Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Cover Story

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Senior David Martini figures to be one of the finest players in the Central Coast Section this fall. Martini, a two-way starter at wide receiver and free safety, is a speedster back for his third varsity campaign after winning all-league honors twice.

Fall Ball

The boys of autumn begin the high school football season

By Dick Sparrer

There have been some outstanding football players who have dashed across the grass at Los Gatos High School's Helm Field through the years.

A couple--Bill Fairband and Holden Smith--have made it to the National Football League, and others--like Dave Anderson and Steve Bauer--have gone on to play in the Rose Bowl. And there's even one right now, Trent Edwards, who is the starting quarterback at Stanford University.

So when head coach Butch Cattolico says, "We're returning two of the best players in the history of the school," that's high praise indeed.

But that's what the coach is saying this fall about three-year starters David Martini and Will Kapp. And it will be the pair of two-time all-leaguers who figure to lead the Los Gatos charge as the Wildcats chase an incredible eighth straight league championship and attempt to return to the Central Coast Section playoffs for the 25th year in a row.

"This program has maintained a consistent level of excellence for 30 years," said Cattolico, who enters his 21st season as the head coach after working for years on Charlie Wedemeyer's staff. "And we're gearing up for new challenges this season."

The challenge is a tough schedule from beginning to end. The slate includes a preseason packed with powerhouse opponents and competition in a league that is arguably the toughest public school division in the Central Coast Section.

Los Gatos opens at home against Aragon on Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., heads to St. Francis on Sept. 15 and returns home to face Piedmont Hills on Sept. 22.

"All of these teams were playoff teams last season, so we'll be tested early," said Cattolico. "And the league will be tougher this year; the competition will be very strong."

Los Gatos opens the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division campaign with back-to-back games against league favorites Palo Alto and Milpitas. Homestead, Mountain View, Santa Clara and the ever-dangerous Wilcox round out the league schedule, and then there's a non-league test against longtime rival Saratoga, which features UC-Berkeley-bound wide receiver Alex Lagemann.

"It appears to be a very rugged schedule," said the coach.

To face that tough slate, Los Gatos has talented cast of football players, led by Martini, Kapp and a host of returners from last year's CCS championship team.

Martini (6-foot-2, 198 pounds) is back at wide receiver and free safety and Kapp (6-foot, 194) returns at running back and linebacker.

"They should both have outstanding seasons," said the coach.

The pair tops a list of solid comeback players that also includes seniors Robbie Comeau (6-foot-1, 181) at wide receiver and cornerback, Mark Hasson (5-foot-9, 188) at guard and noseguard and Billy James (6-foot-2, 248) at offensive and defensive tackle, and juniors Nick Kalpin (6-foot-1, 214) at fullback and outside linebacker and Karl Winkelman (6-foot-4, 244) at tight end and outside linebacker.

Kapp and Kalpin, also an all-leaguer last season, figure to lead a strong running attack for the Wildcats this fall, and Martini, Comeau, Winkelman and frosh-soph standout Kiko Alonso (6-foot-3, 214) are all outstanding receivers. Comeau and Winkelman are each coming off of all-league seasons.

Junior quarterback Andrew Gomez (6-foot, 171) leads the offense, taking over for the recently graduated Danny Sullivan.

"He appears ready to fill some big shoes as the leading candidate at a position at Los Gatos which has become synonymous with excellence," said Cattolico. "He shows a strong arm and a great command of the offense, and he's learning quickly how to run the offense."

Senior quarterback Ryan Black figures to play the back-up role this fall but "is still competing at the position," said the coach. "He has outstanding running ability, is a leader and knows the offense well."

The receiving will be bolstered by seniors Nick Smith (5-foot-10, 154), Matt Ellis (6-foot-1, 192), Aaron Miller (5-foot-9, 165), Matt McCarty (6-foot-3, 165) and Dan Showalter (6-foot-5, 167). Juniors Christian Walker (6-foot-1, 168), Jermel Ladd (6-foot, 133), Jackson Zhao (5-foot-7, 163) and Sean Becker (6-foot-2, 191) and senior Jesse Tinsley (6-foot-3, 200) are others hoping to snag passes for the Wildcats this fall.

Junior Bobby Kent (6-foot, 166) and sophomore Hamilton Fairburn (6-foot, 202) are outstanding backs coming up from last year's championship frosh-soph team who figure to get their share of carries this season. Seniors Chris Impey (5-foot-10, 162) and Anthony Ladd (5-foot-10, 155) and junior Ben Wygant (5-foot-9, 139) are other hopefuls at running back, and junior transfer Patrick Kahn (6-foot-1, 202) and juniors Colin Quirke (6-foot-4, 243) and Jeff Pepper (6-foot, 179) will be looking for work at fullback.

Los Gatos looks formidable on the offensive line this season with James leading the charge.

"He is an outstanding offensive tackle," said Cattolico of the senior.

Seniors Randall Horn (6-foot-3, 218) and Andy Zweng (6-foot-5, 226) gives the Cats size and experience at the guard spots, and senior Andrew McCutchen (6-foot-1, 241) will hold down the other tackle post. Senior Wes Howell (6-foot-3, 252) is the leading candidate at center, but big junior Jackson Dallas (6-foot-4, 278) is also playing well there. Dallas can also play tackle.

Junior Chris Frost (6-foot-1, 205) and Hasson are other candidates at guard. Juniors Kevin Wilbur (5-foot-10, 212), Frank Cardia (6-foot-2, 249), Robert Ewing (6-foot-2, 271), Ryan Wynne (5-foot-11, 196) and Kelley Botelho (6-foot-5, 231) and senior Dan Clark (5-foot-10, 203) gives the Cats size and depth on the front wall.

Defensively, Los Gatos has a few outstanding returners, but overall Cattolico is still concerned about his line-up.

"On the defensive side of the ball, the Cats have a mixed bag of proven players and untried players," said the coach.

With Kapp at linebacker, Martini at free safety, Comeau at cornerback, Winkelman at outside linebacker and Hasson on the nose, Los Gatos boasts a talented cast of returners. It's the other positions that are still in question.

Alonso is a top prospect at linebacker and Fairburn and Kalpin are solid outside linebackers. Senior Tom Sutherland (6-foot, 175) is the leader at strong safety with senior Joey Donofrio (6-foot-2, 181) and Miller at the corners.

James, Zweng, Quirke and Mike Martino (6-foot-3, 208) will play on the defensive line with Hasson, who "could be a force on defense," said Cattolico.

Juniors Will Mlinarich (5-foot-11, 150), Kahn, Kent, Matt Berg (5-foot-11, 170), Cameron Altman (5-foot-11, 155), David Burkhart (6-foot-2, 176), Pepper and Ross Pimental (6-foot, 176) and seniors McCarty and Impey are other hopefuls in the secondary, and senior Kyle Kentera (5-foot-11, 196) and juniors Nick Medefesser (6-foot, 203), Gorbaksh Sohal (6-foot, 201) and A.J. Luft (6-foot-4, 161) join Frost, Becker, Smith and Tinsley at linebacker spots.

Up front defensively, Horn joins juniors Scott Krouskup (5-foot-11, 208), Matt Borgia (6-foot-1, 176) and Creg Boley (5-foot-5, 218) as prospects.

Miller will likely figure in the kicking game as a candidate as a punter and placekicker. Rivaling him for the punting chores is Pimental, and Kent and Comeau are other place-kickers.

