Way to early PCAL top 10

[RLS13]

Preseason Top 10 football rankings

The Monterey Herald’s preseason Top 10 football rankings

www.montereyherald.com

As according to our local sports reporter John Devine. The Link may have a pay wall.
His Rankings were:

1. Carmel
2. Monterey
3. Salinas
4. Palma
5. Soquel
6. Hollister
7. Aptos
8. Alisal
9. Scott's Valley
10. North Salinas

With this quote "Don't lose sleep over this or over react. It's June. November is when it matters the most"
(He obviously does not follow anyone on this forum.)

For me the most obvious problem is.
1. I can't rank a "B" league Carmel team over the entire Gabilan. As far as I am concerned Salinas is #1 until proven other wise.
2. No sign of the 2022 Santa Lucia champion RLS Pirates. A complete oversight.

Enjoy the summer...

 

[thehookup55]

Preseason Top 10 football rankings

The Monterey Herald’s preseason Top 10 football rankings

www.montereyherald.com

As according to our local sports reporter John Devine. The Link may have a pay wall.
His Rankings were:

1. Carmel
2. Monterey
3. Salinas
4. Palma
5. Soquel
6. Hollister
7. Aptos
8. Alisal
9. Scott's Valley
10. North Salinas

With this quote "Don't lose sleep over this or over react. It's June. November is when it matters the most"
(He obviously does not follow anyone on this forum.)

For me the most obvious problem is.
1. I can't rank a "B" league Carmel team over the entire Gabilan. As far as I am concerned Salinas is #1 until proven other wise.
2. No sign of the 2022 Santa Lucia champion RLS Pirates. A complete oversight.

Enjoy the summer...

He knows where his targeted audience is. His rankings and predictions have always been for clicks and views.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Agree with you. Carmel will have talent including maybe top lineman on the west coast in Jackson Lloyd and QB and WR. Their lack of SOS should see them 10-0 or 9-1 going into the playoffs. I wish the Miramonte game was in Orinda (not too far from me) and I would go see them play.

I don't understand why Salinas isn't #1 either. They will reload on the lines and defense and have some talent on offense and a really strong to be junior class that should make an impact. At this stage but could change, my early favorites

Salinas- got to start them at top as a reload and talented juniors and maybe one of the top athletes at WR and safety in the league with Turner who was injured last season. Nonleague schedule is best in the area with Valley Christian and Clovis early and later Arroyo Grande in bye week during league. Questionmark will be QB. Both Candidates are mobile in Rico Maturino, Sr, last season backup and last season's undefeated JV QB Adam Gattis, Jr. Lines will be bigger. They could have some learning curve early season.

Soquel - (updated and moved up) Soquel coaching is real deal (Former NFLer Dwight Lowery and staff) and they return alot on defense and line and have young talent and experienced motivated after state win and experience with extended season. Looks like they will be replacing Aptos and another strong year with young talent could have them competing over the next 3 seasons.Junior QB Sam Whelan (6-1, 175) may be 2nd best QB in the league and will be college interest if not already. He's accurate, nice spin and live arm and a dual threat. Looks like a reload for the Knights and could be #2 and may give Salinas a challenge for title. Have them higher than Dors as they beat them last season and will have more depth,

Monterey -if they can stay healthy but should be very good on offense with a very good QB in White and WR Collins and bruising 215 lb Soakai Funaki at RB. Coach Beesaw knows what he is doing. Great coaching choice by the Dors. Lack of depth could hurt them again this season and now have them behind Soquel. However, they return most of their team on both sides.

Carmel (updated) at 4 or lower - could be one of their better teams in a long time with Hudson Rutherford at QB and line. Maybe a tad better than last season. Lose some RBs and Wrs (Arnold returns). Carmel should be able to score some points but tough to say how good until they play some tougher teams they will see in playoffs. They could have trouble in A league schedule and clearly one of the reasons they stayed down (may lack depth in some areas) with maybe being significantly down after this upcoming season..

Palma (could surprise if QB matures quickly), Looks like defense will be sound and they should have some speed (#1 in PCAL track and fast underclass) and lots of depth at RB and WR/TEs. Some sophs will make an impact at RBs, WRs, Line. QB is question mark but both frosh QBs (to be sophs) are working hard and made gains. Believe at least one working with David Fales and other from video I've seen looking like they have made big improvements. Not sure about JV QB but he is 6-4 and relatively athletic, but needs experience and work with cQB coach. They have a couple seniors that could come in but I could see a soph starting. Could see them improving a lot by playoff time. Could have many sophs starting. Game against Yuma Catholic away will be an early test. One of Palma's best soph classes in years and if frosh are strong Palma should be competing at very high level in CCS in a couple years. With QB a question mark, I have them behind Salinas, Soquel and Monterey. Palma should get better during season come playoff time and could do damage again in lower division in playoffs.

