OAKLAND ATHLETIC LEAGUE
(Predicted order of end)
No. 1 MCCLYMONDS
Coach: Michael Peters
2021 document: 12-1
What to anticipate: Until Fremont or Castlemont take a Jonathan Kuminga-sized leap ahead, one other yr of McClymonds dominance appears inevitable. Halfback Jaivian Thomas is again for his senior season, and the 5-10 scatback ought to have the ability to repeat his 20 TD season for a program that received a state championship final season. Junior linebacker Amir Gobar doubles as a crushing fullback who can create openings as a lead blocker for Thomas’ darting runs. Each have been named to final season’s all-Bay Space Information Group crew and will probably be requested to guide a crew hoping to interchange longtime beginning QB Dreyan Paul. Malik Richardson, a 296-pound DT, could also be immovable within the inside. McClymonds will as soon as once more play a brutal non-league schedule, beginning off its yr with Bellarmine earlier than taking part in Pittsburg afterward.
Season opener: Sept. 2 vs. Bellarmine, 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 FREMONT
Coach: Omarri Murphy
2021 document: 5-4
What to anticipate: If there's a crew that would problem McClymonds for the league title, Fremont is it. In Omarri Murphy’s second yr on the prime of this system, the Tigers have a group of expertise that ought to have the ability to grasp with a few of the greatest. Quarterback Sefo Akuila threw solely two picks final season and has a gun for an arm, and his coach expects Akuila to proceed to enhance. Siosiua Vete, a 6-5 sophomore, is a 4.0 scholar and already has a scholarship provide from San Jose State. Subsequent to him is one other mauler within the 325-pound guard Sione Taiamoni. Junior linebacker Amanaki Tuakoi is a 6-3 and 215 pound bundle of all-city expertise with the smarts of a 4.0 scholar.
Season Opener: Sept. 2 vs. Esparto, 7 p.m.
No. 3 CASTLEMONT
Coach: Edward Washington
2021 document: 3-6
What to anticipate: An enhancing Castlemont has the expertise, particularly on protection, to choose off different groups this fall. Senior Reggie Corridor is a “silent killer” based on his coach and was the crew’s defensive MVP. Again for an additional yr is Angel Martinez, a 280-pound lineman who can get after the passer in addition to any participant in Oakland. Offensively, the Knights will probably be led by senior quarterback Daniel Parsons, who has an opportunity to throw to sophomore wideout Elijah Washington. The coach’s son has a scholarship provide from San Jose State. The pathway to a successful season will solely be more durable although in coach Edwards’ second season on the job, with the Knights taking part in each sport on the street this yr as their area undergoes renovations.
Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. Tennyson, 7 p.m.
No. 4 OAKLAND TECH
Coach: Virdell Larkins
2021 Report: 5-5
What to anticipate: Virdell Larkins’ crew ought to compete with Fremont and Castlemont for second within the OAL. Anticipated to return are gamers like center linebacker Vaughn Grasso, who doubles as a hard-hitting fullback. Working behind him is halfback Anthony Alonzo, a stocky shifty runner who has breakaway pace. A 3rd senior, Omar Staples, has the power to get after the quarterback as a 6-2 edge rusher. Heart Qai Smith carries virtually 300 kilos on his body and opens holes for Grasso and Alonzo.
Season opener: Sept. 9 vs. Alhambra, 7 p.m.
No. 5 SKYLINE
Coach: KC Adams
2021 Report: 6-5
What to anticipate: Final yr’s crew was all about line play, the place the Titans averaged over 300 kilos throughout their 5 beginning blockers. This season will probably be outlined by their exterior threats equivalent to Jojo Salazar, a 6-1 senior wideout who can catch bombs as simply as he does flyballs on the baseball diamond. Beginning subsequent to him is Julian Javier, one other DB who coach Adams calls “a ball hawk who has a nostril for making performs across the line of scrimmage.” Damien Hardy brings toughness as a linebacker and can be an enthusiastic inside runner. De’Onte Johnson is a 160-pound speedster at tailback who his coach says “has all-city potential on protection.”
Season opener: Sept. 3 vs. Balboa, 2 p.m.
No. 6 OAKLAND
Coach: Brandon Allen
2021 Report: 0-9
What to anticipate: Coach Allen’s yr will in all probability be deemed a hit if the Wildcats choose up a win or two this season. The second-year coach stated the crew’s energy is “our growth and the household environment we're implementing.” Versatile athlete Joshua “Bam” Aludayo is a junior who Allen has tabbed as a tough employee and a pacesetter. Linebacker Jamar Davis is a hefty 230 kilos, has lived within the weightroom and must be a signal-caller on protection. Etin Osa Aigbuza is a junior who has mentored youthful gamers over the summer season, and Kamauri Hernandez-Freeney brings an edge to the offensive line.
Season opener: Sept. 2 vs. Sonoma Valley, 7 p.m.