"The real keys to the season seem to be how well the quarterback position will be filled, how well the offensive line performs and how well the untried players on defense step up," said Cattolico.

"We need key players to stay healthy," he added. "But if some of the younger players can step up, and if players from the frosh-soph team can catch up to the speed of the varsity game quickly enough, then we may have a chance to repeat both in the league and the section."

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a couple of players who are the best in school history--at a school that is rich in its football history.

Linebackers Lee, Lonero lead
Bellarmine in chase for crown

By Dick Sparrer

Teams face many opponents during the football season, but for many squads the most menacing nemesis they face comes along months after the final ball is snapped. It's graduation.

That's the toughest foe Bellarmine has met in a while, and "Pomp and Circumstance" really took its toll on the Bells in the spring of 2006. All six players who won all-league first team honors in the West Catholic Athletic League last fall were part of the commencement ceremonies in May.

What's left from the team that rolled to a 7-4 overall record and a second-place finish in the WCAL is some experience at the quarterback and linebacker positions, but inexperience in both the offensive and defensive lines and a lack of team depth.

Still, don't count the Bells out yet. Comeback quarterback Jordan Vargas (5-foot-11, 165 pounds) and returning all-league second team linebackers Mitch Lee (5-foot-11, 185) and Angelo Lonero (5-foot-8, 180) head up a talented squad that head coach Mike Janda figures can hold its own in the powerful West Catholic circuit.

"Our strengths will be experience and depth at both linebacker positions, and experience at quarterback," said Janda. "But our weaknesses will be overall team depth and inexperience in both the offensive and defensive lines."

Vargas, Lee and Lonero are joined by Mark Canha (6-foot-2, 190), Alex Roux (6-foot-3, 200) and Andy Mullen (6-foot, 195) as top senior returners for the Bells this season.

Vargas, an all-league honorable mention pick last fall, is back after playing all 11 games for the Bells in 2005. In the 10 games of the regular season he completed 67 of 121 passes (55 percent) for 999 yards and six touchdowns. He was intercepted eight times. Vargas was also Bellarmine's place-kicker, drilling 32 extra points and three field goals.

His favorite target was Jalal Beauchman, who led the league with 47 catches for 799 yards, but Beauchman was one of the six all-leaguers who graduated in the spring.

Canha is expected to step up as the top receiver for Bellarmine this year. The senior pulled down 11 passes for 343 yards and three TDs a year ago.

Roux should also catch his share of passes as the Bells' returning starter at tight end, and senior Kevin Gonzales (5-foot-9, 140) should play a key role at wide receiver.

Senior Andy Offorjebe (6-foot-1, 235) and junior Jimmy Molnar (5-foot-8, 195) are top prospects at running back for the Bells.

Guards Lee and Lonero will lead the charge up front in the offensive line along with junior center Kellan Barker (5-foot-11, 190) and senior tackles Robert Valenti (5-foot-11, 195) and Aaron Bordenave (6-foot-3, 220).

Lee and Lonero, both three-year varsity players for the Bells, will lead the defensive effort as top returning inside linebackers, and Mullen and Roux are back at outside linebacker posts. Gonzales and Molnar are other top prospects at inside backer spots, and Offorjebe will see action on the outside.

Canha is back as a defensive starter in the secondary as a Bellarmine cornerback. Newcomers Barker, Valenti and Bordenave will anchor the defensive line.

The rest of the seniors on the squad include: Jason Sawyer (5-foot-10, 210) running back/linebacker; Justin Garza (5-foot-10, 175) wide receiver/cornerback; Chris Hendey (5-foot-11, 185) wide receiver/safety; Brad Bond (6-foot-2, 170) kicker; Mitchell Knauf (5-foot-10, 175) running back/cornerback; Trever Treadwell (6-foot, 175) wide receiver/cornerback; Jeff Alves (6-foot, 180) tight end/outside linebacker; Matt Garish (5-foot-11, 175) guard/linebacker; Andrew Foraker (5-foot-9, 195) guard/defensive tackle; Chris Abidog (5-foot-10, 200) guard/defensive tackle; Andrew Miller (6-foot-1, 280) tackle/defensive tackle; Tom Guinane (6-foot-1, 195) tackle/defensive tackle; Andy Estko (6-foot-3, 210) tackle/defensive tackle; and Spencer Pollard (6-foot-06, 225) tackle/defensive tackle.

Janda looks to defending champion Valley Christian as the team to beat in the rugged WCAL this fall while looking for a "middle of the pack" finish for his Bells.

The Bells were to have opened the season against Clovis on Sept. 1 and will head to Piedmont Hills on Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., before visiting Jesuit on Sept. 16 and San Benito on Sept. 22. Bellarmine opens the league season on Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., against Serra at San José City College.

Janda will be assisted by John Amarillas, Mike Henry and Dan Burke this season.

The times, like El Camino Division
football coaches, they are a-changin'

By Mike Barnhart

What a difference a year makes.

The coaching landscape of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League's El Camino Division changed dramatically in the off-season.

"I'm the old veteran now," said Monta Vista coach Jeff Mueller, beginning his fifth season. "All the other teams changed coaches."

Cupertino, Fremont, Lynbrook, Gunn and Los Altos all have new coaches. In fact, if Santa Clara had not moved up to the De Anza Division, Mueller would have been the only head coach who wasn't new in 2006.

Saratoga and its veteran coach, Kurt Heinrich, joined the fold this season, after the Falcons swapped SCVAL spots with Santa Clara.

Ray Wright, the athletic director at Lynbrook, has taken over the Vikings' varsity football reins after leading the frosh-soph team for two seasons. Al Diaz, Cupertino's head coach the past two seasons, has joined Wright's staff of assistants as the line coach. Diaz also is an instructional assistant at Lynbrook.

Kyle Fitzpatrick, a history teacher and assistant head coach of Cupertino's frosh-soph team in 2005, has taken over as the Pioneer's head coach.

Another history teacher, Andy Walczak, stepped down after four seasons as Fremont's head coach, after accepting an administrative position at Lynbrook. Walczak, who guided the Firebirds to a 4-2 record in the El Camino Division during his final season, will be the assistant principal of activities at Lynbrook.

Replacing Walczak as coach is longtime Fremont P.E. teacher Ron Demonner, who returns to a position he held for seven seasons, 1995-2001. During his first stint as the Firebirds' head coach, Demonner led the team to the El Camino Division title in 1996. Five seasons later in 2001, Fremont finished one extra point shy of a second title. The Firebirds tied Cupertino 6-6 on a wet Friday night at Diesner Field.

Demonner returns to the high school game after four seasons as defensive coordinator for the Menlo College Oaks. Prior to taking the Fremont coaching job in 1995, Demonner had served for many seasons as an assistant at Santa Clara University. He also coached Archbishop Mitty to the WCAL title in 1974.

While there has been much turnover in the El Camino ranks, the De Anza Division fashions just one change for the 2006 season. In fact, Charlie Bostic, in his sixth season as Homestead's head coach, is a coaching youngster when compared to the likes of Butch Cattolico (in his 21st season as head coach at Los Gatos), Earl Hansen (Palo Alto), Dan Navarro (Mountain View), Kelly King (Milpitas) and Woody Freitas (Wilcox).

Santa Clara, which was promoted to the always-tough De Anza circuit after winning the El Camino title last season, is the only school that experienced a coaching change in the off-season. Shinichi Hirano took over for Rich Hammond, who accepted a teaching and coaching position at Gilroy High.

