Coming off last year's post-season showing, which included CIF title game berths for both Serra and Valley Christian, the idea that the top teams could be even better in 2017 has to be a scary proposition for other schools throughout the Central Coast Section. And yet, that is exactly the scenario with fully reloaded rosters at Serra and Saint Francis, plus defenses at Valley Christian and Mitty which could certainly be special, and coaching changes at Riordan and Sacred Heart Cathedral. And none of these programs are likely to rest on their laurels from previous successes.
"The guys we have now have to create their own history," said Serra coach Patrick Walsh. "I'm really proud of the way they have worked this off-season, and excited to see what the year holds."
Bellarmine also brings back a few key returners, as does Saint Ignatius, giving each team hope headed into another round of the gauntlet that is the West Catholic Athletic League.
ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN (2-8, 0-7)
First-year head coach Jay'Sen Morris takes over for the departed Kevin Fordon, but the rest of the staff remains intact for the Crusaders, and Morris himself enters his seventh year with the program. One of Riordan's key returners is certainly senior linebacker Lasa Tofi, who was an all-league selection in each of the last two seasons. As a three-year starter, Tofi has kept the team focused on the task at hand.
"We can't look at the past successes or struggles," Tofi said. "We have just been focusing on looking forward and putting in the hard work."
Abdam Abdelghani returns at quarterback after gaining some experience last year as a freshman, while the offensive backfield is strengthened by the return of seniors Max Mezie and Garrison Howe, the team's two leading rushers last year. As a returning starter on both sides of the ball, Mezie has stepped up into a leadership role throughout the off-season, as a team captain.
"We talk a lot about holding each other to a higher standard this year," stated Mezie.
Another key returner and team captain is senior Mel Faaleava, who is back at tight end and defensive line. Faaleava was a force getting into opposing backfields last fall. He is joined by senior defensive lineman Demanuel Taulauti.
Offensively, senior receiver Jordon Fox should be a key target, as will Travis Benham, as the Crusaders must replace their top three receivers from last year. Fox also starts in the defensive secondary.
ARCHBISHOP MITTY (7-6, 3-4)
The Monarchs lose a trio of key offensive contributors from last year's team which reached the CCS Open II championship game, but also get back a couple of key playmakers, including junior receiver/safety Joseph Vaughn and tight end/defensive end Nick Alftin, an early Cal commit.
Junior Chaz Saens is another key returner in the offensive backfield, where he will be joined by a new quarterback, either senior Clay Crisafulli or sophomore Shamir Bey. Whoever does start behind center will have Vaughn, Alftin, and senior Jake Serpa as key targets in the passing game.
Vaughn is also back at safety for the Monarchs, after racking up 98 tackles last fall, but the front seven of the Mitty defense figures to be what will drive any success. Alftin, senior Gabe Meza, and senior Tyler Laton combined for 48 tackles for a loss last season. Senior Lemuel Marucot is another key returner with Vaughn in the secondary, as is 6-foot-3 senior Alex Sloan.
The Monarchs will start their season against Sacramento on Friday, August 25.
BELLARMINE (7-5, 4-3)
The Bells, led by head coach Michael Janda, are coming off of a fourth-place finish in the WCAL last year, along with a semifinal exit from the CCS Open 1 playoffs at the hands of Menlo-Atherton. The silver lining in that? Bellarmine does not have to wait long to face the Bears, opening the season against them.
One of the biggest returners for the Bells is senior lineman Cade Hall, who was the league's Most Valuable Defensive Lineman last fall. He is joined again by 6-foot-3 senior running back Austin Ajiake, who was explosive last season. Both players hold Division I college offers.
Bellarmine does have to replace Ike Ogbogu at quaterback, with senior Jack Devine as the only returner listed on the roster at the position.
SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL (2-8, 1-6)
Led by new head coach Barry McLaughlin, the Fightin' Irish will be looking to 12 returning starters, including top players at every key position, to improve on last year's record.
6-foot-2 two-way standout Aer’on Mitchell leads the cast of returners, and he figures to be an impact player in the running game, passing game, and in the defensive secondary. He is joined again in the backfield by last year's leading rusher, junior Anthony Heard, while quarterback Will Irons also returns for his senior season. Irons threw for 1,011 yards and eight touchdowns last year.
Senior Ronan Orford is yet another top returner at the skill positions for the Irish, after leading the team in receiving last year. 6-foot-3, 300-pound senior Sami Nazzal anchors the offensive line.
Defensively, the return of senior linebacker Zack Lealao is a huge boost, after he led the team in tackles last year. He is joined by two other seniors at the position, Uriah Ulia and AJ Alston, forming an experienced group in the middle of the defense. The secondary is also a blend of experience and talent, with Mitchell joined by Herbert Boston and Andres Ruiz as top returners.
SHC opens its season against Fernley-NV on August 25.
SAINT FRANCIS (10-2, 6-1)
Coming off of a share of the WCAL championship and an appearance in the CCS Open 2 semifinals, the Lancers are considered one of the top teams in not just the league, but all of the Central Coast Section entering this season.