Hollister - always plays good defense and they could very well compete after down season. They could surprise but have not been very good at lower levels.

Aptos - tough to say. Seems they may be down talent wise and will be tough to replace one of the top coaches in the state. Put them here but could surprise. Soquel will be the team in Santa Cruz county for net few years.

Alisal - may be higher place and it seems they have good coaches that get their players to max their talent.

Stevenson should be mentioned as should King City and Solidad.

 

[colhenrylives]

Agree with you. Carmel will have talent including maybe top lineman on the west coast in Jackson Lloyd and QB and WR. Their lack of SOS should see them 10-0 or 9-1 going into the playoffs. I wish the Miramonte game was in Orinda (not too far from me) and I would go see them play.

I don't understand why Salinas isn't #1 either. They will reload on the lines and defense and have some talent on offense and a really strong to be junior class that should make an impact. At this stage but could change, my early favorites

Salinas- got to start them at top as a reload and talented juniors and maybe one of the top athletes at WR and safety in the league with Turner who was injured last season. Nonleague schedule is best in the area with Valley Christian and Clovis early and later Arroyo Grande in bye week during league.

Monterey -if they can stay healthy but should be very good on offense with a very good QB in White and WR Collins. Coach Beesaw knows what he is doing. Great coaching choice by the Dors. Lack of depth could hurt them again this season.

Carmel at 2 or 3 or lower - could be one of their best teams in a long time with Hudson Rutherford at QB and line. Lose some RBs and Wrs (Arnold returns). Carmel should be able to score some points but tough to say how good until they play some tougher teams they will see in playoffs. They could have trouble in A league schedule and clearly one of the reasons they stayed down with maybe being significantly down compared to this upcoming season in two years.

Soquel/Palma/Hollister - battle and any could place #2-3 as well but put them here with some uncertainty going into next season

Soquel coaching is real deal and they have young talent and motivated after state win and experience with extended season. Looks like they will be replacing Aptos and another strong year with young talent could have them competing over the next 3 seasons.

Palma looks like defense will be sound and they should have some speed (#1 in PCAL track and fast underclass) and lots of depth at RB and WR/TEs. Some sophs will make an impact at RBs, WRs, Line. QB is question mark but both frosh QBs are working hard and made gains. Believe at least one working with David Fales and other from video I've seen looking like they have made big improvements. Not sure about JV QB but he is 6-4 and has decent pocket presence and relatively athletic, and they have a couple seniors that could come in but I could see a soph starting. Could see them improving a lot by playoff time. Could have many sophs starting. Game against Yuma Catholic away will be an early test. One of Palma's best soph classes in years and if frosh are strong Palma should be competing at a high level in CCS in a couple years.

Hollister - always plays good defense and they could very well compete after down season

Aptos - tough to say. Seems they may be down talent wise and will be tough to replace one of the top coaches in the state. Put them hear but could surprise.

Alisal - may be higher place and it seems they have good coaches that get their players to max their talent.

Agree- Stevenson should be mentioned and

When does Palma go coed?

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Palma is accepting girls this upcoming school year 2024/2025 for the first time in decades from initial charter of the school. Notre Dame is not closing. Palma started accepting 6 grader boys a couple years ago extending the middle school and now extending to girls to balance against its declining enrollment.

Palma will be accepting girls in grades 9 through 12 for the start of the 2024/2025 school year. I would expect maybe up to 30 girls to start but may be conservative or overstating. I would think majority would start in 9th grade as others mostly would have to come from other existing schools. Moving to being a charter school allowed them to circumvent the Diocese and not sure about what impact will be to Notre Dame. Probably not much initially. Not sure what Palma's differentiation will be for girls other than a Catholic oriented education with boys and girls. Notre Dame is an excellent school. Maybe girls from Madonna middle school (which is boys and girls) and some from Sacred Heart Middle School and others from mixed middle schools might find it attractive. May be incentive for some of the public middle schools. When I was at Palma, I remember a few girls taking courses at Palma and I also took a couple courses at ND (1 among three from Palma in my class). It was a positive experience. Palma had to invest in facilities to support girls. Wonder how they will support women athletics. Still lots of unknowns.