By Dick Sparrer

Preparing a team to compete for a league championship is the least of the concerns right now for Los Gatos High School frosh-soph football coach Dale Gustafson. He's facing bigger problems.

Gustafson and his staff were greeted by 107 prospects when they opened fall football practice a couple of weeks ago. But before any of the X's and O's could be discussed, the coaches had more immediate issues to face--like finding enough uniforms and lockers for the players, and learning their names.

Those are problems, though, that any coach would gladly deal with. Because oftentimes, the "problem" of having so many players on the team translates to success when the season gets under way.

Success is something that has become commonplace for frosh-soph football teams at Los Gatos, and Gustafson is hoping for more of the same this fall.

The young Wildcats rolled to an 8-1-1 record last season and tied with Palo Alto for the championship in the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League. Gustafson is expecting a similar league race this season.

"We'll compete for the league title," he said, adding that Palo Alto and Milpitas figure to be other top contenders.

"[Milpitas has] a lot of returning starters from a very good team," he added.

But, then, so do the Wildcats.

Gustafson won't have to worry about learning the names of all of his players this year--some of them he remembers from last year. And a few of those players had pretty good seasons in 2005.

"Last year was such a unique year in which we played a lot of freshmen in significant situations, and they are all returning this year," said Gustafson. "So in a way, we have some experience for a frosh-soph team."

Comeback all-leaguers, Mark Tonkel (running back) and Spencer Havens (offensive and defensive lines) are joined by repeat starters Craig Zeiter (free safety), Dan Mason (offensive and defensive lines) and Christian Cusella (wide receiver and defensive back) to give the Cats a solid nucleus of returners.

"Our offense will be centered around a strong running game," added the coach.

Tonkel, who set the tone for the year when he raced for 242 yards in his first game last season, will lead the attack, and Fairburn and Chris LaBouf will share time at fullback. LaBouf is a sophomore transfer from St. Francis who will also play linebacker.

"Tonkel showed us last year that he has the ability to break any play for a touchdown," said Gustafson. "He can do a lot of damage in the open field.

"We also have a handful of receivers that can really make some plays down the field," he added, singling out Cusella, Jack Schweitzer, Billy Cardia and Jeff Clark.

"Schweitzer has outstanding hands, and he's able to go up in traffic and make plays," said the coach.

Sophomore Jeff Butler is battling with freshmen Nick Hirschman and Cory McDowell for starting nod at quarterback.

"All three are learning to be good leaders and good football players," said Gustafson.

Havens, Mason and Patrick Kelly will be key performers in the offensive front.

"Up front, we have some significant size and some quickness on our line," said the coach. "They'll open up a lot up for us."

Linebacker LaBouf will lead the defensive attack for the Wildcats.

Zeiter, Victor Sanchez and Patrick Impey will lead the charge in the defensive backfield, and Havens, Mason and Kelly will all serve double duty on the defensive line.

"Even though these are the guys who we see as the leaders and probable starters, every year there are a handful of players that step up and become significant elements in our success," added the coach.

And success has become the benchmark for Gustafson and his young Wildcats.

"Even though we have won four titles in the past six years, we start over every year and place the burden of hard work and commitment on these guys and hold them accountable to the goals that we set," said Gustafson.

By Dick Sparrer

The football team at Harker School was fighting a losing battle last season, and it led to a losing season.

Harker opened the 2005 campaign with just 18 players, and even though nine were returners from'04, the numbers worked against the Eagles as they labored through a winless season.

But there have been some changes in the program for the coming year, not the least of which has been the appointment of a new head coach. And first-year boss Karriem Stinson is taking a practical approach heading into the 2006 season. He's not predicting a championship for his Eagles--rather, he's taking it slow.

"We are hoping to go .500," said Stinson, who moves up from his role as a Harker assistant to take over the head coach's role.

Actually, a .500 season would be a dramatic improvement over last year's 0-10 effort for the Eagles. And Stinson has good reason to be at least guardedly optimistic about the coming season.

"We have a great young core group of players, as well as 10 seniors," said Stinson.

Heading up Harker's hopes this year will be comeback all-leaguers Eric Tsai (5-foot-7, 198 pounds), Akshay Bhatia (5-foot-7, 160), Grayson Hurd (5-foot-9, 155) and Gregg Ringold (5-foot-9, 155). Tsai and Ringold will each return for their third varsity campaign.

The four seniors join sophomore Arman Gupta as key figures on the 2006 squad.

Tsai won all-league first team honors in the Private Schools Athletic League last fall after a super junior season playing in the offensive and defensive lines for the Eagles. He also won an all-league second team spot on the volleyball team in the spring. Bhatia was a second team all-leaguer a year ago and returns with Tsai in the offensive and defensive lines this season.

Hurd and Ringold will each do double duty as wide receivers and defensive backs for Harker after claiming all-league second team spots as juniors.

Leading the offense will be the sophomore, Gupta. Despite his age, Gupta won all-league second team honors on the Harker junior varsity squad a year ago.

Harker got a quick start on the 2006 football season when the Eagles flew into their opener on Sept. 1 against Marshall at PAL Stadium in San Jose.

The Eagles will host Sierra Christian on Sept. 9, noon, and Overfelt on Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m., before opening the league season at home against St. Francis of Watsonville on Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. Harker plays its home games at PAL Stadium.

Sussman, seniors give King's
high hopes for success in '06

By Brad Wall

The King's Academy Knights have been playing varsity football for only four years, but despite the lack of experience, head coach Ron Kellner is optimistic about their chances this season.

"We have a really good shot to be a surprise," said Kellner, whose team finished 3-3 in the Bay Football League and 5-3-1 overall last season.

Boasting a senior-loaded team with 16 returning players, including at least eight returning starters, the Knights also have enviable consistency at the most important position on the field.

Led by senior quarterback Sam Sussman (6-foot-3, 177 pounds), who Kellner calls a "great leader," the Knights have a chance to build upon last season's strides.

In running the double wing (a variation of the wing-T), the Knights won't need Sussman to throw the ball 30 times a game. However, if the Knights are going to take the next step, Sussman will need to improve upon his 2005 performance, which saw him throw for just 386 yards and one touchdown against six interceptions.

Along with Sussman, the Knights also will have running back/safety Steve Lim (5-foot-9, 160) returning for his senior year, and the massive Peter Trinko (6-foot-5, 260) at tight end.

Despite being listed as a tight end, Trinko had only one catch last year for 11 yards and is more of a blocker than a receiver.

Lim had 82 carries for 561 yards and two touchdowns last season, and along with fellow senior running backs Colin Foshay (6-foot, 180), Kyle McDonald (6-foot-1, 180), will be looking to augment the 1,031 yards Matt Smith put up last season.

Offensive lineman/defensive lineman Josh Moran (6-foot-1, 230) is the Knights' only returning starter, so the rest of the line will have to be sorted out. Seniors Paolo Topete (5-foot-8, 165), Chris Justice (5-foot-11, 185), Mike Valhos (6-foot-2, 175) and Aaron Abke (5-foot-10, 170) will compete with junior Ryan Ponce (6-foot-1, 225) and the sophomore trio of Travis Johnson (6-foot, 195), Ben Vidovich (5-foot-11, 235) and the Ted Trinko (6-foot-4, 265) for playing time.

On the other side of the ball, the Knights will be running a 5-2 defense, freeing up senior linebackers Josiah Auer (5-foot-11, 185) and Bryan McDonald (5-foot-11, 170) to make plays.

"Our linebacking crew is really strong," said Kellner. "[They're] probably our strength."

