2021 Football Season Preview

[Streak One]

The season is still 5 months away at best, but it just gives us more time to go over who the top teams might be. I'll be posting teams as I get information, but feel free to add any teams you know about too.

Campolindo (10-3)

Campolindo graduated its starting quarterback Grant Harper to UC Davis and will lose its top two rushers from last year. In total, they lost the league defensive player of the year (Mason Mastrov) and six more first-team, all-league selections.


They are expected to return wide receivers Maxwell Weaver and Joey Schmidt, who combined for nearly 1,000 yards as juniors. They return some talent on the lines led by incoming senior Matai Bell, who has been offered by Northern Arizona, Wyoming and Army.


The Cougars have nine straight seasons of double digit wins and have made an NCS final in five of the last six seasons. They won four straight titles in Division II and III from 2014-2017.

 

[Streak One]

Elk Grove (10-5)

Elk Grove took the leap in the third year under head coach John Heffernan in winning the SJS Division II title before falling short in an exciting NorCal Bowl game against Clayton Valley Charter. In the first two years under Heffernan, Elk Grove went 11-12.

Now the task turns to replacing a good senior class led by playmaking quarterback Carter Harris. Jeremy Crook is a player to watch take a bigger role in the rushing attack. The Thundering Herd return a good group up front including 2022 prospcts Soni Finau, Champ Ulufale, Payton Maze and Kylan Fontes. Jesse Hughes returns at center for his senior year.

Defensively, Elk Grove is slotted to return its top two tacklers in Nick Woolstencroft and Ethan Archuleta.

As I was looking for their 2021 schedule, I came across this look at the program. Toward the bottom of the story, they talk about many of the mentioned names and add a few more to watch for - https://egherdfootball.com/index.html

Edit: Add Zeke Burnett to the mix after he transferred in from Capirtal Christian.

 

[Streak One]

Clayton Valley Charter (10-5)

The Ugly Eagles had a rough first year in the East Bay Athletic League, but rallied in the playoffs and won the 2-AA state title. Among their top returners are quarterback Jake Kern, running back Omari Taylor, and Erik Christoffersen, who was the team's leading receiver. The top linemen to watch in 2021 will be Tyler Charbonneau, who has an offer from Air Force.

Defensively, some top players are linebacker Lukas Linkhart, linebacker Dylan Seeley and defensive back Ryan Sparks.

There was some questions about Troy Murphy's future following the 2019 season, but now, Clayton Valley Charter heads into the season as the best non-De La Salle team in the EBAL.

 

[Streak One]

De La Salle (12-2)

The Spartans continue to rule Northern California football, but are on a four game losing streak in the state bowl games. While they graduated a good senior class, they return some key players to build around.

Dorian Hale is entering his third year as a starting quarterback and will have two talented threats at wide receiver in Lu Hearns (Cal) and rising junior prospect Zeke Berry. Both players will be key in the secondary too. De La Salle's top two runnings backs have graduated, but Mekhi Norfleet could be next in the backfield.

On the lines, watch for Jason Tofaeono, Chad Tasi and Jon Puckett. Linebacker Kairo Reird is also slotted to return for the Spartans,.

Junior tight end Brodie Tagaloa enters the season with five Power 5 offers

 

[Streak One]

Pittsburg (11-2)

The Pirates have been the most consistent championship foe for De La Salle in the North Coast Section. While they are tasked with replacing some key players, there is a lot to like about the future of Pittsburg.

Quarterback will be helmed by senior Eli Brickhandler and/or sophomore Jaden Rashada. Playmakers to watch are sophomores Rashid Williams and Israel Polk.

The Pirates lose offensive lineman Ryan Lange as an early enrollee to Cal, but bring back center Greg Glasper.

Defensively, Pittsburg returns linebackers Maurice Jamison and Charles Davis III. Daytuawm Pearson and Lamont Fortenberry are back in the secondary. Damaurye Canegan is a defensive lineman to watch.

