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Does the local angle matter for the Valklyries?

N
Willtalk said:
The unprotected players that they will have access to their first season will not include any of the players listed as being local draws. They will have to wait till their contracts run out and become free agents.
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I was referring to Clay's 10% draw with Brink heading to the bay to play a game each season. She's a GREAT player, but doesn't draw the attention and follow like other players IMHO
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Does the local angle matter for the Valklyries?

N
ClayK said:
I love the NBA. It's the best basketball in the world. The best players come from everywhere to play in it.

I would love the WNBA to get the best talent too ... but there's just not enough money yet.
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I can't stand watching the NBA. Players don't play hard and entitled. I love the pureness of the WNBA. There is still something to prove. I guess the unknown is still appealing to me as there is an upward tick in women's basketball. I'd much rather watch a WNBA game than an NBA game in a Bay View minute...
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Welcome to Folsom

M
THEOC89 said:
You better believe Folsom is going to try to run it up….. They need to so they can make the open due to our Dumb System in Nor Cal with no Open Playoff….

They need to beat Serra worse then DLS does so if both go undefeated there is a Data point so the Dumb Selection Committee can make a choice to hand out an open bid rather then it be earned on the field…..

Not sure if Folsom will get to 50 but wouldn’t be surprised…. Folsom may not have to worry though because DLS will have their hands full with Grant….
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I absolutely hate that what you said is the truth, but it 100% facts.
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WCAL 2024-25 SEASON

M
1.5 teams that schedule well in WCAL this season. Which is 1.5 times more than it was 10 years ago. Folks that live in a bubble, play in a bubble. WCAL will continue to be weak in my mind until the LEAGUE actually schedules well. In other words, the most over-rated league in California, until proven on the field otherwise.
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2024 PCAL Predictions Pt 1.

N
Palma also has another soph RB Isaak Hernandez who will open some eyes and was a beast in the youth leagues and even another soph RB up. The line has some size in 6-7, 325lb. Soph Josiah Castaneda who will be a force and 6-2 265 lbs soph Caden Colon should be a force at some point. There are others up on defense and other line that will be very good on JV. Time will tell and if frosh has talent they should have some good teams over the next few years. Frosh play Mission Prep, Bells and Los Gatos in non league games so they should have relatively strong schedule.
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2024 PCAL Predictions Pt 1.

T
RLS13 said:
PCAL Football_

A quick recap of the PCAL. The Southern CCS is comprised of the PCAL. It is 28 teams from Monterey Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. This year there are 7 teams that comprise the 4 divisions. The Gabilan (A) receives 4 playoff bids, the Mission North(B) 2, the Mission South (B) 2 and the Santa Lucia (C) 1. In most years the 5th place Gabilan team qualifies as an at large team, and my guess so will the best 3rd place team from either the Mission North or Mission South (maybe both?) . PAL-booster and the NASA computer know how CCS at large playoffs are figured out. The League is equity based along with some geography, but this past year there were only a few moves-


2024 Moves

Gabilan (A)- Stayed the same nobody was moved in and nobody moved out.

Mission North (B) – Alisal moved from the Mission South, and Santa Cruz was moved down to Santa Lucia

Mission South (B)- Greenfield was promoted from the Santa Lucia to the Mission South while Alisal was moved up north.

Santa Lucia (C)- Santa Cruz moved in and Greenfield moved out.

Greenfield up and Santa Cuz down make sense. Greenfield won the Santa Lucia league last year and have a had some larger turnouts for their program the past few years. They can compete at the B level. Santa Cruz could barely muster a team last year and had some forfeits. Lots of defects to cross town powerhouse Soquel. Santa Cruz belongs in the C league.

But Carmel, they return most of their weapons from last year including QB, 2WR’s, 1 Athlete and a lineman going to Alabama plus 2 other OL starters. They beat a Gabilan team (Alvarez 35-14) and gave eventual state champion Soquel one of their closest playoff battles. This team should be in the Gabilan. In addition, the 2nd place finisher last year, Alisal, was shipped out and replaced with Greenfield due to geography? Last time I looked Rancho San Juan and North Salinas were way north of Alisal. Carmel admins must have some pictures of somebody…

Gabilan –

This division is up for grabs as I think any of the top 4 teams can take it. Salinas is the reining champion, but Soquel was probably the best team at the end of the season. Monterey has some of the best athletes returning, while Palma no longer plays for Gabilan supremacy but for CCS and state bowl titles. Hollister will be a tough out, I expect Aptos to regress a little bit after legendary coach retired. And Alvarez, well they have over 100 kids in the program