Auer is second among returning Knights with 30 tackles (10 solo), two sacks and two fumble recoveries last season.

McDonald, on the other hand, didn't get a chance to see the field last year because he was sidelined after tearing the same ACL twice. Despite that, though, he has fought his way back onto the field and into starting role for the Knights.

"They voted him captain before he could even play," Kellner said of the impact McDonald's recovery and rehab has had on the team.

In addition, senior defensive back Jessie Haff (6-foot, 160), the Knights leading returning tackler with 34 (10 solo), will look to solidify the Knights' defense.

As well as returning leadership, this season's version of the Knights has a secret weapon.

"We've got something we've never had before--depth," said Kellner of his Knights who have increased their roster from 26 players last season to 34 this season, including nine new players.

That depth was bolstered by a small influx of talent from its undefeated junior varsity team. Although only five players came up to varsity, at least two of them have a chance to contribute right away.

Junior running back Jacob Bliss (6-foot, 185), whom Kellner calls "explosive," and junior defensive end/tight end Zack Freitas both will have a chance to be playmakers for the Knights this season.

The Knights will face stiff competition as they host St. Elizabeth during the midseason and finish off hosting Sacred Heart Prep and traveling to Salesian.

While the Knights do have some question marks, one thing that's not up in the air is the camaraderie they've displayed already.

"Being a small school, everyone knows each other," said Kellner. "These kids don't just play together, they like each other."

Thomas hopes Leigh returns to championship form of '04

By Kevin Sparrer

After a year riddled with bad luck, the football players at Leigh seek to make their own luck this year.

Two years ago, the Longhorns won the championship in the Mt. Hamilton Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League, but last year were unable to defend their title. Unfortunately for the Longhorns, they lost seven players last season due to injury, seven players who are back and ready for the upcoming year. In fact, many of the seven players are three-year varsity starters and were counted among the champions of 2004.

Returning to the field for their senior years after injury are three-year starter on the offensive and defensive lines, Eric Lutz (6-foot-1, 240 pounds); Genesis Flaa'vaae (6-foot-3, 290) on the offensive and defensive lines; Dylan August (6-foot-3, 245) at fullback and linebacker; three-year starter Doug Webster (6-foot-3, 190), the first year as a wide receiver and then at quarterback; Thomas Cosgrove (5-foot-11, 180) as a wide receiver and defensive back; and Daniel Franke (5-foot-9, 175) as a third-year varsity running back.

Aside from the players returning from injuries, Leigh also has a few healthy players returning this fall. A three-year veteran of the O and D lines, senior Alex Collins (6-foot, 300) was the only all-league first team player for Leigh last season. Senior Ryan Souza (6-foot-2, 195) is back at tight end and linebacker, along with seniors Logan Mandy (5-foot-10, 160) at wide receiver, Austin Steacy (5-foot-11, 170) at quarterback, Greg Loper (5-foot-10, 165) at defensive back, Jonathan Lightning (6-foot, 190) at linebacker and Jacob Dipiero (6-foot-1, 175) at linebacker. Junior Daltyn August (6-foot-1, 210) returns as part of the offensive and defensive lines.

Along with all of the returning players, Leigh also picked up a few transfer students who have joined the team: From Gilroy, senior Josh Yassini (6-foot-1, 245) will be playing on the offensive and defensive lines, and from Reno, senior Chris Balcom-Miller (6-foot-2, 195) will be a wide receiver and a free safety.

Coming up from the frosh-soph team to play key roles for the Longhorns are sophomore Tyler Pau (6-foot-1, 205) in both lines, sophomore Ryan Valentine (5-foot-11, 185) at running back and tight end and Vince DiPiero (5-foot-10, 165) as a defensive back and a wide receiver.

"We have a lot of experience on offense this year since most of our offensive line started on our championship team two years ago," said head coach Shawn Thomas. "The defense is a little inexperienced since these guys haven't played together very much."

Despite a poor year of 1-6 in league last year, the Longhorns are healthy and ready for the challenge. With Oak Grove and Pioneer the teams to beat this year, Leigh is not intimidated.

"This is a tough league. The entire schedule is difficult; you never get room to breathe," said Thomas. "That's also what makes it fun."

The Longhorns begin this football season Sept. 9 against San Mateo at the home of the Bearcats. The game has a 2 p.m. start time.

League play will begin for Leigh on Sept. 30 against the always-dangerous Pioneer Mustangs. The Longhorns will be traveling for a 1:30 p.m. start against Pioneer.

Coach trying to turn Lynbrook
football in the Wright direction

By Mike Barnhart

There's no place to go but up for Lynbrook's young football team. A winless 2005 marked the 12th season in a row that losses outweighed wins in the Viking program, but new head coach Ray Wright and his staff are looking to reverse that trend.

Wright, a football coach and teacher since 1994, just started his fourth year as a physical education teacher at Lynbrook and second as the school's athletic director. While running the frosh-soph squad the past two seasons, he has been trying to rekindle pride, enthusiasm and a work ethic. In fact, nearly two-thirds of the 37 players on the 2006 varsity are juniors and in their third season playing for Wright.

Last season Wright's frosh-soph team finished with an overall winning record. Just two varsity wins this season would double the Vikings' total over the past two seasons and a 5-5 record would equal the number of Lynbrook victories since 2001.

With a change of coaching staffs at four of the other six Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division schools, Lynbrook could make a run up the El Camino standings if the young squad can build some momentum during the non-league season.

After a season opener against Del Mar on Sept. 9 at Cupertino, the Vikings take on two other "C" division teams--James Lick and Yerba Buena of the Blossom Valley Athletic League's West Valley Division. The Comets and Warriors were a combined 3-17 last season.

Although he is not publicly predicting the Vikings' first winning season since the 1993 team went 7-2-1 and reached the Central Coast Section playoffs, Wright is optimistic. "We expect the team to play hard and be competitive each week," he said.

Leading the way will be senior Michael Hernandez (5-foot-9, 210 pounds), a first team all-El Camino choice last season. Hernandez and fellow senior lettermen Matt Kemp (6-foot-1, 205) and Kevin Rahbar (5-foot-9, 190) all figure to get their share of touches at running back and chime in on defense from their linebacker positions.

Another running back candidate could be Bryan Snyder (5-foot-8, 165), if he can return to top form from a midsummer injury. Snyder, a junior, was a leading ball carrier at the frosh-soph level last season.

Wright also is looking for strong line play from three varsity lettermen, seniors Ben Shin (6-foot-1, 240) and Chris Song (6-foot-2, 235) and junior Bobby Esquivel (6-foot, 205).

With the graduation of Cory Williams from the 2005 squad, the quarterback position has been placed into the hands of junior Greg Wallis (6-foot-1, 155), Wright's starter on the frosh-soph last season.

Wallis, who got a taste of varsity competition while playing for Lynbrook's baseball team last spring, will have a chance to throw to two of the taller tight ends in the valley, and perhaps the entire Bay Area. Junior Andy Meunier (6-foot-7, 215) and senior Kris Gingrich (6-foot-5, 220) both are newcomers to the varsity squad. Meunier was a frosh-soph teammate of Wallis last season, while Gingrich was a high-scoring forward and an all-league selection for Lynbrook's varsity basketball team last winter.

Another receiver option for Wallis will be junior wide receiver Yas Sakurai (5-foot-10, 165), who also will be used as a defensive back. Junior Scott Day (6-foot, 200), a candidate for playing time at running back and linebacker, and Sakurai were teammates of Wallis on the frosh-soph.