Evidently Palma hired a women's basketball coach Robbie Johnson. Notre Dame when coached by Joe Givens (former Palma grade a few years ahead of me) was a perennial small school power. Will be interesting as far as the rivalry that could develop between the schools. Will be first time Palma has had a women's basketball team since 1964. https://www.instagram.com/palma_school/p/C8LPXwTPbcd/


Interestingly Palma will have quite a comprehensive sports program for girls.

High School
Fall
Girls — Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball

Winter
Girls — Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling

Spring
Girls — Softball, Track & Field

 

[carmelkyd]

Devine is out of his mind. NorCal and Hookup both have it right.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Soquel has a nice early non-league schedule with Los Gatos (Home), San Ramon Valley (Away) and Valley Christian (Home)

 

[MC415]

Soquel has a nice early non-league schedule with Los Gatos (Home), San Ramon Valley (Away) and Valley Christian (Home)

That’s solid

 

[Cal 14]

Agree with you. Carmel will have talent including maybe top lineman on the west coast in Jackson Lloyd and QB and WR. Their lack of SOS should see them 10-0 or 9-1 going into the playoffs. I wish the Miramonte game was in Orinda (not too far from me) and I would go see them play.

I don't understand why Salinas isn't #1 either. They will reload on the lines and defense and have some talent on offense and a really strong to be junior class that should make an impact. At this stage but could change, my early favorites

Salinas- got to start them at top as a reload and talented juniors and maybe one of the top athletes at WR and safety in the league with Turner who was injured last season. Nonleague schedule is best in the area with Valley Christian and Clovis early and later Arroyo Grande in bye week during league. Questionmark will be QB. Both Candidates are mobile in Rico Maturino, Sr, last season backup and last season's undefeated JV QB Adam Gattis, Jr. Lines will be bigger. They could have some learning curve early season.

Soquel - (updated and moved up) Soquel coaching is real deal (Former NFLer Dwight Lowery and staff) and they return alot on defense and line and have young talent and experienced motivated after state win and experience with extended season. Looks like they will be replacing Aptos and another strong year with young talent could have them competing over the next 3 seasons.Junior QB Sam Whelan (6-1, 175) may be 2nd best QB in the league and will be college interest if not already. He's accurate, nice spin and live arm and a dual threat. Looks like a reload for the Knights and could be #2 and may give Salinas a challenge for title. Have them higher than Dors as they beat them last season and will have more depth,

Monterey -if they can stay healthy but should be very good on offense with a very good QB in White and WR Collins and bruising 215 lb Soakai Funaki at RB. Coach Beesaw knows what he is doing. Great coaching choice by the Dors. Lack of depth could hurt them again this season and now have them behind Soquel. However, they return most of their team on both sides.

Carmel (updated) at 4 or lower - could be one of their better teams in a long time with Hudson Rutherford at QB and line. Maybe a tad better than last season. Lose some RBs and Wrs (Arnold returns). Carmel should be able to score some points but tough to say how good until they play some tougher teams they will see in playoffs. They could have trouble in A league schedule and clearly one of the reasons they stayed down (may lack depth in some areas) with maybe being significantly down after this upcoming season..

Palma (could surprise if QB matures quickly), Looks like defense will be sound and they should have some speed (#1 in PCAL track and fast underclass) and lots of depth at RB and WR/TEs. Some sophs will make an impact at RBs, WRs, Line. QB is question mark but both frosh QBs (to be sophs) are working hard and made gains. Believe at least one working with David Fales and other from video I've seen looking like they have made big improvements. Not sure about JV QB but he is 6-4 and relatively athletic, but needs experience and work with cQB coach. They have a couple seniors that could come in but I could see a soph starting. Could see them improving a lot by playoff time. Could have many sophs starting. Game against Yuma Catholic away will be an early test. One of Palma's best soph classes in years and if frosh are strong Palma should be competing at very high level in CCS in a couple years. With QB a question mark, I have them behind Salinas, Soquel and Monterey. Palma should get better during season come playoff time and could do damage again in lower division in playoffs.

Hollister - always plays good defense and they could very well compete after down season. They could surprise but have not been very good at lower levels.

Aptos - tough to say. Seems they may be down talent wise and will be tough to replace one of the top coaches in the state. Put them here but could surprise. Soquel will be the team in Santa Cruz county for net few years.

Alisal - may be higher place and it seems they have good coaches that get their players to max their talent.

Stevenson should be mentioned as should King City and Solidad.

