the team’s starting quarterback as a junior last season, who transferred to Los Gatos, Saratoga remains optimistic.Both Tristan Hoang and Carter Call, who are listed as athletes on the team’s roster, are expected to be among the top players. G/LBJoey Schoonmaker is a valuable two-way player.Tevita Pahulu (6-3, 300) is a stronghold in the line.Doug Bettinger is another young two-way player who can play wide receiver and linebacker.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Prospect, 7 p.m.
No. 6 JEFFERSON
Coach: Amani Stewart
2022 record: 1-9
What to expect: The Grizzlies drop from the Ocean Division, with Stewart taking over as head coach from Sergio Portela. They have the potential to compete this season in the Lake because they are used to competing at a higher level. At quarterback, Sean Ferreira takes over. Ferreira will target wide receivers Michael Slugher and freshman Aaron Gonzales with passes.Tre’Sean Barnes will be the starting running back. Allan Garcia, a sophomore center, is a standout on the offensive line, and LB Dasan Byrd is a standout on defense.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Woodside, 7 p.m.
No. 7 GUNN
Coach: Dethrick Slocum
2022 record: 0-10
What to expect: Gunn, like Jefferson, is moving down two levels from the Ocean Division to the Lake Division, which gives him a realistic chance to improve on a winless season a year ago. Tuuta Fisiiahi (5-11, 240) and Mateo Martinez (6-4, 250) lead the Titans’ offensive line.Jared Liu is the quarterback, JJ Racz is the running back, Sam Dellenbach is the wide receiver, and George Skinner is the tight end.Devin Sidhu is expected to contribute at wide receiver and cornerback, while Cameron Owen will play fullback and linebacker.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. James Lick, 7 p.m.
No. 8 LYNBROOK
Coach: Jerome Holloway
2022 record: 1-9
What to expect: Dylan White and sophomore Brandon Zhang are competing for quarterback time. Holloway claims that both have powerful arms. On defense, White will play linebacker and Zang will play defensive tackle. JuniorBryan Madueno-Pennington can play both running back and wide receiver. FB/LBDiego Perez is a “old-school, hard-nosed runner and great tackler.” C/DTAlong with Brandon Knepfler and Inri Garcia, Jacky Wang is a standout on the line.
Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. Yerba Buena, 7 p.m.
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