As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
BLOSSOM VALLEY ATHLETIC LEAGUE SANTA TERESA-FOOTHILL DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 PIEDMONT HILLS
Coach: Kelly King Jr.
2024 record: 9-3
What to expect: First-year coach Kelly King Jr. is walking into the ideal situation. After leading Leland to a Central Coast Section Division V title and NorCal Division 7-AA championship game berth in 2024, King has taken over a Piedmont Hills program that won the BVAL Santa Teresa-Foothill Division title last year in longtime coach Matt Kiesle’s final season. The Pirates return plenty of key starters, including the reigning league running back of the year Alijah Torres and explosive wide out Travis Linane, who earned all-league honors in 2024. Piedmont Hills will hang its hat on its defense as all-league first-team selections Diego Arias (cornerback) and Nico Quetania (defensive lineman) anchor a unit that surrendered just 14 points per game last season. All-league senior cornerback Alexavier Rivera and linebacker Donovan Johnson round out the Pirates’ defense.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Monte Vista Christian, 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 PIONEER
Coach: Eric Perry
2024 record: 5-5
What to expect: Don’t let last year’s record fool you. The Mustangs had four one-score losses and will return a number of key players from 2024. Quarterback Braeden Ries is returning for his senior season after throwing for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns. Ries will be throwing to wide receivers Josh Fisher and Sam Natividad. Adam Larson will also return for his senior year and start at running back and safety. Returning starting linebacker JJ Garcia will lead a young defense. Perry, the program’s longtime coach, has had just one losing season in the last five years.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Aragon, 7:30 p.m.
No. 3 OVERFELT
Coach: Carlo Maningo
2024 record: 5-6
What to expect: Overfelt took a step back last season after being in the thick of the league title race in 2023. The East San Jose school graduated a good chunk of its starters from last season, but will be strong in the trenches. All-league defensive tackle Kingston Tagaloa is set to return as the Royals’ team captain. Senior offensive lineman Christian Vizcarra and Lionel Rodriguez will bring experience to a young offensive line. Overfelt will challenge itself early with games against Hillsdale, Willow Glen, Saratoga and Christopher to open non-league play.
Season opener: Sept. 5 at Hillsdale, 7 p.m.
No. 4 SILVER CREEK
Coach: Eric Luescher
2024 record: 5-5
What to expect: Silver Creek will run the ball early and often. The Raiders have a stable of running backs that includes standouts Jordan Thompson and Tyler Nguyen. The Raiders also boast an impressive offensive line and defensive line with 6-foot-4, 275-pound tackle Cameron Williams and guard/edge Mark Gonzalez holding down the trenches. Sophomore Jayden Jenkins and Rylan Blanco will provide speed and length on the perimeter as deep threats in the passing game.
Season opener: TBA
No. 5 OAK GROVE
Coach: Joel Cordero
2024 record: 1-9
What to expect: Oak Grove struggled last season in the BVAL’s top division – the Mt. Hamilton – but a drop down to the Santa Teresa-Foothill could bode well for a young and small program. Despite having just 30 players on its roster, Oak Grove has physicality on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jordan McCoy will lead the Eagles’ offense. Cordero said McCoy’s “leadership, football IQ and arm strength are keys to a productive offense.” Wide receiver Steven Grijalva is a shifty playmaker who will provide McCoy with a consistent target. The defensive line will be a strength with Keanu Carrasco and Isaiah Pinal bringing multiple years of varsity experience. Junior Jordan Montellano will be the team’s Swiss army knife as he is slated to play linebacker, edge rusher and slot receiver.
Season opener: Aug. 28 at Milpitas, 7 p.m.
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No. 6 DEL MAR
Coach: Robert Chapman
2024 record: 6-4
What to expect: Del Mar had a solid 2024 season after moving up from the BVAL West Valley Division. However, the Dons graduated many of their top playmakers and will be relying on a young group of skill and defensive players to plug holes on the roster. Del Mar has a strong offensive line, anchored by four-year starter Jonathan Tanori and reigning league freshman of the year Romeo Moran. Junior Eli Lenihan is the Dons’ starting quarterback and will look to build off a solid sophomore season. Aiden Rock figures to be all over the field as he will handle starting running back, kicker and punter duties.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Harbor, 7 p.m.