Gab division will be very strong this fall. Whoever wins it just needs to grab a 3-6 seed in the D-I playoffs.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

More details on Palma since they are now co-ed. Enrollment number in high school is a little over 450 in co-ed HS and 150 in all-boys Jr high (classes 6-8).

A little over 100 girls enrolled in the school this fall (54 freshmen and the rest transfers from other among other schools). Notre Dame down the street has around 220 girls in 4 classes. the girls that transferred will have the 6 week sit out even if the sport wasn't offered at ND. ND still has no athletic director. Filling out a full girls team if half of the incoming girls are ineligible for the first six weeks of that particular sports calendar year will be tough at first. Palma will be fielding all freshman rosters for its girls varsity sports for the first part of the season. School officials hope to have a varsity and junior varsity program by league play. Some sports like cross-country, and flag football won't be under transfer waiting period at leat those transfering from ND. Palma has 16 freshmen girls already signed up for volleyball, along with 10 potential transfers...ND was middle of pack in Gab division and they will compete in Mission league to start.

The boys freshman football team will have a roster of around 55-60 players which is a decent size class with a large and very strong undefeated soph class as freshmen and many up on varsity this season. This should bode well at least the next couple years for the football program.

Palma president former NFLer Chris Dalman stated in article at some point in the next three to four years, that balance will reduce the number of boys at Palma as the composition shifts more towards 50-50 boys/girls ratio, which will mean sports will have fewer athletes to choose from. However he believes because many are multi-sport athletes the program should be fine.

Palma will be offering a full range of girls sports. I believe one girl softball player already has an offer to pitch at Santa Clara. 54 girls in the frosh class should put it already competitive with Notre Dame in a couple years. It also looks like there were quite a few transfers from Notre Dame a couple blocks away from Palma. I know many on the track team practiced with the Palma track team before it was co-ed as well as wrestling.

As far as future enrolment expansion the school doesn't have much space to increase overall enrollment, and the mix overall will shift to 50-50 although the Jr High will stay all boys. Will be interesting what the impact will be to Notre Dame because it clearly looks like it will impact ND sports programs. I wonder if at some point Palma may end up buying it from the Catholic Diocese if the impact is negative or allowing the schools to merge. I know Palma wanted to merge with Notre Dame but the Diocese nixed it.

As far as the football program, Palma should trend up at least the next few years with strong classes.

Former all-boys school Palma to welcome girls and their sports - Palma School

SALINAS – The return of girls to the Palma School campus for the first time in 60 years will include a full slate of sports this fall.

palmaathletics.org

 

[Spaghetti Joe]

NorCal - love your info on Palma but someone gave you bad info on Notre Dame High School. My friend's daughter transferred from there and said they have less than 80 girls this year. About one-half of the girls in the senior class transferred to Palma, with similar numbers in the Sophomore and Junior classes.

Very sad for Notre Dame but unfortunately they were a victim of mismanagement by the Diocese. I hope it can stay open. They should have taken up Palma's offer to merge.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

The 200+ enrollment was what the Palma President said but looks like before he knew ND enrollment.The source was good, but ahead of the opening enrollment.Looks like Palma going co-ed could be the end of Notre Dame. A few of NDs alumni I know from when I was at Palma (and took a couple classes at ND and with ND students at Palma) think they should have merged the school because of the enrollment issue. It's all on the Diocese now. In many ways it was great to have each as all boys and all girls but seems they both can't draw enough. Times change and hopefully the Diocese will get its act together and maybe allow a merger. It seems ND will be a money loser for them at the current size. I know they charge more tuition but seems their class enrollments were decimated and it is sad. I have always thought highly of the Nuns there as teachers and people.

 

[colhenrylives]

At the close of the 1980s, Serra's enrollment was in trouble. Finances were dwindling. Prospects seemed grim. School officials wanted to go coed. The Archdiocese of San Francisco said no way. The rationale: A coed Serra would have forced the closure of either Mercy in Burlingame or Notre Dame in Belmont. Or both. All-female Catholic schools have been shaky for some time. In San Francisco, Presentation, Star of the Sea, Mercy, St. Rose, Cathedral and St. John's have all been shuttered over the last few decades. Today, all three former all-male Catholic schools in SF _ SH, SI and Riordan _ are coed.

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

The closing of Mercy HS -SF sealed the deal for Riordan to go co-ed. The school had been long considering transitioning to coed and in fact there was a study done and at the time there was less than 200 first graders in the ENTIRE City that were enrolled for that coming Fall.

