There was no question in 2014 as to where the top two teams in the North Coast Section Division II classification resided.
Clayton Valley Charter and Concord dominated the division from start to finish, and Diablo Valley Athletic League play was no different.
The teams engaged in a thrilling shootout to decide the league title, then met again for the section championship. The Ugly Eagles prevailed on both occasions, giving them five straight wins in the rivalry between the programs, and went on to reach the Division II state bowl game with a win over Oakdale in the regional final. CVC lost to Redlands East Valley in the state finale.
Both teams have graduated top talent from their programs, but appear sufficiently re-loaded to make another run at the top two spots in the league and the division. But while that outlook may remain consistent with last year, this league did have a bit of shake-up since the end of the 2014 season.
Three of the six programs have new coaches entering the 2015 season. Longtime College Park coach Bill Kepler stepped down after last year, and is replaced by one of the biggest hires around the Bay Area this off-season, Joe Tenorio. Tenorio guided Encinal to three straight section title games, including a Division III championship in 2008, when the Jets downed Novato.
The other two new faces at the helm of programs are not really new to the league at all, and in fact fall directly from departed Concord coach Brian Hamilton’s coaching tree. Hamilton left at the end of the summer to take a position at Cal as the offensive quality control coach.
Replacing Hamilton at Concord is Mark Bywater, while former Minutemen and College Park assistant Derek Clements took over at Mt. Diablo following the departure of Bryan Shaw.
“I think it is a testament to (Hamilton) that two coaches from his staff last year are able to now become head coaches,” said Clements. “The last few years I spent with him are what prepared me for this position.”
Despite the turnover among the coaching ranks, most coaches view the league as remaining steady at the top, with a number of teams able to break through beneath those two.
“The Concord defense will be physical, and something special,” said Clements. “But outside of (Clayton Valley and Concord), I really believe we have a great opportunity in the rest of our games this year.”
While acknowledging the strength and track record of both Clayton Valley and Concord, Ygnacio Valley coach Phil Puentes, himself a disciple and member of Ugly Eagles’ coach Tim Murphy’s coaching tree, spoke to the improvement across the league.
“I really think it can come down to who wants it more,” said Puentes. “There are a lot of quality football players in this league and in this area. The teams that make the fewest mistakes will have the best shot.”
With the changes taking place in the league, creating some unknowns heading into the start of the season, Murphy spoke about the pressure that possibly sits on his program to stay at the top.
“It’s really hard to tell how the league will be with all the changes,” said Murphy, who took over at Clayton Valley in 2012. “I just know one thing. Our seniors don’t want to be my first group to lose a league game. The previous seniors will be all over them if they drop one.”
CLAYTON VALLEY CHARTER (15-1, 5-0): With seven returning starters and 15 other returners who saw significant playing time in 2014, the Ugly Eagles appear sufficiently re-loaded for another run at the DVAL title and their third section title in four years.
Clayton Valley has three returning starters in the defensive secondary, led by senior free safety Jake Peralta (5-9, 180), who had over 100 tackles and two interceptions last year. He is joined by Jamel Rosales (5-10, 170) and Nate Ewing (5-11, 165). Evan Barney (5-11, 165) and Robert Carson (5-8, 155) are other defensive backs who saw time last season, while Ja’Ron Jackson is up from the junior varsity this year. Ray Jackson (5-10, 190), who had to sit out 2014 after transferring from College Park, will also be in the mix for a starting spot in the secondary.
Despite having graduated all their starting linebackers from last season, the Eagles appear set with a cast of players who got extensive time on the field. Junior Justin Roper (6-1, 170) will be a key figure in that group, after posting 57 tackles as a sophomore. He is joined by Joe Nguenti (5-7, 175), who had 64 tackles and three interceptions last year, plus junior Gavin West (6-1, 190), who will play on both sides of the ball.
Up front looks similar to other positions on the team with a couple returning starters, but a handful of players with game experience. Junior Jalen McKenzie (6-6, 285) grabbed a starting spot on the offensive line mid-way through last season, and is described by Murphy as “moving significantly faster” entering this year. Look for him on both sides of the ball, as well as standout defensive tackle Koti Vaisima (6-2, 265). Andy deLira is a returner with solid experience at defensive tackle, while Zach Hanson and Anatol Skylar (6-2, 220) bring experience to the defensive end spot. Skylar was singled out by Murphy as the most improved player on the team over the off-season after registering 46 tackles last year.
