High school football 2024 preview: MVAL/WACC Foothill Division
As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
MVAL/WACC FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 BISHOP O’DOWD
Coach: Hardy Nickerson Sr.
2023 record: 6-5
What to expect: The Dragons are ready to build on their somewhat surprising playoff appearance last season. While a North Coast Section championship might be too much to ask this fall, O’Dowd has the talent to make a playoff run. It starts with Washington commit Deji Ajose, a speedy wide receiver who coach Hardy Nickerson described as “a big-time playmaker” that QB Devin Wilson can rely on. John Teti plays linebacker and is the team’s power runner, and senior Saliou Sow is an elusive ballcarrier. Elliott Lewis plays on both sides of the ball and is also the team’s kicker, and linebacker Kyle Turner is a stellar tackler. Nickerson sees pass-rusher Oliver “OC” Lehner and lineman Masi Latu as key players on a team that plays Monte Vista, Cardinal Newman and perennial Oakland Athletic League powerhouse McClymonds in non-league.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Tamalpais, 7 p.m.
No. 2 JAMES LOGAN
Coach: James Barnes
2023 record: 6-5
What to expect: No matter who wins the QB competition in James Barnes’ first season as head coach, the signal-caller will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. QB Jonathan Craft transferred to El Cerrito, but all-league WR Danzel Mercado is back for his senior season. DBs Shylon Green, Ayden McChristian and Andre Williams return, with Williams coming off a six-interception season. Michael Smith and Frankie Guzman are two-way standouts in the trenches. Junior Keian Davis led the Colts in rushing a season ago and should be the team’s top runner again. RB Lamar Ellis was one of the stars of last year’s JV team, a unit that should produce several varsity contributors this season. A brutal non-league schedule that includes games against Archbishop Mitty, California, Antioch and Monte Vista will prepare the Colts for the MVAL/WACC Foothill Division.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Archbishop Mitty, 7 p.m.
No. 3 BERKELEY
Coach: David Perry
2023 record: 7-4
What to expect: The Yellowjackets jumped to the tougher Foothill Division after going 10-0 in two league seasons against overmatched Mission Division competition. The Yellowjackets should still be able to contend for a league title, given the talent on their roster. B.J Thurman has been a star since his sophomore season, and now the 6-foot-4 senior WR/DL has scholarship offers from major colleges. Team captain Lucas Cord is excellent as both a linebacker and pass-catcher, and Ashton Dotson is adept at running and catching the ball. DB Nate Garland, LB Palenapa Mataafa and DL Jin Jones gives Berkeley a playmaker at every level of the defense. Perry will call the shots on that side of the ball, while longtime assistant coach Myles Grace will run the offense.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Dublin, 7 p.m.
No. 4 MOREAU CATHOLIC
Coach: Keith Minor
2023 record: 6-6
What to expect: If Moreau Catholic captures the league crown, it will likely be because no team in the league has as good of a QB/RB/WR trio as Keith Minor’s Mariners. Jayden Bryant can score from anywhere on the field. The RB had 14 touchdowns in 2023. Jeremiah Charles threw for 13 TDs and has top receiver Jalen Arnold (987 yards, 20 yards per catch) back to stretch the field. Linebackers Seth Evans and Eriq Fields lead the defense. Peyton Collins returns after he had 500 yards from scrimmage a year ago, and Lance Mitchell could have a huge junior year after racking up six sacks last season. Miles Moore and Jamison Ransburg should be steady contributors for the defense as well.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. St. Mary’s-Berkeley, 7 p.m.
No. 5 CASTRO VALLEY
Coach: John Trotman
2023 record: 4-6
What to expect: The Trojans have tabbed former St. Mary’s-Berkeley coach John Trotman as the man to lead the school to the top of the league, and his senior-laden team has the talent to make a push. Connor Cooper is the unquestioned leader at linebacker, and TE Andrew Arias, DE Colton Kennedy and linemen Uate Veamatahau and Lincoln Smith bring more experience and toughness. Junior QB Gavin Perkins can make all throws and will look to target quick-footed WR Craivon Neely. Keep an eye out for athletic 6-3 WR Zayde Hickman on the perimeter.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Carlmont, 7 p.m.
No. 6 TENNYSON
Coach: John Pangelina
2023 record: 2-8
What to expect: Longtime coach John Pangelina will try to prove that last season’s 2-8 record was nothing but a blip. The Lancers will need their defense to play up to potential to show that’s the case. The team’s strength is indisputably its secondary. Lamont McDonald was the team’s best player as a freshman, and the WR/DB should be even better in his sophomore year. Fresno State commit Elliott Noble, an all-Foothill Division selection last season, will lead the secondary. The offense could have some juice, too. Louis Gonzalez lll is a running back with big-play speed, and senior wideouts Axel Valencia and Jerome Davis could give DBs fits on the perimeter. “The guys have been working hard and ready to bounce back on both levels,” Pangelina said.
Season opener: Aug. 31 at Menlo School, 2 p.m.
No. 7 SAN LEANDRO
Coach: Brad Bowers
2023 record: 1-9
What to expect: Longtime coach Brad Bowers has guided San Leandro through lean periods before and will try to do the same after last year’s 1-9 season. It all starts will all-Foothill Division linebacker Lemaj Roach, who was one of the few bright spots for the Pirates in 2023. Blazing fast all-league return man Justin Ammons (4.43 in the 40-yard dash), lineman Raymond Jones and receiver Malachi Ferguson are all set to return, too. Grinding out victories in the deep MVAL/WACC Foothill Division will be a challenge for the East Bay school. But games against Castlemont and Dougherty Valley could net San Leandro a few early-season wins before it enters league play.
Season opener: Aug. 31 at Redwood, 2 p.m.