Other seniors on the squad include linemen Aria Nasiri (6-foot-1, 200), Zach Fisher (6-foot, 235), Nick Walker (5-foot-9, 160) and David Chen (5-foot-11, 280) and wide receivers Eric Park (5-foot-11, 160) and Fahad Salim (6-foot 160).

Brown wants Monarchs to go
for the gold in his silver season

By Dick Sparrer

It may be his silver anniversary at Archbishop Mitty High School, but head football coach Dave Brown is hoping to see his Monarchs go for the gold in the 2006 West Catholic Athletic League season.

Brown is starting his 25th season at the Mitty helm, and the veteran coach believes that the championship race is wide open this year and that his own club could have just as good of a shot at winning it as anyone else.

"The league is once again very strong from top to bottom," said Brown. "There are seven very good football teams in the league, and there is no way anyone can, with any conviction, predict which team will be on top when it is all over."

At first glance, Brown looks to defending champion Valley Christian as the top contender. But he also sees great balance in the league this year.

"Valley Christian has been the dominant team in the past two seasons, and they seem to just reload each year," he said. "However, this season--based on returning talent--there doesn't seem to be one dominant team, and it looks like it will be a fight to the finish this season to see who will end up with the league title."

Returning all-league linebacker Steve Sloan (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) will lead a solid Mitty defense this fall. Sloan, a dominant tackler, is back for his third season as a starter.

Sloan will be joined on the defensive squad by seniors Pablo Garcia (6-foot-1, 280), Joe Frangieh (6-foot-2, 272) and Zack Heinen (6-foot-3, 244) in the line and Adam Goodson (6-foot-2, 210), Kevin Toth (5-foot-10, 144), Phillip Stapp (5-foot-10, 170) and Eddie Parish (6-foot, 190) in the secondary.

Trace Cimoli (5-foot-10, 202) will start at center and will anchor a strong offensive line that also includes seniors Kevin Strombel (6-foot-5, 232) and Heinen at tackle and Garcia at guard, and juniors Brian McKeon (6-foot-3, 220) at guard and Anthony Miller (6-foot-3, 240) at tight end.

Senior Jordan Esparza (6-foot, 172) will move in as the starter at quarterback, looking to hook up with talented receivers in Toth and Goodson.

Juniors Kenny Jackson (5-foot-11, 235) and Thomas Reynolds (5-foot-9, 168) are top prospects at the running back spots after solid efforts last year on the Mitty junior varsity.

The rest of the seniors on the squad include: Patrick Aubin (5-foot-5, 140), running back; Joseph Bagliere (6-foot-2, 241), tight end/defensive lineman; Thomas Bakewell (6-foot, 190), tight end/defensive back; Andrew De la Cruz (5-foot-4, 142), running back; Jeff DeBarr (6-foot, 172), running back/linebacker; Ryan Hirose (5-foot-7, 171), fullback; John Kondo (5-foot-10, 165), defensive back; Matthew Lisec (5-foot-9, 180), linebacker; and Jeff Mercado (5-foot-6, 155) running back.

Brown is excited about his team's chances this fall, but his major concern is Mitty's lack of depth.

"A key element will be how the younger players respond when the older guys need to rest. That will be the difference in our success this season," he said.

Mitty will have to stay away from injuries, something the Monarchs couldn't do last year when they posted a 4-6 season record. Esparza, Goodson and Garcia all were hampered by injuries a year ago.

Esparza was out with a broken hand last fall, Garcia missed much of the year with an ankle injury, and Goodson was knocked out with an injury in the fifth game in 2005.

The Monarchs got an early start to the 2006 season when they battled Pioneer on Sept. 1. Mitty will face Milpitas on Sept. 8, 7 p.m., at Foothill before meeting Analy on Sept. 15 and Salinas on Sept. 22. The Monarchs open the WCAL season at St. Francis on Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Brown enters his 25th year as the Mitty head coach with a 129-127-4 career record with the Monarchs, including an impressive 96-62-2 mark over the past 13 seasons. Mitty has gone to the Central Coast Section playoffs in 10 of the last 14 years, winning it twice and finishing second three times.

Mitty last won a WCAL crown in 2001, but Brown hopes to see his Monarchs go for the gold in his silver season at the school.

Experience at quarterback is
key to Title Bid for Prospect

By Kevin Sparrer

Without an experienced quarterback, football is a difficult sport.

Unfortunately for the Prospect Panthers, that's how life has been on the football field for the last year or so. At the beginning of last season, the Panthers had three quarterbacks, but none had ever taken a snap as a varsity player.

This year, though, things seem to be different for the Panthers since they now have a returning experienced quarterback to count on in senior Zach Stevenson (6-foot, 195 pounds).

After last year's successful season of 5-1, but still one game out of first place, the Panthers hope to gain the extra edge they have needed in the past few years.

The last time Prospect won a championship was in the West Valley Division in 2000, and even then it was simply a coin flip that determined which of the teams in the three-way tie was allowed to go on to the Central Coast Section playoffs. The last championship it won outright was back in 1997, so the Panthers are ready to taste victory again in the West Valley Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League.

"I know if we can stay healthy we will be successful," said head coach Carlos Boles. "We've always been one game short and that's become our hurdle."

Along with a returning quarterback, Prospect also boasts a few other players returning at key positions. Senior J.D. Snyder (5-foot-11, 235) is Prospect's only first team all-league returner and he will head back to the offensive and defensive lines. Joining Snyder are junior Ryan Eseroma (6-foot-1, 265), who also returns to the trenches, senior Kendall Hendon (6-foot-2, 180), who was second team all-league last year at wide receiver and defensive back, and senior Jeremy Eseroma (5-foot-9, 185) as running back and linebacker.

The rest of the seniors on the team are Zac Elliot (5-foot-7, 159) wide receiver and defensive back; Scott Hines (5-foot-9, 168) kicker and wide receiver; Tana Seneewong (5-foot-9, 185) wide receiver and defensive back; John Weaver (5-foot-11, 195) quarterback; Joe Clayton (5-foot-9, 165) wide receiver and defensive back; David Matusewicz (6-foot-3, 185) quarterback and kicker; Kyle Koke (5-foot-10, 190) running back and linebacker; Kenny Bake (5-foot-8, 170) running back and outside linebacker; Chris Johnson (5-foot-11, 180) wide receiver and defensive back; Edward Lewis (6-foot-1, 270) offensive and defensive lines; Deep Kangura (5-foot-9, 245) offensive and defensive lines; Uychau Pham (5-foot-8, 195) guard and defensive tackle; and Shane Jennings (5-foot-10, 185) tight end and defensive end.

Along with returning players, Prospect also has a few joining the team from the frosh-soph squad this season who look to help out the effort. Junior Paul Michael Davis (6-foot-2, 190) will be the middle linebacker and fullback and was the frosh-soph's Defensive Player of the Year last year, and junior Randy Wilde (5-foot-8, 175) is coming up to be a running back and defensive back.

"There are only three returning coaches in this league," said Boles. "It feels like a new league. But Andrew Hill played us tough last year; they are one of the teams to beat.

"With a strong returning nucleus at key positions, we feel we have a good shot this year. We now have the ability to throw with an experienced quarterback. We just can't beat ourselves."

The Panthers opted for an early game this season, opening on Sept. 1 against Sequoia. Prospect then has a bye and will travel to Leigh to face the Longhorns on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

The first league game this year will be against James Lick at the home of the Comets. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m.

