As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE SANTA TERESA-VALLEY DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 WILLOW GLEN
Coach: Oscar Caballero
2024 record: 10-1
What to expect: After a historic season, what will Willow Glen have for an encore? Another league title sounds about right. The Rams went undefeated in the regular season for what is believed to be the first time since 1966, and a number of key players return in 2025. The centerpiece is quarterback Aiden Akery, who emerged as a junior and will return for his senior year after orchestrating Willow Glen’s offense to stellar effect. He is the returning Santa Teresa-Valley MVP, a dynamic all-around player who can throw, run and might even help on defense, Caballero said. Senior WR/RB/ILB Chris Amann is a fourth-year varsity starter who contributes in all three phases of the game. Senior OL/DL Jayden Vicente will take the mantle of offensive line leader from Nolan James. Unlike James, a star tackle, Vicente will lead from the middle at center and will also try to make an impact on the D-line. Senior WR/DB Gavin Ferraro is a speedy three-year varsity player who is a hardworking two-way contributor and a precise route runner, blocker and tackler. Senior RB/DL/ILB Zack Papedis is a returner in the backfield who runs hard and has great vision. Defensively, he has a quick first step to make plays in the backfield. Senior RB/DB Jaysean McKinstry is a hardworking safety, explosive running back and will also return kicks. Senior OLB EJ Salas is a three-year varsity player who is looking to step in and contribute immediately at outside backer. Junior WR/DB Ben Mudgett could surprise after a strong finish last season, including a kick return TD against Aptos in the Central Coast Section playoffs.
Season opener: Aug. 28 at Lincoln-San Jose, 7:15 p.m.
No. 2 SOBRATO
Coach: Joel Rueda
2024 record: 7-5
What to expect: If someone is going to challenge Willow Glen for the league crown, Sobrato should have as good a shot as anyone. “Looking to have one of the best collective teams in years,” Rueda said. “Should be a top-two finisher.” Success will start with senior QB Brayden Hughes, an Elite 11 camp invitee who has improved drastically over the offseason and is “easily a top three or four QB in the Bay Area,” Rueda said. Junior OL Joshua Charles has grown into his athletic body entering his third year on the varsity O-line and looked great competing at SJSU and Fresno State camps among junior college lineman, Rueda said. Senior LB Rayan Daneshevar is the returning Santa Teresa-Valley linebacker of the year and led the CCS in tackles as a junior. Senior WR/DB Jacob Sorrentino will replace top-two CCS wideout Ryan Hankins and “has stepped up tremendously” to fill those shoes, including getting stronger on the perimeter. Junior LB Brady Lennon was Sobrato’s JV MVP who was called up to varsity late in the playoffs last year. He has a nose for the ball and will work with Daneshevar to control the middle of the field. Junior DL Brandon Talbott is a strong and explosive lineman who “has spent the offseason becoming one of the strongest kids in the South Bay Area,” Rueda said. “He will be very hard for teams in our league to block.”
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Bellarmine, 7 p.m.
No. 3 WESTMONT
Coach: Mark Kaanapu
2024 record: 5-5
What to expect: Westmont had an up-and-down year in 2024, but the 2025 edition of the Warriors brings a lot back from that squad and could contend in the league this season. “We have 10 starters returning between offense and defense,” Kaanapu said. Junior LB James Doherty was the league co-sophomore of the year and will lead the defense alongside senior LB Aven Moore, a returning second-team all-leaguer. Kaanapu said the pair would “wreak havoc” in the middle. Senior TE Lucas Grier will be a go-to player after being named first-team all-league in 2024. Senior RT Julian Manso is the offensive anchor and a returning second-team all-leaguer who is looking to close out his career with an even stronger campaign. Junior LT Christian Lynch will man the left side of the line and is a hard worker who plays with great technique and is “one of the best left tackles in the league,” Kaanapu said. Junior WR Cole Treleaven has big shoes to fill replacing Spencer Hoang, last year’s league wide receiver of the year, but may have the tools to do it after being named second-team all-league last season.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Woodside, 7 p.m.
