Clayton Valley Charter may have been favored to win the Diablo Valley Athletic League anyway, and adding Khalil McKenzie and a cadre of other transfers certainly won't hurt.
McKenzie, formerly De La Salle's best defensive lineman and ranked as one of the best in the nation, transferred to Clayton Valley during the summer along with his sophomore brother Jalen (6-4, 280). Jalen will also play varsity.
Other Eagle transfers of note are running back Ray Jackson from College Park, defensive back Jamel Rosales from De La Salle and DB Marshawn Davenport from Pittsburg.
"Things look pretty good, as soon as we figure out who we have because of these transfers and decide how many reps to give them," Eagles coach Tim Murphy said.
Added Murphy: "We have some talent and we look good on paper. I think Concord and us will be the two teams vying for the title. Concord has more starters than anyone returning and their skill positions look good."
The Eagles are coming off an 11-2 season, with their only losses to De La Salle (34-14) and Miramonte (44-38).
Concord fell to Clayton Valley last season, 49-48.
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER (11-2): The Eagles will be bolstered on offense by transfer running back Jackson who will join 2000-yard runner Harrison in the backfield. A key two-way player for CVC is tight end/defensive lineman Griffen Bentley (6-2, 205). Murphy expects quarterback Nate Keisel to throw and run for a lot of yards. Two-way lineman Harrison Boyle (6-1, 240) should clear some holes for Keisel and the Eagles' two talented backs.
The defense looks solid with the McKenzie brothers anchoring the line. Others to watch for on the Eagle defense are inside linebacker Jax Carter (Defensive Lineman of the Year in the DVAL in 2013); linemen Yemi Fashola, Ryan Cooper and Justin Zapanta; and linebacker Rich Peralta. Transfer defensive backs Marshawn Davenport (from Pittsburg) and Jamel Rosale (from DLS) should also help.
Clayton Valley opens its season at 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at Del Oro High in the Honor Bowl against Carson-Carson City (Nev.).
CONCORD (8-4): The Minutemen have 15 returning starters and talent from a 5-5 JV team coming up.
Players to watch include quarterback Mitchell Daniels (6-2, 195), running back Malik Blackburn (1,326 yards, 18 touchdowns last season) and receivers Mason Knight and Jed Gwynn. Knight caught 77 passes last season for 1,214 yards and 20 touchdowns. Seniors David Valenzuela, Jeremy Lee and Alex Vargas anchor the offensive line. Pacing the defense will be junior lineman Jose Rivera.
Concord opens against Benicia on Aug. 29.
MT. DIABLO (3-7): Senior offensive lineman Xavier Sheehan and senior receiver Davail Jenkins will lead the Red Devils.
Mt. Diablo is at Mt. Eden on Aug. 30 to start the season.
NORTHGATE (9-3): The Broncos return 11 starters from a formidable 2013 team. Their JVs went 3-6 last season.
Quarterback Nick Makrakis is back to lead the Northgate offense. Senior linemen Michael Ihejeto and Floyd Armenta pace the defense.
The Broncos will have to play better defensively in 2014, after losing shootouts last season to Miramonte (66-48) and Charter Valley (56-28).
Northgate opens Aug. 29 at home against Hayward.
COLLEGE PARK (6-4-1): The Falcons were a winning team last year and have players from a 7-3 JV squad coming up.
College Park's 35-26 victory against Concord last season was a highlight, but it also absorbed a 71-14 loss to Charter Valley. College Park also struggled on defense in a 41-41 tie with Alhambra.
The Falcons are led by senior defensive lineman Gage Messier, but the loss of running back Jackson to Clayton Valley Charter will hurt.
College Park opens the 2014 season against Alhambra at Diablo Valley College on Aug. 29.
YGNACIO VALLEY (1-9): The Warriors' only victory in 2013 came via forfeit (Irvington). Their JV team went 3-7, so there might not be too much help on the way.
Pacing Ygnacio Valley are offensive lineman Diego Lopez and defensive lineman Will Rivas.
Ygnacio Valley opens its season vs. Mission-San Francisco on Sept. 5.