Falcons expect a bright football season in 2006

By Dick Sparrer

Kurt Heinrich will see the light this fall, and so will his Saratoga High School football team.

It's got nothing to do with the fact that the Falcons expect a brighter season in the more comfortable confines of the El Camino Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League, and, no, Heinrich has not experienced any sort of football revelation.

It's much simpler than that. Saratoga has new lights on its football field, and they'll shine on the season when school officials throw the switch Sept. 29.

Heinrich will throw the switch to turn on the 2006 season much sooner than that, though. The Falcons were to open the campaign on Sept. 1 against Homestead and will open league play on Sept. 29 against Fremont, when the coach is looking for his players to shine in the new division.

"We paid the price for inexperience in the 2005 season," said Heinrich, whose club suffered through a 3-7 year last fall and ended in last place in the De Anza Division with a 1-5 record.

"All of those kids that took their lumps last year will be more seasoned and experienced this year," added the coach. "The team will have more experience this year in comparison to 2005."

That experience, and the presence of blue-chipper Alex Lagemann in the line-up, make Saratoga the odds-on title favorite in the El Camino circuit this fall.

Lagemann, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound wide receiver, "is one of the finest players in the country," said Heinrich. "We're not the only ones to feel that way--the California Golden Bears offered him, and he accepted, a full scholarship to play football at Berkeley."

Clearly, the Falcons had trouble getting the football into Lagemann's hands enough last fall. But Heinrich hopes to change that this fall, and he had three quarterbacks vying for the opportunity to toss passes Lagemann's way.

Seniors Kevin Sieczkarek (5-foot-10, 170) and Matt Casas (6-foot, 185) and junior Kyle Guengerich (6-foot, 165) are battling for the starting job behind the center.

"The quarterback position will be manned from a combination [of the three]," said Heinrich. "All three will work extensively and compete for playing time."

"Out of this group, Kevin has the most experience, having played a good amount last year. Matt has had a tremendous off-season and has hardened himself for his senior season," said Heinrich. "Kyle comes to the varsity having led the frosh-soph team. He is an athletic kid and possesses a nice touch throwing the ball."

Senior running backs Jeff Frederickson (5-foot-9, 175) and Lenny Liccardo (5-foot-8, 195) return to lead the ground attack for the Falcons. Heinrich calls Frederickson "speedy" and Liccardo "rugged," and adds that "both look very sharp and confident."

Juniors Pete Florence (5-foot-9, 170), Scott McKenzie (5-foot-8, 160) and Dylan D'Ercole (5-foot-7, 155) and sophomore Mat Spencer (5-foot-9, 170) are backs up from the frosh-soph squad.

"Pete and Mat have been very impressive both running the ball and receiving it out of the backfield," said Heinrich. "Scott is exceptional out of the backfield, and Dylan continues to show improvement."

"We will have more depth at the running back position than in years past," said the coach. "And at fullback we are equally deep."

Senior Brian Dowdle (6-foot, 180) and juniors Gabe Essner (6-foot, 190) and Steven Walker (6-foot-1, 190) are top candidates at the fullback spot for Saratoga.

"Dowdle has terrific ability," said Heinrich. "[Essner] transferred to Saratoga this year, and we're excited to see what he can do. He is a physical kid who is both quick and strong. [Walker] is also a tough, physical player. He was one of the stars of the frosh-soph team and has loads of ability. He should make a big impact on this year's team."

Senior Sean Casserly (6-foot-2, 215) was a starter at guard for the Falcons last season but will move out to tight end this fall.

"Athletically, it's not as much of a stretch as one might think," said Heinrich. "Sean is an excellent athlete who moves well, he's a good blocker and he can catch the ball."

Lagemann will be joined at the receiver spot by junior Andrew Capek (6-foot-3, 175), who returns for his second varsity season.

"He's a rangy athlete with excellent hands," said Heinrich, who should know a little about receivers since he was a good one himself at Saratoga High and at the University of the Pacific.

Juniors Keon Ghafouri (5-foot-10, 165) and Cullen Bowen (6-foot-1, 170) and senior Kourosh Asahdel (6-foot-1, 165) are other talented receivers on the Saratoga squad.

"Up front on the offensive line, we'll be challenged but we're not without experience and athleticism," said Heinrich.

Seniors Brantley Berryhill (6-foot-1, 190), Sean Nasiri (6-foot-2, 205) and Jake Burne (6-foot-2, 210) and juniors David Pignatelli (6-foot-1, 235) and Zack Kowitz (6-foot-3, 235) are leading candidates in the offensive line. Seniors Robert Thompson (6-foot-3, 205) and Bennett Rothenberg (6-foot-3, 230) and juniors Bryan Dodge (6-foot-2, 235), Andrew Pei (6-foot-2, 180), Saumaan Vahabi (6-foot, 184), Jason Daniel (6-foot-2, 215) and Brendan Hellar (6-foot-1, 210) are other top prospects in the offensive front.

Over on the defensive side of the ball, many of the faces will look the same.

"All of our offensive players are expected to play defense as well," said Heinrich. "But we expect to play a lot of kids to stay away from fatigue."

Berryhill, Pignatelli, Dodge, Pei, Thompson, Nasiri, Burne, Hellar and senior Nick Shehtonian will get playing time in the defensive line with Kowitz, Capek, Casserly, senior Nick Sclavos (6-foot, 170), junior Matt Keating (6-foot, 190), junior Gabe Essner (6-foot, 190), junior Steve Walker (6-foot-1, 190), Casas and Dowdle sharing time as linebackers.

Lagemann and senior Danny Miroyan (5-foot-10, 170) will head the defensive backfield cast that also includes Sieczkarek, Bowen, McKenzie, Asahdel, Ghafouri, Spencer, Florence, Frederickson, D'Ercole, Guengerich, junior Peter Florence (5-foot-9, 170) and junior Ryan Stoffers (5-foot-9,155).

Nick May (5-foot-9, 165) returns to handle the place-kicking for the Falcons and is going up against Walker, Ghafouri and Lagemann in an attempt to become the club's punter.

"We would like him to sharpen his punting skills to go along with his accurate field goal kicking," said the coach.

The Falcons were to open the season against Homestead on Sept. 1 and will face Live Oak on Sept. 8 and Hillsdale on Sept. 15 before opening play in the El Camino Division when they host Fremont on Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., in their first home game ever under the lights at Benny Pierce Field.

Three bowl games will determine
first ever state football champions

By Dick Sparrer

The 2006 high school football season will be longer than those in the past--at least, for six teams in the state of California.

The first ever CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games will be played on Dec. 16 at Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson. Championship games will be played that day for Division I (7 p.m.), Division II (3 p.m.) and Division III (11 a.m.) teams.

Only section champions will be eligible to compete in the bowl games, and Central Coast Section division title winners will be among those teams considered for participation as Northern California representatives.

Criteria for selecting bowl teams will include win-loss records, strength of schedule, head-to-head competition and common opponents.

For consideration, teams will be ranked in three divisions based on school enrollment. Those classifications will not necessarily match the divisions teams compete in in CCS play.

Valley Christian, San Benito, Los Gatos and Half Moon Bay are all defending CCS champions. Valley won the open division title last fall, but even if the Warriors pulled off a repeat this season they would be classified a Division II team for the state championship game. San Benito is classified Division I along with local squads from Bellarmine, Oak Grove, Milpitas, Monta Vista, Santa Teresa, Leland and Leigh, and Los Gatos and Half Moon Bay join Valley in Division II along with Westmont, Lincoln, Mitty, Pioneer, Saratoga and Del Mar.