No. 4 LELAND
Coach: Anthony Herrera
2024 record: 10-4
What to expect: First-time head coach Herrera inherited a team that won the CCS Division V championship last year, but life without two-way star Hudson Vye will be different for Leland. The Chargers do return QB Phil Arsintescu, who had some limited action on both sides of the ball and will take the reins of the offense this year. “Great leadership and work ethic,” Herrera said. “Loves the game and it shows. Great football player, great processing time, loves the game, hard worker.” Senior LB/RB Lukas Lezada is a great leader who plays with intensity and will key Leland’s production on both sides of the ball. Senior WR/DB Brayden Hathaway is another two-way leader who plays with passion and “upholds the standard of our team,” Herrera said. Senior RB/OLB Jayden Jinguji is a team-first player with great athleticism who will contribute offensively and defensively. Junior WR/DB Cole Canter is a very athletic, poised outside threat who will be looked upon to provide big plays. Junior LB/TE Rory Windsor has an athletic frame and great leadership ability. “Teammates gravitate to him,” Herrera said.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Leigh, 7:15 p.m.
No. 5 GILROY
Coach: Dillon Babb
2024 record: 2-8
What to expect: Gilroy may be a year away – Babb said 80% of his starters are expected to return next season – and has only six seniors this season. But the Mustangs will look to make strides in 2025 behind their speedy young group. Sophomore WR/DB Omarri Neville started as a freshman at receiver and will look to emerge as a breakout player this year after setting the freshman BVAL record in the 100 meters. “If we can get the ball in his hands, his speed can take care of the rest,” Babb said. “He has strong hands and will be able to compete with the best of them.” Senior OL Jimmy Friebel is a three-year starter at center and controls the offensive line. “He will be a huge piece coordinating our run game and pass protection on the field,” Babb said. Junior RB/LB Mike Lopez will step in at running back after playing a lot at multiple positions last season. He will be called upon to replace Jacob Reynaga and has gained muscle and speed in the offseason as he looks to become go-to playmaker in the backfield. Junior TE/OLB Adrian Chavez played a lot of snaps on defense and will pick up where he left off last year one offseason wiser and stronger. Senior CB Emiliano Garcia is a three-year varsity player and returning starter who is a physical corner capable of helping in run support. Junior QB Christian Lacroix will take the reins of the offense in his first year on varsity. “If he can help us out in the pass game with our fast wide receivers, Christian will be the reason why we win games,” Babb said.
Season opener: Aug. 28 vs. Pioneer Valley, 7:15 p.m.
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No. 6 GUNDERSON
Coach: Felipe Avelar
2024 record: 7-4
What to expect: It’s unlikely Gunderson will go undefeated in league play the way the Grizzlies did in dominating the BVAL West Valley to win their first league title in at least two decades last year. But there are reasons to believe the core that powered Gunderson in 2024 could make some noise in a higher division this season. First-year coach Avelar inherited a strong roster from former coach Jason Harrison, and the Grizzlies could be a turnkey program. The biggest returner is senior QB Andrew Fernandez, the reigning West Valley junior of the year who was prolific last year and could be even better. “Andrew has worked hard in the offense, which includes running track and hitting the weight room hard,” Avelar said. “Possibilities are endless with the new offense we have installed.” Senior WR Greg Darling is Fernandez’s co-favorite target and one of Gunderson’s most exciting wideouts to watch. “Greg turned a lot of heads last year as a junior,” Avelar said. “He continued to do that all summer.” Senior WR Luis Valdespino, Fernandez’s other favorite target, is the reigning West Valley receiver of the year and will frequently draw double coverage. “With only one ball to go around, who will get the most targets?” Avelar speculated. “A good problem to have.” Senior C Cash Duffy Smith is a three-year starter and the hardest worker in the room, the anchor of the O-line and a leader by example. “Most days, he is completing three to four workouts,” Avelar said. Junior RB Cylis Cook will take over as the feature back for Jason Stoner, last year’s West Valley MVP. Cook rushed for over 800 yards as Stoner’s backup, and Avelar anticipates he could double that this season. “The future of Gunderson,” Avelar said. Senior RG Carlos Gonzalez is a second-year starter who will help lead the run game and pass protection. “The strength of our team this year is our linemen,” Avelar said. Junior CB Carlos Tobar is a three-year varsity player who locks down opposing receivers. Senior DE Miguel Acosta is a pass-rush specialist who could be Gunderson’s defensive MVP.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Irvington, 7 p.m.