WIth scrimmages out of the way and school starting, I thought I'd post a 2023 WCAL Football Outlook. All the WCAL teams look to have very strong non-league schedules. Some even scheduling teams from SoCal like Helix-San Diego (SF), Cathedral Catholic-SD (SI) St. Bonaventure-Ventura (Riordan) Who do you got and why? Will @Rmbr26 make his long awaited return with his astute assessments?
- Serra - returns arguably its best senior class in the program's history. Serra returns the WCAL QB of the year (Smith); OLB of the Year (Alapati), TE of the year (Harrison); DB of the year (Bey); Utility of the year (Green) and Jr of the Year (Mann). Tough preseason slate that kicks off with Folsom, DLS and Central Catholic also prepare the Padres for the WCAL Gauntlet, WCAL Playoffs (err CCS Open) and NorCal /State Open Run.
- Riordan - Coach Ravipati enters his 2nd year and this is now his team. With an already solid returning core, the Crusaders bring in a host of highly recruited 3 and 4 star transfers. The program looks promising for the future as it welcomes one its strongest freshmen class since 2016. 3 freshmen already have D1 offers! The teams strengths look to be its offensive line, QB (Mitchell Jr) and WR/DBs (Jackson, Wedeymuller, Jones). Depth also appears very much improved as Riordan was decimated from injuries to its top players last year. On paper, Riordan possesses size, speed and talent and should have a break out year. The Crusader Coaching Staff seems up to the task to bring this team together.
- St. Francis - Tough call to make as I almost took the Lancers @ 2nd ahead of Riordan. SF appears to reload every year like Serra. Great story with SF's QB Knapp and his recovery. The Lancers found another power rb in jr Keanaaina last season as he lit it up the second half of the season. Team defense, a power I offense and depth remain hallmarks of the Lancers.
- Bellarmine - new coach Diaz-Infante takes over for Beauchman. Bells lose their power rb and top DE and LB but return its qb Threatt, WR, TE and leading tackler from last season.
- St. Ignatius - the other Jesuit school also has a new coach in Vandermade replacing longtime coach Regalia. SI brings back its qb (Hummel) who started as a soph last year. He teams up with their leading receiver (St. Gemme) from last year and will be protected by a very good OL led by Mills (several D1 offers) and overall strong junior class that includes hard hitting LB Hunkin.
- Valley Christian - The Warriors look to bounce back from last years 0-WCAL record. They bring back a bunch of returners led by its hulk OL (Taulealea) and fireplug RB (Eke). VC lost its Qb to transfer, but gain a promising WR that comes over from Serra and has dubbed himself Megatron.
- SHC- The Irish lose a majority of both its offensive firepower and defensive prowess and speed in losing Mixon, Sanders and Miller to graduation. They bring back 4year varsity player McGrath and is protected by a huge OL led by Young and Hatch. Some key returners include Salgado and Irons at WR/DB.
- Mitty - The Monarchs also lose their top weapons in QB and WRs, but return its starting Rb (Cenzel). Coach Sullivan will have his squad ready to compete and perhaps surprise the league again with a strong campaign.
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