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 PITTSBURG
Coach: Charlie Ramirez
2023 record: 13-1
What to expect: Pittsburg is easily one of the Bay Area’s most talented teams as the East Bay school is loaded with Division I college prospects. Four-star safety and UCLA commit Jadyn Hudson will anchor a defense that includes three-star lineman Jewelous Walls, San Diego State commit LB Etene Pritchard and all-league lineman Bradley Ruffin. Defensive backs Truly Bell and Dominik Calhoun are impact players who have offers from Power Four schools. The offense will be led by the reigning BVAL offensive player of the year Marley Alcantara, who passed for 2,675 yards and 37 touchdowns. Pittsburg’s offense will have plenty of options in the skill position spots with running backs Elijah Bow (1,296 yards and 15 TDs) and Washington State commit Jamar Searcy (971 yards and 10 TDs), as well as wide receivers Makari Kenion and RJ Mosley II. Pittsburg non-league schedule is no cakewalk. The Pirates face teams like Monterrey Trail, Bishop Manogue-Reno, Archbishop Riordan, St. John Bosco and Los Gatos before going into league play.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Monterey Trail, 7:15 p.m.
No. 2 LIBERTY
Coach: Mike Cable
2023 record: 7-3
What to expect: Liberty’s ground game will be the focal point with running back Jaxon Bell returning for his junior season. The all-BVAL first-team selection led the league in rushing yards (1,537) and rushing touchdowns (25). Bell will run behind Cal-committed tackle Mike Klisiewicks, whom coach Mike Cable labeled as the “best offensive lineman in the league.” Senior quarterback Sage Robertson will be under center for the second straight year. The linebacker duo of Zaire Calhoun and Richie Beltram provides athleticism in the second level. Wide receiver/defensive back Chris Joe was team defensive MVP last season and is slated to be a key target for Robertson in the passing game as well as the team’s leader in the defensive secondary. Much like Pittsburg, Liberty opens with a challenging non-league schedule that includes Los Gatos, Tracy, Amador Valley and Clayton Valley.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Frontier-Bakersfield, 7 p.m.
No. 3 HERITAGE
Coach: Dave Fogelstrom
2023 record: 5-7
What to expect: Heritage will be one of the league’s most experienced teams going into this season, returning 23 players that were a part of last season’s North Coast Section Division II playoff run. The offense will run through senior quarterback Phillip Babbitt, who threw for 1,248 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. Senior running back Mekhi Adanandus will be a playmaker out of the backfield after rushing for 1,012 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Adanandus will form a nice combo with junior back Ilias Muhammad, whom coach Dave Fogelstrom said “has lived in the weight room, worked on his speed, and is excited to have him at full strength.” Senior tackle Cole Wetherbee fortifies the offensive line as a third-year starter. Wide receiver JJ Kinnaird and tight ends Charlie Blaise and Peyton Donleavy will be keys in the passing game.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Foothill, 7 p.m.
No. 4 ANTIOCH
Coach: Brett Dudley
2023 record: 7-3
What to expect: Antioch returns many of its explosive playmakers from last season, including running back Curtis Tucker, who earned all-league honors after rushing for 730 yards and seven touchdowns. All-league receiver Kha’Mahri Jones and tight end Angel Buezo will give Antioch options on the perimeter. The Panthers will also be strong in the trenches with junior Capone Liufau, sophomore Deshawn Streeter and senior all-league selection Jamall Burks set to anchor the offensive line. On defense, Antioch will have last season’s defensive MVP Jai’maun Glover (secondary) and all-league defensive tackle Greg Orr leading a young unit.
Season opener: Aug. 31 at Arroyo, 2 p.m.
No. 5 DEER VALLEY
Coach: Matt Mills
2023 record: 4-6
What to expect: Deer Valley will rely heavily on the development of some of its younger players as the Antioch school returns just seven seniors. Sundiata Walker, a 6-4, 200-pound junior quarterback, will lead an offense that will lean on the passing game, according to coach Matt Mills. Wide receivers Gabriel Reis and Erick De La O are the expected starters on the outside. Junior Jaylan Bryant is slated to be the team’s starter at running back, as well as a key contributor on special teams. Leading the offensive line will be center Khalil Garrett, who started as sophomore last season. Senior Marcell McNairy will look to provide veteran leadership at linebacker.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Mt. Diablo, 7 p.m.
No. 6 FREEDOM
Coach: Stephen Rodriguez
2023 record: 1-9
What to expect: Freedom will look to hit the reset button under first-year coach Stephen Rodriguez. Senior QB Myles Hunt provides the offense with a big arm and smart playmaking. Senior defensive back Christian Richards adds veteran leadership to a defense that had its struggles last season. The Oakley school will get tested early, playing Lincoln-Stockton, Maria Carrillo, Vanden and Rancho Cotate – all playoff teams in 2023 – to open its first four games. The Falcons are aiming for their first winning season since 2018.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Lincoln-Stockton, 7 p.m.