 

[thehookup55]

The 200+ enrollment was what the Palma President said but looks like before he knew ND enrollment.The source was good, but ahead of the opening enrollment.Looks like Palma going co-ed could be the end of Notre Dame. A few of NDs alumni I know from when I was at Palma (and took a couple classes at ND and with ND students at Palma) think they should have merged the school because of the enrollment issue. It's all on the Diocese now. In many ways it was great to have each as all boys and all girls but seems they both can't draw enough. Times change and hopefully the Diocese will get its act together and maybe allow a merger. It seems ND will be a money loser for them at the current size. I know they charge more tuition but seems their class enrollments were decimated and it is sad. I have always thought highly of the Nuns there as teachers and people.

I don't think ND has had over 200 students for some time. They were D5 last year and had a CBED of 230 which was doubled due to being an all girl school.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

They had about 40+ transfers this year to Palma and frosh class was probably very small with 54 girls in Palma frosh class. The figure I got was from Palma president. Probably more of what they could fit but if Palma impact was as above, they may have lost 50% of their enrollment. I know when I was at Palma they had around 60 in ND in my class and maybe a little more

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

They had about 40+ transfers this year to Palma and frosh class was probably very small with 54 girls in Palma frosh class. The figure I got was from Palma president. Probably more of what they could fit but if Palma impact was as above, they may have lost 50% of their enrollment. I know when I was at Palma they had around 60 in ND in my class and maybe a little more

Notre Dame High School in Salinas, California had 130 students enrolled in grades 9–12 in 2024 / 2025 (Tuition is ~ $19k). Looks like they shrunk from 175 in 2022 (tuition around $15k). In 2008 they had enrollment of 311(tuition was around $13K). ND is ranked in the top 20% of all private schools in California.

Palma tuition · 2024-2025 All-Boy Middle High School $9,350 · 2024-2025 Co-Ed High School $16,000.

 

[thehookup55]

Notre Dame High School in Salinas, California had 130 students enrolled in grades 9–12 in 2024 / 2025 (Tuition is ~ $19k). Looks like they shrunk from 175 in 2022 (tuition around $15k). In 2008 they had enrollment of 311(tuition was around $13K). ND is ranked in the top 20% of all private schools in California.

Palma tuition · 2024-2025 All-Boy Middle High School $9,350 · 2024-2025 Co-Ed High School $16,000.

Back onto a football related topic, I heard Herrald and Driscoll are the varsity QBs. Not sure who is starting or the favorite but Espinoza is on JV. Several sophomores on varsity. I was told its around 14 and there could be more brought up throughout the season.

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

I missed the internal scrimmage. Driscoll is a lefty and also been working hardin off season including with former NFLer David Fales. He's mobile and accurate and also started on undefeated frosh team. Herrald is 6-6 or 6-7 (yes that's right) and athletic and was JV starter. He needed to work on his mechanics from what I could see but may have progressed in off season. He sees the field well but more of a drop back and sling it type. He seems to make good decisions. Both have upside and maybe they use both. Cruz looks good on film and maybe needs another year,

QB was the big question mark this season. They will be young but very strong soph class at skill positions (especially RB) and line. They should be pretty good on defense. Inexperience and youth and QB question mark is why I had them at #4 but they have talent and speed and line should be pretty good. Frosh team should also be pretty good.

They have 55 on the roster with 14 sophs up... here is the roster https://palmaathletics.org/sports/football/roster

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Nice article on Soquel and Aptos in Santa Cruz Sentinel.
View: https://x.com/scsentinel/status/1826718276400914724?s=46&t=Ee9mkROfVNgW75dtv_B4wg

 

[NorCalSportsFan]

Heard the Riordan v Salinas scrimmage didn't happen on the weekend. Anyone hear if Salinas scrimmaged?

I message communicated with local Monterey Herald news reporter John Devine this weekend and he basically stated Carmel looked the best out of the teams he went out to see over the last couple weeks that included Salinas (next at top), Monterey (lack of line depth but dangerous skill players) and Palma. Stated Palma may need to develop during the season.

Given Carmel's schedule I still believe will end up 10-0 or 9-1 before playoffs. They clearly didn't want to get bumped into D1 or D2. Still will be untested until playoffs. In clips of film I have seen Carmel line looks pretty good (Alabama recruit Jackson Llyod is a beast and rest of line looks pretty good) and QB seems very sharp. Maybe put them at #3 or #4 but still think Salinas and Soquel will be better. and Monterey should be better as well from last season returning most of their team. Tough to say how much better the Pads will be since Carmel schedule is weak and won't be tested until maybe the playoffs. They could however have a good shot to get into state bowl this season.

