The BVAL’s Santa Teresa Division has been one of the better leagues in the Central Coast Section outside of the area’s top divisions, and this year may be the strongest class the BVAL’s middle division has seen. Five of the league’s teams boast victories over Mt. Hamilton opponents, and the eight teams have combined for a 20-4 record in nonleague play.
Branham (2-1)
One of the younger teams around, the Bruins are led by junior running backs Cameron Rynhard (58 carries-545 yards, seven touchdowns) and Pati Wolfgramm (33-212). A sophomore, Nick Bandanza, starts at quarterback for the Bruins and has thrown for an even 300 yards over his first three games.
Del Mar (3-0)
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Dons as of late as been that they’ve gotten a little bit better each of the last few years, no matter who graduates. So for this year, Jason Bumbaca’s team is a defensive-minded unit. The 13 points that Santa Teresa scored last week is the most the Dons have allowed, and the 28 total points allowed over three nonleague games is good for third-best in the entire Central Coast Section. Offensively, Del Mar operates almost exclusively on the ground, with Michael Graham III (53 carries-401 yards) and Isaac Black (46-354) leading the rushing attack.
Gunderson (2-1)
First-year head coach Sal Munoz already has the Grizzlies one win shy of last year’s total, but last year’s team also went 2-1 in nonleague play before dropping six of seven in the Santa Teresa Division. Quarterback Bobby Ruiz has thrown for 254 yards and ran for 134, while Will Lemasters has 258 rushing yards on 34 carries. Sophomore Emmanuel Ramirez is the team;s top receiver so far, with six catches for 110 yards.
Independence (3-0)
After some lean years, the 76ers are looking like a serious contender for the league title, a fitting place for the section’s largest school. A rivalry win over Piedmont Hills capped off the nonleague slate for Independence, the first time the 76ers had beaten the Pirates since 2011. Jonathan Medina leads Independence’s three-headed rushing attack, having already collected 330 yards on 65 carries. Dylan Oliver (35-268) and Jordan Ausbie (24-201) round out the offense. Independence has thrown just 36 times over the first three games, so expect those three to be carrying the ball almost every play.
Leigh (2-1)
After taking their lumps last year in the Mt. Hamilton Division, the Longhorns seem to be on a proper level now. They use a healthy mix of runs and passes, with quarterback Kyle Albert (253 passing yards, five touchdowns) and running back Eric Elizondo (43 carries, 332 yards). Should Leigh be able to find some depth, the Longhorns will be one of the toughest teams in the league.
Overfelt (3-0)
After being promoted from the West Valley Division, nobody would have expected the Royals to come on so strong, but with wins over Piedmont Hills and Menlo, Carlo Maningo’s squad suddenly looks like one of the best teams in the BVAL. Ulysses Alvardo is Overfelt’s bell cow, with 568 rushing yards on 67 carries through games. Laron Morris (39 carries-205 yards) and Niko Iosefa (26-219) have also been key contributors in the rushing game, and Iosefa has been a key contributor on defense, leading the team with 29 tackles. Iosefa, Joel Ortiz and Melvon Bellard are the leaders of a defense that has already forced nine turnovers. Overfelt hasn’t passed much this year, but Ulysses Reyes has already thrown for 331 yards.
Silver Creek (3-0)
The Raiders always seem to be a top defensive team, and this year’s group is no different, having allowed just 34 points over three nonleague games, including a win over Lincoln. Alejandro Flores has completed 43 of 66 passes for 664 yards, and he’s already thrown for five touchdowns without an interception. Silver Creek now sits in a similar position to last year, entering Santa Teresa play with a perfect nonleague record, but last year’s team went 1-6 in league play, with a pair of six-point losses in a five-game losing streak.
Willow Glen (2-1)
Offense has carried the Rams so far, with Isaiah Basurto completing 42 of 63 passes for 518 yards and already racking up five touchdowns. Through three games, Willow Glen’s offense has an exact 50-50 mix of runs and passes, with 64 rushing plays and 64 passing plays. At the skill positions, Tyler Hawkins has been the answer for both rushing and receiving. He’s got 199 yards on the ground, 129 on receptions and three touchdowns. If Hawkins and Basurto can continue to excel, the Rams may be on their way to a second straight playoff appearance.
