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:
WEST ALAMEDA COUNTY CONFERENCE FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 BISHOP O’DOWD
Coach: Hardy Nickerson Sr.
2024 record: 10-3
What to expect: The Dragons had a strong season in 2024, upsetting the likes of Monte Vista and Liberty en route to a North Coast Section Division II title game berth. O’Dowd lost many of its top contributors from that team, but the East Oakland school should be the favorite to win another league title. The Dragons’ offensive line will be the team’s biggest strength, led by junior all-league tackle Nate Norvell, Jericho Montez and Masi Latu. O.C. Lehner did just about everything for O’Dowd last season and is expected to start at fullback, helping create blocking lanes for running back Anthony Hassell and James Logan transfer Lamar Ellis. Senior returners King Marr (linebacker) and Ambrose Carroll (cornerback) will help lead a defense that put some of the most talented offenses in check last year. The Dragons will also boast one of the top kicking games in the state with five-star kicker Zach Brien and Vince Santucci on the roster. Nickerson said he sees a lot of potential. “We’re a young team after graduating several key seniors, but there’s a lot of talent and upside in this group,” Nickerson said. “I can’t wait to see our next wave embrace the challenge and grow into their roles.”
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Armijo, 7 p.m.
No. 2 MOREAU CATHOLIC
Coach: Keith Minor
2024 record: 11-4
What to expect: Moreau reached the mountaintop in 2024, ending the season hoisting the Division 7-AA state championship trophy. Now, the Mariners will look to replicate their success with a crop of young, athletic players after graduating 16 starters from last season. Edge rusher and San Jose State commit Lance Mitchell is an explosive athlete who will lead Moreau’s defense and play tight end on offense. Mitchell will be joined by strong safety Seth Evans, who forced six fumbles, picked off two passes and racked up 133 tackles last year. Alejando Ramirez is expected to be Moreau’s starting quarterback after a solid offseason. He will have plenty of weapons at his disposal with wide receiver William “AJ” Jackson and running back Zion Dysart providing plenty of speed. The offensive line will be one of Moreau’s biggest strengths, led by Richard Salas and Taopa Fehoko.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Hayward, 7 p.m.
No. 3 BERKELEY
Coach: David Perry
2024 record: 5-6
What to expect: Berkeley goes into 2025 with a well-rounded group at all the key positions. The Yellowjackets boast an impressive offensive line that includes seniors Kaio Finau and Brycen Eason. Miko Greer is a 6-foot-6 tight end with a big catch radius that is expected to have a breakout season as Berkeley’s top receiving threat. Teams will have a hard time passing the ball against Berkeley with Dailen Clark and Jayceon Atkins leading the secondary. Berkeley will run a two-quarterback system with Idan Wade Curiel as a dual-threat and Chris Devito as a precision passer. Though the Yellowjackets were inconsistent at times last season, Perry believes his team’s potential is limitless. “While our youth and inexperience can show at times, the hunger and upside are undeniable,” he said. “Don’t be surprised if our underclassmen step into major roles early.”
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Dublin, 7 p.m.
No. 4 SAN LEANDRO
Coach: Brad Bowers
2024 record: 6-6
What to expect: Physicality and athleticism will be on San Leandro’s side going into this season. The Pirates have a dynamic running back room led by last year’s leading rusher Jaymieon Bradley and powerback Justin Ammons. Bradley and Ammons will have plenty of holes to run through as returning starters Isaiah Chester, Charles Ekpenyong and Israel Lopez are set to lead the offensive line. San Leandro will have a dynamic passing game led by receiver Nathaniel “Alex” Brunson, who had 387 receiving yards and four touchdowns last year. Junior safety Demore Foster returns for his junior season after earning all-league first-team honors.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Redwood, 7 p.m.
No. 5 JAMES LOGAN
Coach: Immanuel Pride
2024 record: 4-7
What to expect: The Colts were more competitive than their 2024 record suggests, but it will be a reset year for the Union City school in Pride’s first season as coach. Last year’s sophomore standout Philip McElroy has transferred to McClymonds, but the Colts still boast a physical team, especially in the trenches. Lineman Kevin Bradley is a two-way force that earned all-league honors last season. Joining Bradley on the defensive line will be junior Tevita Taupaki, who was an all-league player in 2024. Jeremiah Watts led Logan in interceptions last season with four. Pride will have to find a way to replace star running back Lamar Ellis, who transferred to O’Dowd, but will have solid receivers in Steven Swamy and Jahvarus Walker.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Heritage
No. 6 CASTRO VALLEY
Coach: John Trotman
2024 record: 2-8
What to expect: Trotman is entering Year 2 of the Castro Valley rebuild and there’s things to be excited about. Colton Kennedy, a 6-foot-5 tight end, is looking to have another solid year after earning all-league first-team honors last season. Running back Rilen Ramirez will aim to build off a solid 2024 in which he was an all-league second-team selection. He will run behind talented lineman Lincoln Smith. Shifty slot receiver Josh Joseph is a key target for quarterback Gavin Perkins, who missed half of last season with an injury. Seniors Zyrese Wiley (defensive back) and Ethan Castaneda (linebacker) will provide veteran leadership for Castro Valley’s defense.
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Season opener: Aug. 29 at Livermore, 7 p.m.
No. 7 TENNYSON
Coach: John Pangelina
2024 record: 2-8
What to expect: Tennyson is searching for its first winning season since 2022. Breaking that streak won’t be easy, but the Lancers might have the talent to do so. Teilor Tanimo will be a leader on both sides of the ball as a quarterback and middle linebacker. Running backs Miguel Nunez and Louis Gonzalez will be key players in the backfield to supplement Tanimo’s dual-threat abilities. On defense, Tennyson will have linebacker Azariel Ornelas back after a stellar freshman year. Defensive end James Walker will also play a big role after leading Tennyson in sacks in 2024.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Archie Williams, 7 p.m.