BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE SANTA TERESA-FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 BRANHAM
Coach: Stephen Johnson
2022 record: 11-2
What to expect: If the Bruins are to claim a second consecutive Foothill title, great play along both lines will be a big reason why after the graduation of several key contributors from last year’s 11-win team. Johnson said senior Gabe Morgan “has a ceiling as high as any of them” and that the 6-2, 235-pounder could take snaps at quarterback when not lining up at guard and strong safety. Seniors Kodi Fowler and Brady Edwards headline an experienced offensive line. Francis Mone, who is 330 pounds, will anchor the defensive line after recording 12 TFL last season. Senior Elias Antillon had over 1,600 yards from scrimmage with 10 touchdowns last season, and Johnson said he will be utilized as both a runner and receiver.
Season opener: Aug. 24 vs. Cupertino, 7:15 p.m.
No. 2 PIEDMONT HILLS
Coach: Matt Kiesle
2022 record: 3-7
What to expect: Piedmont Hills had four sophomores make the all-league team in 2022, and that core of young players are expected to lead a title push for the Pirates. Coach Matt Kiesle described his team as “young but talented.” Junior Alonzo Johnson was an all-league defensive end while also leading the team in receiving. Fellow junior Bubba Ortiz led Foothill Division in sacks as the other defensive end. Linemen Andres Sepulveda and Leo Saludo are expected to contribute on both sides of the ball. Kiesle said wide receiver Jonas Petty could surprise with his track speed (10.85 in the 100-meters as a sophomore).
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Willow Glen, 7:15 p.m.
No. 3 PIONEER
Coach: Eric Perry
2022 record: 8-3
What to expect: The Mustangs have won eight games in each of the past two seasons, and junior running back Jesse Herrera will be a big reason why if they repeat that feat. He rushed for 506 yards and five touchdowns in six games before an injury ended his season early. Junior WR Brady Montgomery averaged over 20 YPC and should be the team’s top option in the passing game. Perry expects senior Marcus Perez to be the defensive leader at strongside linebacker, with senior lineman James Ventura seeing time on both sides of the ball. Perry is excited about Damian Flores’ athleticism at quarterback after the senior made the switch from being an all-league DB. Pioneer starts its season with a matchup against reigning NorCal 6-AA champion Santa Teresa.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. Santa Teresa, 7:15 p.m.
No. 4 GILROY
Coach: Dillon Babb
2022 record: 4-6
What to expect: First-year head coach Dillon Babb says his team will rely on speed, not brute strength, to win games. That strategy could work with standouts such as four-year starter Tyler Hodges, whom Babb called “the heart and soul of the team” at linebacker. Senior quarterback Talan Warren is back and will throw to quick receivers such as junior Jaime Gonzalez and senior Nathaniel Neander. Babb described Neander as the team’s “game-changer” on the outside. Jacob Reynaga, a junior, will be asked to cover slot receivers while also playing a big role in run defense this season.
Season opener: Aug. 24 at Live Oak, 7:15 p.m.
No. 5 SILVER CREEK
Coach: Eric Luescher
2022 record: 3-7
What to expect: Senior Trajan Sinatra made a name for himself this summer as a kicker, booting a ball 55 yards at the Chris Sailer kickers camp in July. He will also have an opportunity to shine at quarterback, where he can throw to junior wideout Austin Price. Senior defensive lineman Loni Ongolea Jr. is a force at 230 pounds, and senior linemen Kyler Headley and Quinton Headley will lead the offensive line. Senior Joshua Rodriguez will line up at running back, wide receiver, and DB. Silver Creek is seeking its first winning season since 2019.
Season opener: Aug. 25 at Evergreen Valley, 7:15 p.m.
No. 6 INDEPENDENCE
Coach: Jay Braun
2022 record: 1-9
What to expect: The San Jose school scuffled through a one-win season in 2022, but there is still reason for optimism at Independence. The defense is expected to bring back a solid amount of talent. Senior 300-pound defensive tackle Angel Benavidez Palomino is a force in the middle. Secondary could be a strength for Independence, where senior Jordan Pagaduan made first-team all-league and Solomon Bocage made second-team all-league as defensive backs.
Season opener: Aug. 25 vs. San Jose, 7 p.m.