  • Salinas- Most people will disagree with me on this and that’s ok. But until they don’t repeat, I am giving the Coach Zenk the benefit of the doubt. He has built one of the top public-school programs in the CCS and he seems to be able to re-load each year. Until beaten they are my choice for #1
  • Soquel- With the influx of Santa Cruz talent, Soquel probably had the better team at the end of the year than Salinas. But Salinas won the early league matchup. Coach Lowery had built a powerhouse they have replaced Aptos as the best football in Santa Cruz County. They have the toughest schedule.
  • Monterey-They return some of the best skill positions in the Gabilan. They have a chance to do something special here as Coach Besaw has finally brought stability and discipline to this program. Having open enrollment between Marina Seaside and Monterey does not hurt either. Depth up front is their biggest concern.
  • Palma- They will be young this year, but could be very dangerous. @NorCalSportsFan can provide a full summary of all Palma football from this year’s 7th graders all the way back to current President Chris Dalman (Class of 88). In all seriousness, Palma seems to have shifted its focus the past few years from Gabilan titles to CCS and potential state bowl game seeds. It worked last year as they were able get a CCS DIII title, NorCal Bowl title and State Bowl title all while finishing in 4th place.
  • Hollister-It feels it has been a while since Hollister has really challenged for a division title. They did have a good team in 2021, but the consistency has not been there the past 5-6 years. They had a weird loss to Alvarez last year. This is very large school, and the community is passionate about the team, so there is a chance they will be very good just due the amount of kids playing football. I just don’t see them being better than the 4 schools above them.
  • Aptos-Blankenship is a NorCal coaching legend, and his tenure at Aptos will go down in Mainer’s football history. He is now retired. I see Aptos taking a step back this year. Plus the Gabilan is loaded up top that will make wins very difficult under a new regime.
  • Alvarez-Hope Springs Eternal on the Alvarez football field. Every year they hope to be better and compete and every year they end up towards the bottom of the Gabilan. Last time they made the playoff they were in the Mission division. A new coach brings new excitement, but unfortunately, I think the results will be close to the same.
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It would be foolish to not have Salinas at the top of the Gab or even at the top of the county rankings. Until someone knocks them off they belong there. Its a joke Devine put Carmel there in his rankings for the county.

Monterey is the wild card. They've got a lot of talent at the skills positions. Despite losing to SHS last season I thought they were the better team in that game. That will be a really good matchup again. They looked good in their scrimmage against Palma.

Soquel as you said has risen as the new Santa Cruz County power. They lost a lot of studs so we will see how they reload. I know their lower level teams were solid and they are testing themselves early.

Palma we will see. 14 sophomores on varisty is absurd. They've got the size. If Dukes can get loose, they will play with any team. We might see a 300 carry season similar to the old Emilio Martinez and Villegas days if he can stay healthy. They will get better as the year goes on. They likely end up 6-4 and will be a borderline DII/DIII team for playoffs.

The other 3 teams will battle eachother but probably won't compete with the 4 above. It's sad Carmel didn't bump up to Gab and make this a true equity league for a very competitive Gab.
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Welcome to Folsom

M
I agree Serra has an uphill climb in their first 3 games. I also agree Folsom looks like the best team in Norcal.
Serra could be a 5 and 5 Team that nobody will want to see. For some context on the series so far

2 years ago Serra upsets Folsom
last year Serra wins as a slight favorite
this year Folsom 49 - 7 (prediction)
2025 should be very even

Folsom and Riordan have taken on the MD and Bosco model. Not sure how much longer Serra can stay on top without
joining the party in a bigger way than they are now.
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2024 PCAL Predictions Pt 1.

N
RLS13 said:
PCAL Football_

A quick recap of the PCAL. The Southern CCS is comprised of the PCAL. It is 28 teams from Monterey Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. This year there are 7 teams that comprise the 4 divisions. The Gabilan (A) receives 4 playoff bids, the Mission North(B) 2, the Mission South (B) 2 and the Santa Lucia (C) 1. In most years the 5th place Gabilan team qualifies as an at large team, and my guess so will the best 3rd place team from either the Mission North or Mission South (maybe both?) . PAL-booster and the NASA computer know how CCS at large playoffs are figured out. The League is equity based along with some geography, but this past year there were only a few moves-


2024 Moves

Gabilan (A)- Stayed the same nobody was moved in and nobody moved out.

