As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 HAYWARD
Coach: Virgil Hart
2023 record: 7-3
What to expect: There’s no denying Hayward’s athleticism, especially in the trenches. Jayden Hoskins, Tevita Paongo and Anthony Wadley are returning players who play on the offensive and defensive lines. Michael Hourel Flores will add more explosiveness as a run-stopping defensive tackle. Linebacker Mateaki Paongo led Hayward in tackles (87), tackles for a loss (14) and sacks (three) en route to a 2023 MVAL/WACC Mission defensive player of the year award. Coach Virgil Hart said he will rely on young skill players such as sophomore quarterback Jaydyn Irving and junior running back Maurice Hall to grow into their roles as the season progresses. The Farmers open the season with three road games before playing six of seven games at home to close the season.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Bethel, 7 p.m.
No. 2 PIEDMONT
Coach: Jordan Seiden
2023 record: 7-4
What to expect: The Highlanders strung together a winning season in 2023 that ended with a MVAL/WACC Shoreline Division championship after the program nearly folded a year earlier because of injuries and low participation. The strength this year will be in the defensive trenches as lineman Jordan Alemania, edge rusher Isaiah Ortiz and linebacker Cash Elmquist – each an all-league honoree in 2023 – will anchor a senior-heavy defense. The offense will run through wide receiver Sam Shelby, who finished last season with more than 1,600 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. All-league quarterback Markos Lagios and running back Tommy Ashton will add dynamic playmaking. Coach Jordan Seiden said he’s “hoping to build off of the momentum of last year after winning the league.”
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Salesian, 7 p.m.
No. 3 WASHINGTON-FREMONT
Coach: Fernando Sotelo
2023 record: 5-5
What to expect: Senior quarterback Esean Johnson is in his third season as a starter. He earned all-league second-team honors in 2023 and is a “great leader, excellent athlete and decision maker,” coach Fernando Sotelo said. Receiver Anakin Schneider and all-league running back Cameron Redd will provide a one-two punch to the offense. The Huskies’ defense will be led by junior linebacker Zamari Greogry, sophomore free safety Brian Bullock and junior strong safety Joseph Guerra.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Novato, 7 p.m.
No. 4 IRVINGTON
Coach: Anthony Jackson
2023 record: 5-5
What to expect: Irvington had a lot of returning talent on offense. First-team all-league running back Matty Forbes figures to be the focal point of the Fremont school’s attack. He’ll be running behind all-league offensive lineman Adrian Perkins and Agustin Sedano. Junior receiver Ethan Insixiengmay will provide a reliable option in the passing game. The Vikings have not had a losing season since 2019.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Gunderson, 7:15 p.m.
No 5 KENNEDY-FREMONT
Coach: Brenton Hagood
2023 record: 7-3
What to expect: Coach Brenton Hagood could have his hands full as he tries to replace six of the team’s nine all-league players from last season. But the cupboard is not empty. All-league defensive tackle Jacob Dominguez will anchor a physical defensive line. On the second level, all-league senior linebacker Alexander Ramirez will look to build on a solid 2023 season, when he finished with 60 tackles and a sack. Junior Jaden Roman is making a switch from wide receiver to tight end, which could open up the Titans’ passing game.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Mt. Eden, 7 p.m.
No. 6 NEWARK MEMORIAL
Coach: Brad Tubbs
2023 record: 6-4
What to expect: The Cougars bring back a talented group on defense with returners in many key positions. All-league linebacker Gerardo Zavala Rangel, one of the team’s captains, is in his third year as a starter. Defensive lineman Christian Ortiz and Alex Garcia earned all-Shoreline honors last season and are slated to be two senior leaders this year. Defensive back Leki Vaka is a versatile perimeter defender who causes havoc to opposing receivers. All-league receiver Ivan Takhar should be a key contributor to the offense. Newark has just two home games on the schedule this season, with its final six on the road.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Concord, 7:30 p.m.