Senior quarterback Reed Vettel returns to lead the offense, where he will have plenty of talent at his disposal. Top playmakers Cyrus Habibi-Likio and Bennett Williams may have graduated, but juniors Darrell Page and Opeti Fangupo form a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield, while 6-foot-2 junior Maurice Wilmer figures to be a key figure in the passing game. The offense will also benefit from a pair of 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight ends, senior Junior Fehoko and junior Josh Pakola. Both players should be factors as blockers and receivers.
The interior of the Saint Francis line could make a claim to be among the best in Northern California, with both Tyler Manoa and Alex Waddell back as senior leaders. Manoa is also a force defensively at his tackle position, while Fehoko and Pakola also make for a pair of intimidating outside linebackers. Wilmer and senior strong safety Lucas Andrighetto are among the leaders in the defensive secondary.
The Lancers will start their season against Oak Grove on Friday, August 25.
SAINT IGNATIUS (4-6, 2-5)
After graduating their biggest offensive weapons from last season, the Wildcats will turn to a strong cast of juniors, along with some key senior leaders, in their quest for improvement in 2017.
"The overall leadership has been strong, and it has started with our senior class," said head coach John Regalia. "As a whole, they have taken charge and set the expectations of our team and program. We have seen some great growth both physically and in the area of leadership from each senior."
Among those senior leaders expected to contribute on the field are 6-foot-3 defensive end/receiver David Woodruff, 6-foot-2 defensive lineman Malachy McAleese, and 6-foot receiver Jack Thomson.
They join a solid corps of returning juniors who played on the varsity as sophomores, including last year's WCAL Sophomore of the Year, three-sport standout Jaedon Roberts. Junior running back Mark Biggins is another of the key returners in the junior class, along with Dalton Mitchell and two-way lineman Jack Dyke.
Senior Ryan Kohmann is expected to be a factor on the line, while Aidan Banfield returns in the secondary and Dearan Roche should be a boost for the special teams.
The Wildcats open up their season against Clovis East on Friday, August 25.
SERRA (10-5, 6-1)
The Padres are coming off arguably one of their best seasons in history, highlighted by a WCAL championship, a CCS Open 2 championship, and a berth in a state title game. Though they are losing a great playmaker in Leki Nunn to San Jose State, they have an experienced junior quarterback in Luke Bottari. Bottari saw a ton of action last year due to an injured Nunn.
On the defensive side of the football, Lucas Hackett- Provenzano and EJ Lahlou are guys that coach Patrick Walsh sees being key contributors week in and week out.
“Lucas Hackett-Provenzano is a senior who got a lot of playing time last year, but will have to step up on defense for us this year," Walsh commented. "And EJ Lahlou, who we brought up last season, will have to fill the shoes of T.C. "Beastie" Lavulo at the Mike linebacker spot and is a critical player for the Padre defense.”
The Serra offense, meanwhile, figures to be among the most explosive in Northern California, not only with the return of Bottari, but with the playmakers he has back at his disposal. That includes record-breaking receiver Shane Villaroman, Washington State commit Patrick Nunn, and tailback Isiah Kendrick. The offensive line is anchored by 6-foot-4, 320-pound Cal commit Nio Mafi, while the defensive line is bolstered by not only Mafi, but also the return of all-league senior Nick Brown. Columbia commit Chris Park is a key returner in the secondary.
Last season, the Padres survived multiple close games, and dropped a close one in the state title game. This year's group wants to avoid those tense finishes.
"We don't want those games to be close at all this year," Mafi said. "We want to dominate all four quarters, and not leave it to one play or one call at the end."
Junipero Serra opens up its season on August 26 at St. Mary’s-Stockton.
VALLEY CHRISTIAN (13-2, 6-1)
Another one of the WCAL programs seeking greater success in 2017, Valley Christian is coming off a share of the WCAL championship, along with a CCS Open 3 title. With such a successful season last year, head coach Mike Machado preached to his team about getting better every day in the off-season.
The Warriors did graduate some key parts from last year's offensive backfield, including quarterback Miles Kendrick and running backs Javon Sturns and Isaiah Rodriguez.
"A job in the offseason was to find a quarterback," Machado commented. "Our quarterbacks have gotten better and Juan Turner is now the starter.”
The other backfield positions should be strong with the return of senior fullback Connor Edgar and senior tailback Nikolas Trofort. Meanwhile, two-way threats Alton Julian and D'Angelo McKenzie join 6-foot-5 junior tight end Skylar Loving-Black as top targets in the passing game. The offensive line is anchored by senior two-way standout Daniel Machado.
The Warriors' defense is a unit that could really be special this season. RJ Stone is one of the most feared pass rushers at defensive end, with the rangy Loving-Black opposite Stone. Edgar is a key returner at linebacker. The secondary, meanwhile, might be the best in the region, with Julian, McKenzie, and Charlie Bostic all back to shut down opposing receivers.
The Warriors will be at Manteca on August 25 to start their 2017 campaign.
Records displayed are from 2016 season. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
