Top players & predicted order of finish in a division that includes Pioneer, Branham, Piedmont Hills and others
BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE’S SANTA TERESA-FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 PIONEER
Coach: Eric Perry
2021 record: 8-3
What to expect: If there’s something that helps a longtime coach like Eric Perry sleep at night, it’s probably the knowledge he has a top-notch quarterback under center in Gage Houser. One coach called the transfer from Hawaii the best player in the league. Houser will throw to wideouts Ethan Schweizer and Anthony Stoopenkoff, whom Perry says “is ready to have a breakout year for us.” Ryan Given is a pass-rusher who one coach in the BVAL says has the potential to get double-digit sacks after he took down seven last season. Expect Pioneer to be the class of their league for at least another year.
Season Opener: Aug. 26 at Santa Teresa, 7 p.m.
No. 2 BRANHAM
Coach: Stephen Johnson
2021 record: 6-4
What to expect: Branham returns the majority of its offense, including 6-3 senior passer Willy Augenstein, who will be protected by junior blockers Brady Edwards and Gabe Morgan. The team will have an inexperienced secondary this year and will rely on linebacker Mateo Poso to go sideline to sideline. One coach called Poso the best player in the league. Coach Johnson called strong safety Zac Van Gelder “the smartest football player on the field by a mile” and will have a multifaceted role from the slot. Branham starts their season with what should be a solid Cupertino squad in late August.
Season Opener: Aug. 25 vs. Cupertino, 7 p.m.
No. 3 PIEDMONT HILLS
Coach: Matt Kiesle
2021 record: 5-5
What to expect: Piedmont returns their core, which starts with dual-threat QB Raymond Heredia, who threw for 10 touchdowns and also ran for 380 yards. Two-way star Angel Maciel is back from injury and Kiesle says “he is an explosive receiver and an excellent cover corner.” Isais Garcia is transitioning to linebacker, and has an opportunity to take over for the graduated Isaac Nirza at halfback. Kiesle will be relying on a crop of talented JV players to make the leap. One of those is junior tight end Brian Warnsley, who he said can play in the slot as well.
Season Opener: Aug. 26 vs. Willow Glen, 7 p.m.
No. 4 GILROY
Coach: Tim Pierleoni
2021 record: 5-4
What to expect: Gilroy’s first year in the BVAL should be a welcome challenge for the Mustangs, who bring back studs like senior wideout Chimezie Elias, a two-way player who led the team in receptions and yards last season. Mauling blocker Sam Hernandez has started for two years on the line and will open holes for halfback Jonathan Gongora. Junior linebacker Tyler Hodges will call signals from the middle for the third consecutive season. Their maiden season in the BVAL will see them host Live Oak and Carmel before they travel to North Salinas.
Season Opener: Aug. 27 vs. Live Oak, 7 p.m.
No. 5 SILVER CREEK
Coach: Steven Avelar
2021 record: 4-6
What to expect: New coach Steven Avelar inherits a team that’s undergone some turnover. However, there are still several players who are expected to be difference-makers, especially on the offensive line. Headley brothers Kyler, Quinton and Ethan will all start and “are looking to serve up pancakes” according to their coach. Trajan Sinatra can both throw bombs and make 60-yard field goals, and Derek Taylor will line up at every spot in Avelar’s offense.
Season Opener: Aug. 26 vs. Hillsdale, 7 p.m.
No. 6 INDEPENDENCE
Coach: Ali Bhatti
2021 record: 2-8
What to expect: Coach Bhatti said this year’s Independence team “won’t be the most athletic team” in the league but that his squad thrives off physicality. Dawson Lai is a senior who can play anywhere on the field as both a linebacker and skill position player. Bhatti said senior center Nick Garcia “sets the tone in the trenches” and that safety Jordan Pagaduan is a junior who “will be involved in the passing game this year” as a tight end. The coach is expecting quarterback Christian Lorenzo’s hard work during the summer to pay off. The 76ers won only two games last season but can double their win total with a more seasoned signal caller.
Season Opener: Aug. 26 at Los Altos, 7 p.m.
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