As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
TRI-COUNTY ATHLETIC LEAGUE STONE DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 ST. PATRICK-ST. VINCENT
Coach: Dominguez Dickerson
2023 record: 5-6
What to expect: The Bruins will need to replace almost every single starter from last year’s team, having graduated 20 seniors. But the Vallejo school has stability at the most important position: quarterback. Trevor Moelk returns for his senior season after passing for 2,171 yards and 28 touchdowns last year. Junior WR Baron Laxa should be a major weapon. Senior Drew Christensen also is projected to be a focal point of the passing attack, with coach Dominguez Dickerson saying, “We are looking for him to shine early and often.” Senior lineman Dominic Petersen is a smart blocker who is expected to be a leader in the trenches. Solomon Alexander was a junior varsity quarterback who could excel in a variety of roles as a utility player.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Napa, 7 p.m.
No. 2 KENNEDY-RICHMOND
Coach: Gregory Marshall
2023 record: 7-4
What to expect: If Kennedy is to enjoy a third consecutive winning season under seventh-year head coach Gregory Marshall, its explosive backfield will be a big reason why. The coach calls senior QB Jayson Scarbrough “the best athlete at the school” and RB Ranndey Urbina should blow past last year’s total of three touchdowns as the featured back. Defensively, linebackers Raul Velasco and Harvey Mullens give the Eagles a talented duo on the second level. Linemen Noah Faataui and Sione Pekipaki were both all-TCAL selections and know how to get after the passer. Darion Adams has been a standout on Kennedy’s basketball team, but now the Eagles will hope that the first-year football player will help replace some of the productivity lost by the graduation of league MVP Deondre Prim.
Season opener: Aug. 31 at Archie Williams, 2 p.m.
No. 3 HERCULES
Coach: Corey Meshack
2023 record: 1-8
What to expect: First-year coach Corey Meshack says it’s a new era of Hercules football, which has just one winning season since 2018. Leading the way is sophomore quarterback Zyiere Carter, who Meshack said “has made college level throws” in summer workouts. Senior RB/LB Will Tuinauvai is one of the few returning starters. He has impressed in the weight room, while sophomore Jaden Johnson brings speed to the backfield. Sohaib Abdulla will work out of the slot as a receiver, and Russel Veals will split time between receiver, DB and linebacker. Gabe Symonds is a captain on the offensive line, and Caleb Green will be the team’s blindside tackle.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Encinal, 7 p.m.
No. 4 BETHEL
Coach: Gary Lee
2023 record: 3-7
What to expect: Gary Lee inherits a program that has won only five games combined over the past two seasons. However, there is some playmaking talent on the roster. It starts with defensive back and all-TCAL selection Kylan McNeal, who an opposing coach called the league’s best defensive player. Receivers Anthony Young and Cameron Usher made the all-TCAL team last season and could have a big impact under their new head coach. Bethel will be tested early, with its season starting against a talented Hayward team before hosting reigning CCS Division V champion South San Francisco in Week 2.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Hayward, 7 p.m.
No. 5 RICHMOND
Coach: Marques Arnold
2023 record: 1-8
What to expect: Richmond has not had a winning season in decades, and that streak appears poised to continue for at least one more year. However, the Oilers do have continuity at coach as Marques Arnold enters his second year on the job. Three all-TCAL players should be back this season, top-notch DB Manuel Piche among them. Romel Molina is 260 pounds and can play anywhere on the offensive line. Defensive tackle Carlos Deras was an all-league player as a sophomore. Richmond has a chance for early success as it faces San Lorenzo, Washington-San Francisco and Ygnacio Valley before league play starts.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. San Lorenzo, 7 p.m.