As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
DIABLO ATHLETIC LEAGUE FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER
Coach: Nick Tisa
2024 record: 6-5
What to expect: Clayton Valley is primed for a big year as Fresno State commit Jhadis Luckey is set to lead the Ugly Eagles’ offense. The California High transfer rushed for 2,053 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2024. Luckey will be running behind an offensive line that includes Brandon Ards, Alex Mackechnie and Cash Russo. All-league players Javale Jones (quarterback) and Blake Oleski (guard) have transferred to Pittsburg, but there is still a huge pool of talent at the Concord school. Clayton Valley will return a talented core of defensive players that allowed 17 points per game in league play last year. Senior linebackers Aisake Fatai and Carson Fife are Division I-caliber players with multiple college offers. Defensive backs Dion Lew Beverly, Kameel Colvin and Andres Watts will man the secondary. The Ugly Eagles will challenge themselves with non-league games against Spanish Springs-Nevada, San Ramon Valley and Liberty.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Spanish Springs-Nevada, 6 p.m.
No. 2 ACALANES
Coach: Joel Isaac
2024 record: 10-4
What to expect: Acalanes was a two-point conversion away from a second consecutive state title game appearance last season. The Dons will be expected to compete for the top of the Foothill Division again with another talented crop of players now led by Joel Isaac, who has taken over from longtime coach Floyd Burnsed. Junior quarterback Tyler Winkles will look to follow up on a stellar sophomore season that saw him throw for 2,639 yards and 35 touchdowns. Multiple injuries forced Josh Elerts to make a switch to running back last season, but the senior will be the Dons’ starter in the backfield this fall after rushing for 985 yards and seven touchdowns. The defense will be led by senior edge Deonte Littlejohn, who earned all-league first-team honors in 2024.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Archbishop Mitty, 7 p.m.
No. 3 CAMPOLINDO
Coach: Kevin Macy
2024 record: 7-6
What to expect: Depth was a big problem for Campolindo last season. According to Macey, who is entering his 30th year at the Moraga school, injuries and low numbers made it hard to even run practice last year, let alone go through an entire season. Despite the challenges, Campolindo came out of 2024 with a winning record and an NCS Division III championship game berth. This year, the Cougars have improved numbers and will have Division I players returning to the lineup. San Diego State-bound tight end Crosby Kelly is an excellent blocker and will look to do more damage in the passing game. Running back Micah Parker returns for his senior season after rushing for 1,290 yards on 164 carries and 13 touchdowns last year. Quarterback Reid Habas will return as Campolindo’s starter and offensive lineman Caleb Blete will anchor the Cougars’ trenches.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Granada, 7:15 p.m.
No. 4 LAS LOMAS
Coach: Doug Longero
2024 record: 7-4
What to expect: Las Lomas will seek to build off a solid 2024 season in which the Knights won their first five games and made it to the NCS Division II playoffs. All-league first-team quarterback Dylan Thomas returns for his senior season after throwing for 2,250 yards and 24 touchdowns. Three-year starter Troy Bellanca will lead the Knights’ offensive line and block for running back Kane Sekulic, whom Longero described as a “violent runner.” Las Lomas will have eight returning starters on its defense, led by edge rusher Chase Martin, who currently holds an offer from the University of San Diego. All-league returners Cruz Silva and Brody Iglesias round out a Las Lomas defense that allowed just under 20 points a game last season.
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Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Bethel, 7 p.m.
No. 5 MIRAMONTE
Coach: Nick Safir
2024 record: 6-7
What to expect: Despite not winning a league game in 2024, Miramonte was still a competitive program in Safir’s first year. The Matadors will have a dynamic passing attack led by senior quarterback Carson Blair. Blair threw for 2,595 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, with an average of 14.4 yards per throw. He’ll be passing to 6-3 wide receiver Andrew Bjornson, who recently picked up an offer from UNLV. Bjornson will be joined by standout George Gilbert, who will play wide receiver and return kicks and punts. While Miramonte will have to plug holes on its defense, the Matadors bring back top cornerback David Roman and linebacker Justin Jaloweic. Safir believes his team will be very tough this year. “We return the majority of our varsity football team from last year, setting us up to be extremely competitive in the Diablo Foothill league this season,” he said.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Oakland Tech, 7 p.m.