 

[Streak One]

Monterey Trail (12-2)

Monterey Trail has back-to-back SJS Division I runner-up finishes and boast a strong core group to build around for this coming season. RB/DB Prophet Brown (USC) leads the way as one of the top players in the state. Otha Williams Jr. joins him in the backfield and they will run behind returning linemen in Andres Argumedo and Jasdev Banwait, who is moving in from tight end.

Junior Frank Arcuri is expected to take over at quarterback.

Defensively, Brown is joined by cornerback Jamauri Jackson to form a tough cover combo. Chris Lands also returns in the secondary after being fourth on the team last year in interceptions. Linebacker Nekhi Broadway and defensive lineman Will Perkins and Will Reyes round out an expected strong defense.

Monterey Trail is in tier one of SJS teams in what should be a wide open field.

 

[Streak One]

Oak Ridge (11-3)

The defending SJS Division I champions return the 2019 NCP Player of the Year in quartrback Justin Lamson (Syracuse).

In terms of skill players, the Trojans lost their top rusher and three of their top four receivers, but Brandon Barthel is back after being second on the team in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns.

On the line, watch for senior Tyler Dean, who is an emerging recruit.

Linebackers will be the strength of the defense with Ryan Enney, Hunter Nabers and Daniel LaPiana all set to return. Elijah Hansen and Drew VanKomen are back on the defensive line,

Oak Ridge has won double digit games in four of the last five years under head coach Eric Cavaliere.

 

[Streak One]

Serra (13-2)

Serra will need to replace numerous standouts from its CCS and NorCal title team from a year ago. The Padres got an earlier than expected look at the future in quarterback Dominique Lampkin, who is one of the top junior quarterback prospects in Northern California.

Others to watch are junior running back Hassan Mahasin and senior back Vince Poni. The Padres also have Louisville tight end commit Christian Pedersen, who will be more in the mix this season.

Defensively, lineman Sioeli Helu and linebacker Flynn Williams should be leaders on that side of the ball.

The Padres have won double digit games in three of the last four years with three NorCal titles over that stretch.

 

[Streak One]

Valley Christian-San Jose (11-2)

The ceiling for the Warriors usually centers around what it's passing game will look like as a compliment to a strong running game and fast defense. The returning players are in place for this to be one of the top teams in NorCal.

Valley Christian brings back running back Chase Laubach, who was second on the team in rushing as a junior, and sophomore receiver Jurrion Dickey, who was the Warriors' leading receiver as a freshman and is one of the top 2023 recruits in the state. Two junior linemen to watch are Nehemiah Muskia and Andon Morgan. Junior tight end Sam Roush gives the Warriors one of the top junior tight ends in the country.

Defenisvley, San Diego State defensive end commit Dominic Oliver is back along with junior linebacker Will Cuddie, who had 116 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season. More returning starters are linebacker Tyler Roberts, Jackson Berman and Darrius Sanders.

The Warriors have won CCS titles in two of the past four seasons with a NorCal title in 2016.

 

[MC415]

Valley Christian-San Jose (11-2)

The ceiling for the Warriors usually centers around what it's passing game will look like as a compliment to a strong running game and fast defense. The returning players are in place for this to be one of the top teams in NorCal.

Valley Christian brings back running back Chase Laubach, who was second on the team in rushing as a junior, and sophomore receiver Jurrion Dickey, who was the Warriors' leading receiver as a freshman and is one of the top 2023 recruits in the state. Two junior linemen to watch are Nehemiah Muskia and Andon Morgan.

Defenisvley, San Diego State defensive end commit Dominic Oliver is back along with junior linebacker Will Cuddie, who had 116 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season. More returning starters are linebacker Tyler Roberts, Jackson Berman and Darrius Sanders.

The Warriors have won CCS titles in two of the past four seasons with a NorCal title in 2016.

don’t they also have the top TE in the nation for 2022? Or one of the top

 

[Streak One]

Thanks @MC415 for that catch!

 

[Streak One]

Cosumnes Oaks (8-4)

The Wolfpack have created some preseason buzz with returners like quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr. and TE/OLB Moses Oladejo, who has committed to Cal.

