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 WEST VALLEY DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 INDEPENDENCE
Coach: Jay Braun
2024 record: 3-7
What to expect: The Sixers lost a considerable amount to graduation and players moving out of state, but after playing in the Santa Teresa-Foothill Division last season they are expected to fare well in the West Valley. Lineman Marcus Andranade is a team leader, praised by Braun for his work ethic and power. RB/LB Marcus D’Agostino is a returning starter who brings a high football IQ and physicality. RB/DB Alex Aspiras is a two-year varsity player who will contribute in the running game and pass coverage. Gurshan Randhawa was a two-year starter on the JV team and the leading contender to start at quarterback. WR/DB Kaleo Garcia was the leading receiver on the JV team and looks to play a big role in the passing game.
No. 2 MT. PLEASANT
Coach: Manuel Ramirez
2024 record: 5-5
What to expect: The Cardinals have strength at the skill positions. WR/DB Andrew Tafoya had close to 800 receiving yards last season and made five interceptions. Brycen Sessions played both ways last season as a freshman and Ramirez believes he is ready to make a big leap as a sophomore. Victor Ekwuru is a returning starter at quarterback. He threw for more than 1,000 yards a year ago. Ivan Romo is a key returning offensive lineman.
No. 3 PROSPECT
Coach: Jake Shaughnessy
2024 record: 2-8
What to expect: Like Independence, Prospect has moved down from a “B” league, the Santa Teresa-Valley Division, so is accustomed to competing at a higher level. Nebi Woldemichael, described by Shaughnessy as “quarterback of the defense at free safety,” is being recruited by Division III colleges due to his high GPA. OL/DL Sanjay Uluganathan provides leadership up front. WR/DB James Perez Rodas is the team’s top cover corner. RB/LB Alex Dinh and OL/LB Alex Cordero are returning starters on defense. OL/DL Kyle Kennedy has a boxing background and will be a key performer. WR/DB Daniel Martinez is a versatile athlete who even saw time at QB last season.
No. 4 SAN JOSE
Coach: Raul Sandoval
2024 record: 3-7
What to expect: The Bulldogs are senior heavy this season and could make a run at the title. Sandoval welcomes back RB/LB Brian Cortes, WR/DB Leo Munoz and linemen Jason Padilla and Manuel Gurrola. MLB Eden Cortes, DB Rolando Sanchez and sophomore DE Jeziah Gonzalez are other potential key performers. Cypress Funes will see time at quarterback. Sandoval is also waiting on the eligibility of transfer Micah Reyes, who could be part of the picture at QB.
No. 5 EVERGREEN VALLEY
Coach: Leo Olmscheid
2024 record: 6-4
What to expect: Olmscheid, who has been at the school since it opened in 2002, returns for his third stint as head coach after Gabe Resendez stepped down to coach his son’s youth football team. Olmscheid said the team will employ the pistol formation out of the spread and utilize multiple looks. WR/DB Gavin Guerrero is expected to play a key role. “He leads by example,” Olmscheid said. “I think he’ll have a great year.” LB Brandon Chan will anchor the defense. Amardeep Grewal is a leading contender to be the starting quarterback.
No. 6 YERBA BUENA
Coach: Michael Vega
2024 record: 1-8
What to expect: Vega is optimistic about his team, one he thinks can contend for the division title. “Offensively, we’re a fast-paced, explosive unit that can air it out at any moment. On defense, we’ve implemented a pressure based scheme with tough, focused players who are ruthless in their pursuit of the football.” QB Emanuel Velazquez will direct the Aztec Warriors’ offense. He will distribute the ball to RBs Saul Castrejon and Kevin Tu and WRs Daniel Gonzalez and Giovanny Rangel. Solomon Sidbury is a standout at tight end and middle linebacker. CB Yael Amezcua and DE Naason Arce are leaders on defense.
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No. 7 JAMES LICK
Coach: Ray Maldonado
2024 record: 0-9
What to expect: James Lick had a JV team last season for the first time in several years. Maldonado coached that team, which had some success, and he hopes some of that success carries over to the varsity. He had 48 players out on the first day of practice to spread among the two teams. RB Luis Delgado returns, as does Kevin Gutierrez and Juan Escoto, who will compete for playing time at quarterback. Anthony Torres slots in at fullback where Eduardo Villa may also see some time. Nate Curtis (6-2, 210), who along with Delgado received all-West Valley recognition a year ago as a freshman, is the top lineman.
No. 8 ANDREW HILL
Coach: Earl Locke Sr.
2024 record: 4-6
What to expect: Lack of personnel, low turnout, is a problem throughout the West Valley Division. Prior to the start of fall practice Locke said he had only 18 players. “I’m hoping more kids come out once school starts,” he said. “It’s hard to win at any level with 18. We graduated 27 off last year’s team.” Quarterback Jordan Khann has shown promise. “We’ll see if we can protect him, so we can see what he can do,” Locke said. “He’s a good runner.”