Tickets for the bowl games will go on sale on Oct. 1 at TicketMaster outlets.

Warriors reload for another run at titles

By Brad Wall

Some football teams are lucky to get one or two star players per generation who can carry them to the top--and then there are teams such as the Valley Christian Warriors, who don't rebuild but reload.

The Warriors, who stormed to their fourth consecutive Central Coast Section championship last season behind the talents of running backs Dominque Hunsucker and Mike Ginther and quarterback Dante Perez, have to replace more than 1,600 yards rushing, nearly 1,000 yards passing and 36 touchdowns. The result was a 12-1 season record and 6-0 finish in the West Catholic Athletic League.

Despite their losses, the Warriors have to be considered among the favorites to repeat as the WCAL champions and gain another berth in the CCS.

"We'll be in the mix," said head coach Mike Machado. "But we're going to have to stay consistent."

While the Warriors will have to find a way to replace the production from their backfield, they can count on their line, anchored by senior offensive lineman/ defensive end Ryan Gardner (6-foot-3, 230 pounds).

Gardner is the Warriors' only returning first team all-league player and was the WCAL's Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Returning with Gardner will be guard/defensive end Matt Singletary (6-foot-4, 212), defensive end Zachary Moon (6-foot-3, 170) and offensive/defensive linemen Louis Price (6-foot-2, 215), K.C. Haight (5-foot-11, 255), Derek Enders (5-foot-11, 250), Alan Lee (5-foot-9, 170), Kevin Fanelli (5-foot-10, 196), Greggory Cates (6-foot-3, 195) and Chris Palmer (6-foot-3, 210).

While the Warriors did display offensive explosiveness last season, it was their defense that helped propel them to the title. And for the Warriors to repeat, the defense will have to again be outstanding.

"We try to load our defense every year," said Machado.

Playing what he termed a "disciplined, attacking style of defense," Machado will rotate players in and out of the base 4-3 he uses, meaning many linemen will have a chance to contribute and give senior linebacker Mike Giancola (6-foot-3, 218) a chance to make plays.

The Warriors will be looking to two players to replace Perez since, according to Machado, the Warriors will be using a quarterback rotation.

Sharing in the duties of running the wing-T, the Warriors will rotate between senior quarterback Ryan Lowder (6-foot, 180) and junior Michael Sacci (6-foot-1, 170).

In order to replace the production of Hunsucker (2005 Player of the Year), the Warriors will turn to yet another committee, using what coach Machado termed "a boatload of running backs."

Leading the charge will be senior running back Ben Moreno (5-foot-11, 185). Moreno will share time with junior Alex Mosqueda (5-foot-11, 175) and sophomores Cameron Marshall (5-foot-9, 178) and Daniel Johnson (5-foot-9, 165).

While last season's team was a senior-driven juggernaut, with less than half of this season's team being seniors, the Warriors will be depending on contributions made by their juniors and sophomores.

In addition to playing the always tough WCAL schedule, the Warriors will play a difficult non-league schedule opening at San Lorenzo Valley and Pittsburg before hosting Grant of Sacramento and West of Tracy.

By Kevin Sparrer

After winning back-to-back championships, the Westmont Warriors have a tough act to follow as the battle on the gridiron returns this season.

Westmont won titles in the Santa Teresa Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League in both 2004 and 2005 and now will attempt to extend its streak despite the loss of some key players.

"We have only one starter returning from last year's team," said Westmont head coach Tony Santos. "We have potential, but we lack experience."

Westmont graduated four players from the two championship teams: First team all-state running back Chantz Staden, who was also the Most Valuable Offensive Player in the Santa Teresa Division; the Central Coast Section's passing leader and division Senior of the Year Kevin Pham; first team all-league wide receiver Ryan Kanzaki; and the division's Defensive Player of the Year, Stefan Fowler.

Two-way lineman Sean Hutchison (5-foot-7, 250 pounds) is the lone returning starter from last year's Westmont squad. Hutchison was awarded second team all-league honors in the O line in 2005.

Wide receiver Kevin Blakley (6-foot-1, 170) is another Westmont returner this season. Blakley, who also handles the club's place-kicking chores, won all-league second team honors last fall as a kicker.

The two comeback all-leaguers will be joined by seven talented returning lettermen from the '05 championship squad. Senior Phil Matteini (6-foot-4, 180) is back at wide receiver, and senior linebacker Kevin Guillen (6-foot-2, 215), senior cornerback Nick Pennucci (5-foot-9, 170) and junior linebacker Sean Park (6 foot, 210) will lend some experience to the defense.

Junior Richard Mendez (6-foot-1, 210) and seniors Garrick Iosilovsky (5-foot-9, 215) and Quenton Sall (6-foot-1, 235) are back in the offensive and defensive lines.

Newcomers expected to help the Westmont varsity this fall include senior wide receiver Darrien Broadnax (6-foot-2, 170), senior free safety Kyle Belshaw (6-foot-2, 190) and senior two-way lineman Jessie Ray (6-foot-1, 299).

Players coming up from the frosh-soph team will have to contribute right away, and Santos figures he has some solid prospects--among them, sophomore quarterback Cannon Bernarding (5-foot-9, 165).

Juniors up the frosh-soph expected to have immediate impact on the varsity include Trevor Vlay (5-foot-9, 165) at running back and defensive back, Matt Bradley (6-foot-1, 210) at linebacker and running back, Shiloh Stephens (5-foot-11, 175) at linebacker, D.J. Gregg (5-foot-9, 170) at running back, Kevin Fowler (5-foot-10, 205) at linebacker and tight end and Max Gilson (6-foot-2, 255), Blake Bachtold (5-foot-9, 245) and Nick Milbank (6 foot, 255) in the offensive and defensive lines.

Westmont finished last season with an overall record of 9-1-1 after a first round loss in the CCS playoffs to Terra Nova.

"After losing Chantz Staden, Kevin Pham and Stefan Fowler, we have some big shoes to fill," said Santos.

The Warriors will face Capuchino in the season opener for the second year in a row when they host the Mustangs on Sept. 9, 7 p.m., under the lights at Westmont's stadium.

The Warriors will then hit the road to face San Jose on Sept. 15 and Lincoln on Sept. 23 before opening the Santa Teresa Division season at Gunderson on Sept. 30, 1:30 p.m. Westmont and Lincoln tied for the division championship last year with matching 5-0-1 records, but Lincoln has since moved up to the BVAL's Mt. Hamilton Division.

Santos looks to Santa Teresa and Leland as the title favorites in the division this fall and is hoping for his own Warriors to post a winning record in the regular season.

Santos will be assisted by Fred Stewart, Jason VanBenthuysen, Andrew Sharp, Leo Johnson, Larry Guilford, Brad Tompkins, Steve Dodds and Dean Antolin this season.

By Dick Sparrer

When Ivan Batinich and Adam Gutto played for Los Gatos High School, they helped the Wildcats win titles.

When Kiel Trudeau was the quarterback at Leigh a couple of years back, he led the Longhorns to co-championship in the Mt. Hamilton Division of the Blossom Valley Athletic League.

And when Terry Newsome starred at Oak Grove as a senior, the Eagles were co-champs with Leigh in that Mt. Hamilton Division.

Now the four are teammates, and they're hoping to put their championship magic together as they lead the West Valley College Vikings into the 2006 Coast Conference season.