Also returning for head coach Andrew Bettencourt are running back Christian Ridgway (1,454 yards as a junior) and linebacker Isaiah Byars, who had 111 tackles and nine sacks last season.

Cosumnes Oaks will need to retool the offensive line, which has just one starter returning.

The Wolfpack reached a section semi-final for the first time in their 11 year history last season, but look to reach the finals in year two under Bettencourt.

 

[northbayfb]

Rancho Cotate (11-4)

Last year the Cougars had a historic run to the 3-A State Championship, falling to Bakersfield Christian 42-21. The team rode its defense deep in to the playoffs and looks to be stout on defense again.

The Good News is the front seven should be strong led by MLB Mihalis Santorineos and DE Garret Ridley. The secondary will need to replace several key starters to replicate last year’s success.

On the other side of the ball Rancho will look to replace its QB, leading WR and 6’-1” 225 lb RB Rasheed Rankin. Last year when the pass game stalled they relied on a heavy run set. Without an every down back they will have to get creative in figuring out how to move the chains.

 

[Streak One]

Rocklin (7-4)

The Thunder won seven games in the first year under Jason Adams and have the pieces to make a run in the SFL. Richie Watts is back at quarterback after throwing for 1,605 yards yards as a junior. His top receiver is back in Jaylen Pickens as is Toran O'harran if he chooses to play (he is a highly touted baseball prosepct).

Defensively, the line will be strong with Bobby Piland and incoming transfer Ilaisa Gonebure from Capital Christian. Linebacker Cian Slone is also back after registering 77 tackles and six sacks last year.

They also have one of the region’s best kickers in Cole Becker

Rocklin hasn't had back-to-back winning seasons since 2014-2015

 

[Streak One]

Marin Catholic (11-2)

The Wildcats return a strong group from its 11-2 squad that lost in the section finals to eventual state champion Cardinal Newman. Offensively, UC Davis bound running back Matteo Perez is back after rushing for more than 2,000 yards. Also returning are quarterback Michael Ingrassia, tight end Geordie Aarsheim and offensive lineman Kai Peterson-Davison.

Linebacker Jared Lyon, cornerback Matt Jacobsen and linebacker Kekoa Garrido are the top returners with the first two coming off all-league seasons.

McClymonds, Antioch and Bishop O'Dowd headline the non-league schedule

 

[Streak One]

Cardinal Newman (14-1)

The Cardinals are tasked with replacing quarterback Jackson Pavitt, but have some key players back. Shane Moran was the team’s leading rusher at 750 yards and Washington State bound Tsion Nunnally is back after bursting onto the scene as a junior.

Moran, who is a Long Beach State baseball commit, was also a key member of the defense. He is joined by linebacker Mitch Russell and now sophomore Santino Acevedo, who had 64 tackles in 11 games.

Cardinal Newman will likely take a step back this year, but the step is never too far with head coach Paul Cronin at the helm.

 

[northbayfb]

Cardinal Newman (14-1)

The Cardinals are tasked with replacing quarterback Jackson Pavitt, but have some key players back. Shane Moran was the team’s leading rusher at 750 yards and Washington State bound Tsion Nunnally is back after bursting onto the scene as a junior.

Moran, who is a Long Beach State baseball commit, was also a key member of the defense. He is joined by linebacker Mitch Russell and now sophomore Santino Acevedo, who had 64 tackles in 11 games.

Cardinal Newman will likely take a step back this year, but the step is never too far with head coach Paul Cronin at the helm.

This team is stacked with quality depth. O-line size will never be a strength as a small school but will be improved from the 195 lb avg weight a year ago. If QB play emerges, this year's team has the potential to exceed last year's run.

 

[Streak One]

Folsom (10-2)

Folsom finished its first season under head coach Paul Doherty in the SJS Division I semi-finals with a loss to Monterey Trail. The Bulldogs saw a good senior class move on, but the roster isn't bare.

Ari Patu (Stanford) seems ready to take over at quarterback, but he breaks in with a new group of skill position players. Folsom graduated three Division I players at running back and wide receiver. Returning linemen include Kian Khazeni and Easton Sorenson.

