DIABLO ATHLETIC LEAGUE VALLEY DIVISION PREVIEW
(Predicted order of end)
No. 1 COLLEGE PARK
Coach: Travis Raciti
2021 report: 5-5
What to anticipate: A 4-1 report within the league made the Falcons from Faculty Park a protected choose to repeat. The selection grew to become even simpler after one realized Gavin O’Leary, who caught 14 touchdowns, ran for 4 scores, and in addition threw three extra as an emergency quarterback is again for his senior yr. He was named to final yr’s all-Bay Space Information Group group as a utility participant. One other incredible athlete is 6-4 sophomore Tony Keck, a switch from Alhambra whom his coach stated is being recruited by high-profile schools. Quarterback Brady Mead ought to simply surpass the two,000-yard mark throwing to these targets. Edge rusher Keith Brown had 10 sacks final season and will likely be in search of a repeat efficiency this yr.
Season opener: Sept. 2 at Foothill, 7 p.m.
No. 2 ALHAMBRA
Coach: Alan Hern
2021 report: 2-8
What to anticipate: After a tough season in 2021, Alhambra moved into what must be smoother waters — i.e. the Valley Division. Coach Hern’s group will likely be led by senior quarterback Daniel Delgado, whom he described as “athletic and quick with a robust arm.” Operating again Jaxson Allred enters his junior yr as a two-way contributor at linebacker, whereas Niko Smith is anticipated to interrupt out in his senior yr. Linebacker Omar Martinez is a thumper who “is massive and bodily.”
Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. Hercules, 7:30 p.m.
No. 3 BEREAN CHRISTIAN
Coach: Mark Barcelon
2021 report: 4-6
What to anticipate: The Eagles flirted with a successful season, having gained three straight earlier than dropping their remaining sport to Cloverdale within the playoffs to complete 4-6. Anticipated to be again is Nehi Pitters, who must be working behind 235-pound senior Noah Peterson on the offensive line. Defensively, junior security Hunter Inkster ought to roam the secondary whereas linebacker Jake Cliatt is anticipated to name the alerts nearer to the road.
Season opener: Aug. 26 at St. Patrick-St. Vincent, 7 p.m.
No. 4 CONCORD
Coach: Paul Reynaud
2021 report: 1-9
What to anticipate: The Minutemen struggled final season, however in addition they most likely weren’t practically as dangerous as their report confirmed. In spite of everything, Harmony misplaced two of its video games by one rating. The group might flip these sorts of losses into wins because of a pair of senior linebackers in Fredriko Naranjo and Sean Murphy. Coach Reynaud known as Murphy “a pacesetter on and off the sector.” Dotting the ends of the defensive position are senior tandem Fabian Lopez and Keoni Caban, who each totaled 2.5 sacks. Junior working again Monte Beam ran for eight touchdowns and his coach stated the three-year starter “improved in power and pace this offseason after working observe within the spring.”
Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. Newark Memorial, 7 p.m.
No. 5 MT. DIABLO
Coach: Donald James
2021 report: 4-7
What to anticipate: It was a troublesome yr for the Pink Devils in 2021, however this season could also be completely different. Anticipated to make a distinction is flexible athlete Jalen Sutton-Brown, who performed large receiver, nook, and halfback final season. D’Angelo Jerome Jr. was one other Pink Satan who lined up in a number of spots. He thumps within the center as a 230-pound linebacker, whereas additionally working tacklers over as a again. Very like Sutton-Brown, Willie Ward is a small however do-it-all participant who flies across the subject at DB and working again.
Season opener: Aug. 26 vs. Lathrop, 7 p.m.
No. 6 YGNACIO VALLEY
Coach: Rae Jackson Sr.
2021 report: 0-10
What to anticipate: The Wolves can solely get higher after going winless final season. New coach Rae Jackson Sr. stated this yr is all about establishing a tradition. Jairo Torres, at 6-3 and 275 kilos, is among the finest gamers on the offensive line and was known as “somebody who's rising as a group chief” by Jackson Sr. Freshman Romel Laureano brings a rugby background to the backfield, and his coach stated “individuals are gonna be fairly amazed” by Laureano’s talents. Maurilio Herreriar can be anticipated to play a giant function in what may very well be a youthful group.
Season opener: Aug. 27 at Washington-San Francisco, 2 p.m.
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