Mission North (B) – Alisal moved from the Mission South, and Santa Cruz was moved down to Santa Lucia

Mission South (B)- Greenfield was promoted from the Santa Lucia to the Mission South while Alisal was moved up north.

Santa Lucia (C)- Santa Cruz moved in and Greenfield moved out.

Greenfield up and Santa Cuz down make sense. Greenfield won the Santa Lucia league last year and have a had some larger turnouts for their program the past few years. They can compete at the B level. Santa Cruz could barely muster a team last year and had some forfeits. Lots of defects to cross town powerhouse Soquel. Santa Cruz belongs in the C league.

But Carmel, they return most of their weapons from last year including QB, 2WR’s, 1 Athlete and a lineman going to Alabama plus 2 other OL starters. They beat a Gabilan team (Alvarez 35-14) and gave eventual state champion Soquel one of their closest playoff battles. This team should be in the Gabilan. In addition, the 2nd place finisher last year, Alisal, was shipped out and replaced with Greenfield due to geography? Last time I looked Rancho San Juan and North Salinas were way north of Alisal. Carmel admins must have some pictures of somebody…

Gabilan –

This division is up for grabs as I think any of the top 4 teams can take it. Salinas is the reining champion, but Soquel was probably the best team at the end of the season. Monterey has some of the best athletes returning, while Palma no longer plays for Gabilan supremacy but for CCS and state bowl titles. Hollister will be a tough out, I expect Aptos to regress a little bit after legendary coach retired. And Alvarez, well they have over 100 kids in the program

  • Salinas- Most people will disagree with me on this and that’s ok. But until they don’t repeat, I am giving the Coach Zenk the benefit of the doubt. He has built one of the top public-school programs in the CCS and he seems to be able to re-load each year. Until beaten they are my choice for #1
  • Soquel- With the influx of Santa Cruz talent, Soquel probably had the better team at the end of the year than Salinas. But Salinas won the early league matchup. Coach Lowery had built a powerhouse they have replaced Aptos as the best football in Santa Cruz County. They have the toughest schedule.
  • Monterey-They return some of the best skill positions in the Gabilan. They have a chance to do something special here as Coach Besaw has finally brought stability and discipline to this program. Having open enrollment between Marina Seaside and Monterey does not hurt either. Depth up front is their biggest concern.
  • Palma- They will be young this year, but could be very dangerous. @NorCalSportsFan can provide a full summary of all Palma football from this year’s 7th graders all the way back to current President Chris Dalman (Class of 88). In all seriousness, Palma seems to have shifted its focus the past few years from Gabilan titles to CCS and potential state bowl game seeds. It worked last year as they were able get a CCS DIII title, NorCal Bowl title and State Bowl title all while finishing in 4th place.
  • Hollister-It feels it has been a while since Hollister has really challenged for a division title. They did have a good team in 2021, but the consistency has not been there the past 5-6 years. They had a weird loss to Alvarez last year. This is very large school, and the community is passionate about the team, so there is a chance they will be very good just due the amount of kids playing football. I just don’t see them being better than the 4 schools above them.
  • Aptos-Blankenship is a NorCal coaching legend, and his tenure at Aptos will go down in Mainer’s football history. He is now retired. I see Aptos taking a step back this year. Plus the Gabilan is loaded up top that will make wins very difficult under a new regime.
  • Alvarez-Hope Springs Eternal on the Alvarez football field. Every year they hope to be better and compete and every year they end up towards the bottom of the Gabilan. Last time they made the playoff they were in the Mission division. A new coach brings new excitement, but unfortunately, I think the results will be close to the same.
Click to expand...
Outstanding ranking and commentary. I actually go all the way back to Palma football as early as 1974/75 a whopping 50 years....crazy to think of it in those terms. My football idols were Chieftains when I was a 7th grader at Palma. Last season Chieftain QB finally matured and took the games into his hands (and emergence of a frosh star RB helped). He was always good (now QB at USD) but seems to have had a late season confidence to run with the ball which added a threat.

Getting my first of two full joint replacements tomorrow and hopefully will recover soon enough to attend some early season league games (Salinas and Soquel are relatively early season games for Palma and hoping to make one of them). Looks like all the early non-league great matchups. I will have to look for video streams. Thank goodness for streaming until then. Looks like I'll have extra time off work to focus on the pickem. Good luck all on a great new season.
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Welcome to Folsom

THEOC89
padrewhipser said:
I agree that serra is going to try and milk the clock at every chance thya get. But I still think Folsom will score over 50 and maybe even run it up after two straight losses. 57-10
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You better believe Folsom is going to try to run it up….. They need to so they can make the open due to our Dumb System in Nor Cal with no Open Playoff….

