To help prepare you for the 2024 season, we're publishing previews of all leagues in our coverage area as a part of our highschool football coverage.
Today in focus:
MVAL/WACC Mission Department
(Expected order on the finish)
No. 1 HAYWARD
Trainer: Virgil Hart
Record 2023: 7-3
What you’ll be able to expect: There's no denying Hayward's athleticism, especially within the trenches. Jayden Hoskins, Tevita Paongo And Anthony Wadley are returning players who play on offense and defense. Michael Hourel Flores will provide more explosiveness as a defensive tackle who stops a run. Linebacker Hunger Pango led Hayward in tackles (87), tackles for loss (14) and sacks (three) en path to becoming the 2023 MVAL/WACC Mission Defensive Player of the Year. Coach Virgil Hart said he’ll depend on young talent just like the sophomore quarterback. Jayden Irving and junior running back Maurice Hall to grow into their roles over the course of the season. The Farmers will open the season with three away games before playing six of seven games at home to complete the season.
Season opening: August thirtieth in Bethel, 7pm
No. 2 PIEDMONT
Trainer: Jordan Silk
Record 2023: 7-4
What you’ll be able to expect: The Highlanders are coming off a successful 2023 season that ended with an MVAL/WACC Shoreline Division title after nearly shutting down this system a 12 months earlier on account of injuries and low attendance. The strength this 12 months can be within the defensive trenches, as lineman Jordan GermanyEdge striker Isaiah Ortiz and linebackers Cash Elmquist – all named to the All-League in 2023 – will form a senior-heavy defense. The offense will run through wide receivers. Sam Shelbywho finished last season with greater than 1,600 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. All-League quarterback Markos Lagios and run back Thomas Ashton will play dynamically. Coach Jordan Seiden said he “hopes to build on the momentum of last year after we won the league.”
Season opening: 30 August against Salesians, 7pm
No. 3 WASHINGTON-FREMONT
Trainer: Fernando Sotelo
Record 2023: 5-5
What you’ll be able to expect: Experienced quarterback Esean Johnson is in his third season as a starter. He was chosen to the All-League second team in 2023 and is a “great leader, outstanding athlete and decision maker,” said coach Fernando Sotelo. Receiver Anakin Schneider and All-League running back Cameron Redd will give the offense a one-two punch. The Huskies' defense is led by junior linebacker Zamari GregorySecond semester free safety Brian Bullock and Junior Strong Safety Joseph Guerra.
Season opening: August thirtieth in Novato, 7pm
No. 4 IRVINGTON
Trainer: Anthony Jackson
Record 2023: 5-5
What you’ll be able to expect: Irvington was capable of depend on many returning talents on offense. Running back of the league's first team Matt Forbes can be the focus of the Fremont school's attack. He will run behind the All-League offensive lineman Adrian Perkins And Agustin Sedano. Junior Recipient Ethan Insixiengmay can be a reliable option within the passing game. The Vikings haven’t had a season with fewer losses since 2019.
Season opening: Aug. 29 vs. Gunderson, 7:15 p.m.
No. 5 KENNEDY-FREMONT
Trainer: Brenton Hagood
Record 2023: 7-3
What you’ll be able to expect: Coach Brenton Hagood has his hands full trying to exchange six of last season's nine All-League players. But the locker room shouldn’t be empty. All-League defensive tackle Jacob Dominguez will anchor a physical line of defense. At the second level, All-League Senior Linebacker Alexander Ramirez will look to construct on his solid 2023 season, which he finished with 60 tackles and a sack. Junior Jaden Roman switches from wide receiver to tight end, which could give recent impetus to the Titans' passing game.
Season opening: August 30, Mt. Eden, 7pm
No. 6 NEWARK MEMORIAL
Trainer: Brad Tubbs
Record 2023: 6-4
What you’ll be able to expect: The Cougars return a talented group on defense, with returnees at many key positions. All-League Linebacker Gerardo Zavala Rangelconsidered one of the team's captains, is in his third 12 months as a starter. Defensive Lineman Christian Ortiz And Alex Garcia were awarded All-Shoreline honors last season and are expected to be two senior leaders this 12 months. Defensive Back Leakage monitoring is a flexible perimeter defender who wreaks havoc on opposing receivers. All-League Receiver Ivan Takhar ought to be a vital contributor to the offense. Newark has only two home games scheduled this season, the last six are away games.
Season opening: August thirtieth in Concord, 7:30 p.m.
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