"Our returning lettermen make this one of the most experienced teams we've had in 10 years," said veteran head coach John Vlahos. "We have a lot of quality talent to work with, but not much depth."

"Our kids have shown a great focus and have responded nicely to challenges," he added. "They have been pushed harder than ever and have answered all questions."

Leading the cast of returners are Los Gatos grads Batinich (6-foot-1, 232) and Gutto (6-foot, 290), Oak Grove product Newsome (6-foot, 180), Brian Daley (6-foot-2, 270/Wilcox) and Connor Quinn (6-foot-3, 185/Westmont). All five won all-conference honors last fall and return for their sophomore seasons this year.

The five tops a cast of lettermen that also includes Leigh's Trudeau (6-foot-1, 185), Shamarr Prentice (6-foot-3, 190/Pennsylvania), Mike Howery (6-foot-1, 220/Del Mar), Steven Reeves (5-foot-11, 185/Independence), Nick Gancayco (5-foot-7, 175/Mitty), Ziad Al-Helew (6-foot, 220/Santa Teresa), Matt Hoffman (6-foot, 180/Leigh), Cameo Ali (6-foot, 190/Pennsylvania) and Daniel Beeby (6-foot-5, 320/Wilcox).

Batinich returns at linebacker to lead the West Valley defense. The former Gatos star was the club's tackling leader last fall.

Quinn is back at free safety for the Vikings with Howery at linebacker, Reeves and Gancayco at the corners, Ali in the secondary and Al-Helew at defensive end.

Newcomers expected to play key roles defensively this year include linebacker Justin Townsel (6-foot-2, 190/Piedmont Hills) and defensive end Joe Adamo (6-foot-2, 210/Prospect).

"We should be a fun team to watch," said Vlahos. "We have an aggressive defense and offensive skilled players who can make big plays any time they touch the ball."

Leading that offense will be Trudeau, and the sophomore passer will be searching out experienced targets in wide receivers Newsome, Prentice and Hoffman.

Terrence Critchlow (6-foot-3, 215/Piedmont Hills) and Corey Sanders (6-foot-5, 185/Florida) are top freshmen receivers, and Blake McFarland (6-foot-5, 245/Leigh) is a top freshman prospect at tight end.

Sophomore Danny Bates (6-foot-1, 215/Los Gatos) and freshmen Emmanuel Sellu (6-foot-1, 200/Del Mar) and Stefan Fowler (5-foot-7, 185/Westmont) head up a rich cast of running backs.

Leading the charge up front in the offensive line will be all-conference returners Gutto and Daley, along with the veteran Beeby. Freshmen Evan Wynne (6-foot-3, 185/Los Gatos) and Jason Romero (6-foot-3, 250/Live Oak) are other top prospects on the line.

The Vikings suffered through a 2-8 season and finished in fifth place in the conference last season, but Vlahos is looking for better things from his club in 2006.

"Health will be critical for this year's team," he said, "but we have a solid coaching staff with good experience, and they have worked very hard and have done a good job with our kids."

West Valley was to open the season on Sept. 1 against Cabrillo and will hit the road to face Yuba College in Marysville on Sept. 9, 1 p.m. After visiting Monterey Peninsula on Sept. 16, the Vikes are back home in Saratoga to host the College of San Mateo on Sept. 23, 1 p.m.

By Mike Barnhart

When a football team has a special season as Wilcox did in 2005--nine wins, a share of the league championship and a berth in the Central Coast Section playoffs--it usually is because of special athletes.

Indeed, the Chargers' roster was full of them last season, as 15 team members earned special awards or received first team all-league recognition from the coaches of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League's De Anza Division.

But, as Wilcox sets sail on a new season, all but one of those fantastic 15 are gone. Only all-league strong safety Antione Briggs is back from the talented group that led the Chargers to a 9-2 overall record and a De Anza co-championship with Palo Alto and Los Gatos.

No need to worry, though, says head coach Woody Freitas.

"High school football, in general, is going to be senior-dominated," explains the veteran coach. "The key each season is to make sure the juniors get some experience and enough repetitions so that they are ready when it is their turn."

And, why argue with success. In the past two seasons Wilcox has scored victories over perennial favorite Los Gatos, which has won or shared the De Anza title seven years in a row.

"We have to beat Los Gatos," points out Freitas, not one to back down from a challenge. "Nobody else in our league is beating them, so we better."

In other words, Wilcox is not rebuilding. Instead, Freitas and his staff are always building up younger players as a natural progression of their program. Occasionally a junior or sophomore may break into the starting line-up, just as Briggs (56 tackles) and running back Anthony Volk (5-foot-9, 170 pounds) did a season ago.

Volk, who ran for 269 yards and three touchdowns, was the third option in the Chargers' dangerous veer offense last season.

Players to watch

Archbishop Mitty

Steve Sloan, a returning all-league second team linebacker who has already committed to a college scholarship at UCLA

Adam Goodson, a two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back

Jordan Esparza, a talented senior quarterback

Bellarmine

Jordan Vargas, all-league honorable mention after throwing for 999 yards in the regular season last year

Mitch Lee and Angelo Lonero, both of them all-league second team linebackers in the WCAL last season

Cupertino

Quarterback Yuekai Yu passed for 11 touchdowns and 1,035 yards as a junior

Defensive lineman Tristan Wilkie, an all-league first team pick in 2005

Del Mar

Thomas Johnson, a running back/linebacker who leads a junior movement for the Dons

Harker

Eric Tsai, two-way lineman, was an all-league first team pick last year

Homestead

Brian Backo, a first team all-league running back as a junior

The King's Academy

Quarterback Sam Sussman

Senior linebacker Brian McDonald

Leigh

Alex Collins, a two-way lineman who was on the all-league team last year

Leland

Lance Gemette, the Mt. Hamilton Division's Junior of the Year last season

Daniel Schroeder, a two-way lineman who won all-league first team honors in 2005

Adam Ondi, a running back and linebacker who was named to the all-league second team

Lincoln

Chris Mendoza and Michael Fleet both ran for more than 1,000 yards in last year's season

Los Gatos

Will Kapp, a two-time all-leaguer returning at running back and linebacker for the Wildcats

David Martini, another two-time all-league pick who returns at wide receiver and free safety

Robbie Comeau, a wide/receiver cornerback who was all-league last season

Nick Kalpin, a junior fullback/outside linebacker who is a returning all-leaguer

Karl Winkelman, the tight end/outside linebacker was all-league as a sophomore last season

Billy James, a talented two-way tackle

Mark Hasson, a highly touted guard/noseguard

Lynbrook

Michael Hernandez, a returning all-league linebacker

Monta Vista

Marcus Woo, a skilled wide receiver, defensive back and return man, was the Most Valuable Player in the El Camino Division last year

Quarterback Alex Atkins passed for nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in just eight games last season

Junior linebacker Peter Kosulin, a first-team all-El Camino pick

Prospect

Defensive lineman J.D. Snyder, returning first team all-leaguer

Defensive back Kendall Hendon, returning second team all-leaguer

Saratoga

Alex Lagemann, a talented senior wide receiver/defensive back, returning all-leaguer, already accepted full scholarship to UC-Berkeley

Valley Christian

Ryan Gardner, named the Offensive Lineman of the Year in the WCAL last year

Linebacker Matt Singletary

Westmont

Sean Hutchison, a two-way lineman was an all-league second teamer a year ago

Kevin Blakley, won all-league second team honors as a placekicker and will also be a factor at wide receiver