They need to beat Serra worse then DLS does so if both go undefeated there is a Data point so the Dumb Selection Committee can make a choice to hand out an open bid rather then it be earned on the field…..

Not sure if Folsom will get to 50 but wouldn’t be surprised…. Folsom may not have to worry though because DLS will have their hands full with Grant….
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Welcome to Folsom

THEOC89
colhenrylives said:
On further review, going way, way, way back to the dawn of the WCAL in 1967, it does appear that no Serra varsity QB (as a senior), who is without any meaningful experience as a starter whatsoever, has ever tried to lead his team against a No.1-ranked NorCal team in an opening ballgame. This might have occurred in the ancient CAL days vs. Bellarmine (perhaps but unlikely). But not during the WCAL era. We here at Speculation Central wish this kid well. He has a monumental task staring at him.
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How about this interesting coincidence….

In 2021 DLS was “Reeling” at 4-2 and went on the road to Face a 6-0 #1 Folsom team that was out scoring their opponents 52-8….

DLS’s QB was a converted Lacrosse player who only had JV experience at QB…. DLS won like 30-10 or something….

So I guess that you never know…. 🤣
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Welcome to Folsom

C
On further review, going way, way, way back to the dawn of the WCAL in 1967, it does appear that no Serra varsity QB (as a senior), who is without any meaningful experience as a starter whatsoever, has ever tried to lead his team against a No.1-ranked NorCal team in an opening ballgame. This might have occurred in the ancient CAL days vs. Bellarmine (perhaps but unlikely). But not during the WCAL era. We here at Speculation Central wish this kid well. He has a monumental task staring at him.
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PCAL Predictions part 2

R
(Had to break up the post.)

Mission North-

Like the Gabilan this division should be close. Scott’s valley was the easy favorite this year but have already lost their returning QB1 for the year. This will open the door for MVC, Alisal and Seaside to challenge the Falcons. North County was surprise (at least to me) last year as they did much better than expected, lets hope they can build off that. Watsonville and St. Francis seem to have opposite problems. St. Francis has small numbers but some good playmakers, while Watsonville has big numbers, but lack playmakers .

  • Scott’s Valley- They return their RB1 and have depth on the O line. As with any SV team coached by Louie Walter, their defense will be good. But I read they already lost their QB1 to injury (off-season?). They will be young behind center but should be ok with their ground control offense and solid defense.
  • Monte Vista Christian (MVC)- They return 1 of the top WR QB duos in the CCS. This team will put the ball in the air and score points. The question is depth, they will challenge anybody with their starting 11, but my understanding is the numbers on varsity are small. If they still healthy, they will challenge for the title.
  • Alisal- This program has probably had it most consistent stretch of football ever. That may change as their long-time coach stepped away this year. I hope that it does not, but sometimes these programs (non-football schools) need consistency and it is hard to replace a successful coach. They will still run the same ground and pound ball control veer option. I am looking forward to the Scott’s Valley game. I could see each team getting 2 total possessions for the whole game.
  • Seaside- The open district policy that helps Monterey, hurts Seaside, as they do lose some key players to their crosstown rival. Coach Avila does a great job with this program that is usually light on numbers but big on playmakers. Look for that trend to continue. Do not be surprised if Seaside is challenging again for the division title.
  • North Monterey County- Last year the Condors surprised me. I thought they should have been move down to the Santa Lucia. But the remained competitive in the Mission North. They need to be consistent and disciplined for all 4 Qtrs. There is enough talent coming back to make the playoffs.
  • St. Francis - There are about 250 student at St. Francis. It is one of the smallest 11 man football programs in the CCS. Yet they have made the playoffs and almost won a DV title 3 years ago. This year’s team will be competitive, I just don’t know if they can beet the teams above them.
  • Watsonville. – I have to pick somebody last here, so Watsonville gets it. They have good numbers, but for some reason they just seem so inconstant from year to year. They did manage to “upset” NMC last year. So hopefully they can build off of that.