Looks like Palma QB starter will be junior 6-7 180lb JT Herald (who looks like he will be pretty good if he gets some time in the pocket.

Soquel is young but that QB is really good and they younger players had extra time last season to get more experience. Still have them at #2. The game this weekend against Los Gatos should be a good one.

I still take Salinas Cowboys as early PCAL Gab favorite and their line and defense will be pretty good. They have RB Devin Marquez back after missing his junior year due to injury who is really good and their top RB from last season Brandon Palma returning. They also have speedster and D1 prospect Emarccis Turner WR/S back after injury early last season. Line will be bigger and could be better than last season.

 

[Cal 14]

Here's how I see the Gabilan this year...

I think Salinas is still the team to beat, but I don't have enormous confidence they'll run the table. They may have some more playmakers (Turner at WR) than last year, which could bring back flashes of 2022. The great JV team coming in may have to contribute a lot to keep them from a 7 or 8 D-I/Open playoff seed. It would not be out of the question to see this team be the #1 public school in the CCS. The Cowboys could take a 1/4 to 1/2-step forward.

Soquel probably really surprised everyone last year... at least everyone not from Soquel. Given that they're still relatively young boasts a lot of promise for this program, but they still lost some studs. I just hope their non-league schedule doesn't contribute to injuries that impact their league success. Keep QB Whelan upright and they should contend for the league title. The Knights should take about a 1/2-step forward.

Monterey was another young team last year, but they were not as consistent as Soquel. Lots of speed/experience (15 returning starters!) and a boost from actually being able to practice under of the lights on campus should help morale. Is this the year they return to their top-division championship glory days? Not sure, but I think the chase is on towards Salinas and Soquel. The 'Dores could take a 1/2 to 3/4-step forward.

Palma boasted a D-1 WR last year, but that didn't really translate into a scary passing offense. This year, they'll return an up-and-coming sophomore RB for probably more of a ground-dominated attack. 20 years ago, you might have said, that sounds pretty good for Palma, but a lot has happened in the game over that time period. The Chieftains may improve, but they'll be chasing others who may improve more. 0 to 1/4-step forward.

There probably isn't a program in the area with more questions than with Aptos. Sometimes new coaches bring new energy and ideas, but historically, there has been a significant drop when a great coach leaves this school. Has enough knowledge been passed down from Coach Blankenship? Will Coach Hewett take the team in a new dynamic direction? So hard to say, but they should improve from their 2-win season a year ago. 1/2-step backward to 1/2-step forward.

The Hollister program hasn't really been the same over the last several years. I suspect we know why, but there have been glimpses of good competition (took Palma to OT) only to be countered by some head-scratchers (lost to Alvarez). Not too surprising, the non-league schedule is not as heavy as it's been in years' past. A lot of questions surround this program, but there's a lot of room to improve. 1/4-step backward to 1/4-step forward.

Alvarez ended up being their own worst enemy last year. With a loss to Carmel already under their belt, they went out and beat Hollister the following game. It's unfortunate, but this program just doesn't belong in this division. I hope their non-league schedule gives them a confidence boost, but things are going to get real immediately after that. 0 to 1/4 step forward.

Ultimately, this should be an exciting year. Prediction:

Salinas wins the title outright - 35%
Salinas and Soquel tie for co-championship - 35%
Salinas and Monterey tie for co-championship - 15%
Salinas, Monterey, and Soquel tie for tri-championship - 15%

Other divisions:

Mission North - Scotts Valley certainly has a shot to repeat as champs, but look out for Monte Vista Christian and their 15 returning starters. It's a shame Alisal lost their coach... hard to have continuity when this keeps happening.

Mission South - This division begins and ends with Carmel, who probably should have replaced Alvarez in the Gabilan. North High is attempting a resurgence, but the game with Salinas will probably demonstrate how much further they need to come.

Santa Lucia - With Greenfield having moved up to the Mission South, this should be a two-team race between Gonzales and Robert Louis Stevenson, with San Lorenzo Valley as a darkhorse.

 

[FormerD1Backer]

Nice article on Soquel and Aptos in Santa Cruz Sentinel.
View: https://x.com/scsentinel/status/1826718276400914724?s=46&t=Ee9mkROfVNgW75dtv_B4wg

Man, what a meat grinder of a preseason schedule for Soquel! Sheesh.