Defensively, look for junior linebacker Justin Ecklund, but the group will have to deal with the early graduation of Kaleb Higgins. Junior defensive back Adrian McMillan is coming off a solid 2019 campaign. Also returning are defensive lineman Jake Melander and defensive back Lonnie Turbin.

Sophomore Rico Flores is one of the best 2023 prospects in the region and could see time at wide receiver and/or defensive back.

 

[Streak One]

San Ramon Valley (7-4)

It helps when you have a returning quarterback and the Wolves bring back Jack Quigly, who threw for 1,532 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore. He will be working with a retooled skill group, but will have San Diego State tight end commit JP Murphy to lean on. Junior Tanner Salisbury is a player who should emerge. The offensive line has two starters back led by San Diego commit Kyle Ecker and Michael Woolery.

On defense, Murphy, Woolery and Salisbury project as two way players to go along with other returners like defensive back Casey Cummings (San Diego baseball commit), linebacker Preston Limpscomb and defensive back Eddie Williams.

San Ramon Valley has had four straight winning seaons with nine wins each in 2017 and 2018.

 

[Streak One]

Lincoln-Stockton (9-2)

Lincoln showed an early look at what could be a special season coming up. They bring back sophomore quarterback Kenyon Nelson (15 passing touchdowns, 7 rushing) and junior back Jonah Coleman (1,587 yards, 30 touchdowns). They also have junior Marco Simpson, junior Jomarion Briggs and senior Fidel Pitts at wide receiver. Lincoln has some size back on the offensive line in 6-foot-4, 300 pound seniors Kobe Ameperosa and Alex Sandoval.

The Trojans are slotted to bring four starters back on defense in defensive lineman Roman Ostly-Ameperosa, linebacker Ignacio Gonzalez and defensive back Briggs and Jakim Brock.

Lincoln plays the defending section champ Oak Ridge on January 22.

 

[Streak One]

St. Mary’s-Stockton (6-5)

St. Mary’s routinely plays one of the best non-league schedules in NorCal and is poised for a good year behind four returning offensive linemen including Hayden Jones, William Hopson, Nick Levasseur and Matt Cushman.

The Rams need to break in a new quarterback, but whoever it is, they will have a good group of skill players with running back Tyrei Washington, wide receiver Jaydn Marshall and Nick Murray.

Murray also doubles as a Division I level defensive back recruit. He is joined on defense by defensive back Tim Thomas, defensive back Michael Chavez and linebacker Max Rascon. Linebacker Izaiah Aponte is also expected back after missing last year due to injury.

 

[11115]

Serra (13-2)

Serra will need to replace numerous standouts from its CCS and NorCal title team from a year ago. The Padres got an earlier than expected look at the future in quarterback Dominique Lampkin, who is one of the top junior quarterback prospects in Northern California.

Others to watch are junior running back Hassan Mahasin and senior back Vince Poni. The Padres also have Louisville tight end commit Christian Pedersen, who will be more in the mix this season.

Defensively, lineman Sioeli Helu and linebacker Flynn Williams should be leaders on that side of the ball.

The Padres have won double digit games in three of the last four years with three NorCal titles over that stretch.

* Fynn* Williams

Serra (13-2)

Serra will need to replace numerous standouts from its CCS and NorCal title team from a year ago. The Padres got an earlier than expected look at the future in quarterback Dominique Lampkin, who is one of the top junior quarterback prospects in Northern California.

Others to watch are junior running back Hassan Mahasin and senior back Vince Poni. The Padres also have Louisville tight end commit Christian Pedersen, who will be more in the mix this season.

Defensively, lineman Sioeli Helu and linebacker Flynn Williams should be leaders on that side of the ball.

The Padres have won double digit games in three of the last four years with three NorCal titles over that stretch.

*Fynn* Williams, leading tackler for Serra’s state team last year

 

[Streak One]

* Fynn* Williams

*Fynn* Williams, leading tackler for Serra’s state team last year

Sorry about that. Yes, should be key again for Padres defense