Mission South-

Carmel is the favorite here, and quite frankly I don’t know if they will be challenged in any league game. 2nd place and a guaranteed playoff spot will be a battle as I believe there are 5 teams that could finish 2nd. A lot of these teams will have smaller numbers so health will be a factor and will probably go a long way in deciding who finishes 2nd.
  • Carmel- They return almost all their playmakers. They have to fill RB1 and some OL spots. QB1 is in his third year running the system and they will score points. Carmel’s philosophy is to outscore you, so Defense is not a priority, but they return 2 all-leaguers in the secondary and don’t be surprised if the #1 OL goes both ways in big games. I will give Carmel some credit for scheduling a competitive non-league schedule. But they should roll through the Mission South.
  • North Salinas- They lost a lot to graduation last year, but still have enough talent and depth coming back that they will make a strong case for 2nd place. The program seem to have turned a corner and is starting to play consistent football every year, as opposed to 1 year on 1 year off.
  • Soledad- The Aztecs have also been inconsistent over the past few years, but in theory after a 1-9 (on the field) year last year, they are due this year. They have a good core coming back, and I believe they may be deeper than the teams picked behind them.
  • Pacific Grove- No I am not picking them last. I still will not root them. Truth is they have a numbers problem. About 10 years ago Carmel and PG had close to the same number of students 750-800. PG now sits at 550 while Carmel is still around 800. The good news for PG is they have maybe the best RB1 returning. They can be competitive if they stay healthy.
  • Greenfield- I believe this team can finish as high as 2nd in this division, the numbers for this program keep increasing. They are coming off a Santa Lucia Championship and have been bumped up. They lost some very good playmakers from last year, so the Bruins will need to fill that void if they want to stay competitive.
  • King City- Like Greenfield, King City will be competitive, however, this is a young team. If all things stay equal, I think KC will compete for the title in 2025. They have some really good underclassmen coming up through the program.
  • Rancho San Juan- After almost making the playoffs 2 years ago they came down to earth this past season. I like the energy coming from the school and it’s head coach, it will take a little more time but this relatively new (5 years of varsity) program is still trending up. They could finish as high as 4th.
Santa Lucia

The purpose of the Santa Lucia is to evenly match programs that are struggling or that just can’t seem to get off the ground. Last year every team won at least 1 game last year, that is a good thang as it gives these programs something to build on. In 2018 Soquel was in the Santa Lucia division, 6 years latter they are now one of the top PCAL programs. Not saying Marina and Harbor are moving to the Gabilan next year, but this division at least gives them some equal footing. This year it looks like a 2-team race between Gonzales and the 2022 champions RLS.
  • RLS – Probably the last year for this team in the Santa Lucia. They have 2 3osses in the division over the past 3 years. The program is seeing some decent numbers (for RLS), if they run the table this year, they will be destined for the Mission. They return some strength up front, but they need to replace a lot of skill positions. Fortunately, it looks like they have some kid ready to fill in. Still wish they would schedule 10 games like a freaking normal school.
  • Gonzales- October 4th, RLS will becoming to the Salinas Valley to play Gonzales. The good news is that it is Friday night game that will probably decide the division. Bad news is the game is at Soledad 8.5 miles down the 101, as Gonzales is re-doing its stadium this year. The Spartans will “host” 3 teams at Soledad this year, the rest of the games will be on the road. I still see them as the 2nd best team in the division. And RLS has not won at Soledad in while.
  • SLV – The Cougars have some good size and depth returning this year along the lines, they also return their QB1. They will have to replace some other key playmakers. SLV finished on a high note, but they did have head scratching loss to Pajaro last year. If they stay consistent they might be able to challenge Gonzales and RLS for league supremacy.
  • Harbor- I am always rooting for back in the 80’s and 90’s they produced some decent teams. The past 20+ years, not so much. I would like to see them become the next “Soquel” of the Santa Lucia. I think they may be a little better this year, but it will take a while before they reach the Gabilan.
  • Marina- I have said it before, Marina hurt itself 15 years ago when it when to 11 man football to early. The good news is more kids are staying in marina to play than leaving to Seaside or Monterey. There also getting their own football field (way overdue). Maybe this will start to change the ways at this struggling program.
  • Pajaro Valley- I don’t know if the Pajaro valley District is open and all good football players end up at Aptos. But both PV and Watsonville struggle to put out consistent programs. It would be great to see this program thrive, but it needs consistency, and it has never had it.
  • Santa Cruz- Three years ago this team was in the Gabilan, last year it did no score a point going 0-6 (on the field) 0-10 (with cancelations and forfeits) in the Mission North. It is a rebuilding project, and with its top players ending up at Soquel, it may take a few years. But this year it should be better being in the Santa Lucia.
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2024 PCAL Predictions Pt 1.

R
PCAL Football_

A quick recap of the PCAL. The Southern CCS is comprised of the PCAL. It is 28 teams from Monterey Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. This year there are 7 teams that comprise the 4 divisions. The Gabilan (A) receives 4 playoff bids, the Mission North(B) 2, the Mission South (B) 2 and the Santa Lucia (C) 1. In most years the 5th place Gabilan team qualifies as an at large team, and my guess so will the best 3rd place team from either the Mission North or Mission South (maybe both?) . PAL-booster and the NASA computer know how CCS at large playoffs are figured out. The League is equity based along with some geography, but this past year there were only a few moves-


2024 Moves

Gabilan (A)- Stayed the same nobody was moved in and nobody moved out.

Mission North (B) – Alisal moved from the Mission South, and Santa Cruz was moved down to Santa Lucia

Mission South (B)- Greenfield was promoted from the Santa Lucia to the Mission South while Alisal was moved up north.

Santa Lucia (C)- Santa Cruz moved in and Greenfield moved out.

Greenfield up and Santa Cuz down make sense. Greenfield won the Santa Lucia league last year and have a had some larger turnouts for their program the past few years. They can compete at the B level. Santa Cruz could barely muster a team last year and had some forfeits. Lots of defects to cross town powerhouse Soquel. Santa Cruz belongs in the C league.

But Carmel, they return most of their weapons from last year including QB, 2WR’s, 1 Athlete and a lineman going to Alabama plus 2 other OL starters. They beat a Gabilan team (Alvarez 35-14) and gave eventual state champion Soquel one of their closest playoff battles. This team should be in the Gabilan. In addition, the 2nd place finisher last year, Alisal, was shipped out and replaced with Greenfield due to geography? Last time I looked Rancho San Juan and North Salinas were way north of Alisal. Carmel admins must have some pictures of somebody…

Gabilan –

This division is up for grabs as I think any of the top 4 teams can take it. Salinas is the reining champion, but Soquel was probably the best team at the end of the season. Monterey has some of the best athletes returning, while Palma no longer plays for Gabilan supremacy but for CCS and state bowl titles. Hollister will be a tough out, I expect Aptos to regress a little bit after legendary coach retired. And Alvarez, well they have over 100 kids in the program

  • Salinas- Most people will disagree with me on this and that’s ok. But until they don’t repeat, I am giving the Coach Zenk the benefit of the doubt. He has built one of the top public-school programs in the CCS and he seems to be able to re-load each year. Until beaten they are my choice for #1
  • Soquel- With the influx of Santa Cruz talent, Soquel probably had the better team at the end of the year than Salinas. But Salinas won the early league matchup. Coach Lowery had built a powerhouse they have replaced Aptos as the best football in Santa Cruz County. They have the toughest schedule.
  • Monterey-They return some of the best skill positions in the Gabilan. They have a chance to do something special here as Coach Besaw has finally brought stability and discipline to this program. Having open enrollment between Marina Seaside and Monterey does not hurt either. Depth up front is their biggest concern.
  • Palma- They will be young this year, but could be very dangerous. @NorCalSportsFan can provide a full summary of all Palma football from this year’s 7th graders all the way back to current President Chris Dalman (Class of 88). In all seriousness, Palma seems to have shifted its focus the past few years from Gabilan titles to CCS and potential state bowl game seeds. It worked last year as they were able get a CCS DIII title, NorCal Bowl title and State Bowl title all while finishing in 4th place.
  • Hollister-It feels it has been a while since Hollister has really challenged for a division title. They did have a good team in 2021, but the consistency has not been there the past 5-6 years. They had a weird loss to Alvarez last year. This is very large school, and the community is passionate about the team, so there is a chance they will be very good just due the amount of kids playing football. I just don’t see them being better than the 4 schools above them.
  • Aptos-Blankenship is a NorCal coaching legend, and his tenure at Aptos will go down in Mainer’s football history. He is now retired. I see Aptos taking a step back this year. Plus the Gabilan is loaded up top that will make wins very difficult under a new regime.
  • Alvarez-Hope Springs Eternal on the Alvarez football field. Every year they hope to be better and compete and every year they end up towards the bottom of the Gabilan. Last time they made the playoff they were in the Mission division. A new coach brings new excitement, but unfortunately, I think the results will be close to the same.
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