Offensively, Isaias Padilla returns after starting two games last year on the line, while Angel Quesada (6-0,245), Jake Linderman (6-4, 300), and Ryan Fischer gained experience as well. The same goes for tight ends Jack Miller, Miguel Sarmiento (6-0, 180), and Skylar. Quesada has been especially impressive over the summer, with solid footwork and a good pad level to go with what Murphy referred to as his ability to “know our offense inside and out.” Sebastian Ruiz (5-9, 190) is another name to keep an eye on, after moving from the defensive backfield to the offensive line, with what Murphy described as a “heart that is bigger than his body.”
Last year’s quarterback, Nate Keisel, is gone after his family moved to Utah, and DVAL Player of the Year Miles Harrison graduated after last year’s standout campaign, but the Eagles are not short on athletes in the offensive backfield.
“(West) has great vision and power at running back,” said Murphy. “And Ray (Jackson) has looked very fast through the spring and summer.”
West ran for 728 yards and six touchdowns last year, while Jackson was one of the top backs in the league his sophomore season.
Luis Ramos, who started offensively last season, including time at fullback where he averaged 9.5 yards per carry, is one of the leading candidates to replace Keisel at quarterback, along with junior Z Rhamany, who played on the junior varsity last year. Other top newcomers mentioned by Murphy include defensive tackle Bryce Brand (6-2, 270), who moved from Michigan, and junior Akeal Lalaid, who moved from San Francisco.
“Our goals are to win league, NCS, and state,” said Murphy, whose team fell to Redlands East Valley, 34-33, in last year’s Division II state bowl game. “I think our first five games (which includes a trip to Sac-Joaquin power Folsom in the opener) will be tough, and a lot of inexperienced guys will be thrown into the fire right away, but for our final goals, I think that is the best way to get them ready.”
COLLEGE PARK (3-7, 3-2): Despite a 0-6 start last year, the Falcons rallied to finish in third place in the league, winning three straight games in DVAL play. With Tenorio taking over this season, and his track record of success at Encinal, hopes are high for continued improvement.
One reason for optimism is the return of senior running back David Jones (5-11, 170), who had an amazing eight-touchdown performance last year against Ygnacio Valley. That performance earned him Prep2Prep’s Head of the Class award. Jones has generated interest from Big Sky schools, including an offer from Weber State.
“(David) has great football speed, and showed that all summer against great athletes,” said Tenorio. “He’s just a total stud, and we’re excited to see what he can do this year.”
Another reason is the return of many top linemen in front of Jones this year. JJ North (6-1, 210) and Yvon Emalea (6-3, 205) earned all-league status last season, and Tenorio singled out both Brandon Basker and Robert Boyd (5-11, 245) as looking very good on the offensive line right now.
Another benefit for the Falcons is the return of senior quarterback Waris Azizi (6-0, 155), who earned valuable experience behind center last season. That experience should help College Park improve in one major area which plagued the Falcons last season – turnovers.
College Park returns seven athletes in total who earned all-league honors, including defensively with the return of linebackers Thomas Garcia (5-8, 170) and Justin Aranzamendez (5-9, 185), and defensive back Omar Wahda (5-8, 155).
CONCORD (12-2, 4-1): Concord must replace 55 touchdown passes from the right arm of Mitch Daniels, not to mention the 59 combined touchdowns of Malik Blackburn and Mason Knight, but a veteran line and a new cast of playmakers have the Minutemen excited about their potential this season.
Having been to the section title game in three of the past five seasons, Concord is seeking two goals that have eluded it since 2010 – a league title and a section championship banner.
“We graduated a lot of talented players, but we are looking forward to seeing the leadership of senior players like Vaseem Shah, Brandon Espinosa, and Jose Rivera,” said Bywater. “Our players are working hard and we are excited to get the season rolling.”
Filling Daniels’ massive shoes behind center will likely be sophomore Nick Nunez, who played on the varsity as a freshman last year. Nunez missed a lot of time heading into the summer with an ankle injury, but showed tremendous potential last season, and was referred to by defensive coordinator Randy Coddington as possibly the most talented signal-caller to come into the program, right alongside former All-State quarterback Ricky Lloyd. The Minutemen also have depth at the quarterback position with junior Izaiah Austin, who took a lot of reps this summer and started on the junior varsity last year.
Concord may have also graduated key talent at the receiver position, but have plenty of athletes ready to contribute this season. Donald Hollars (6-4, 200) returns for his third year on the varsity, and had 16 receptions last year. He will be joined by a few more imposing figures to opposing defensive backfields. Marqel McCoy (6-4, 205) is an athletic transfer from Berean Christian who showed tremendous one-on-one ability during summer seven-on-seven camps, while junior Damaria Capers (5-11, 175) was a lockdown defender at cornerback last year who will play on both sides of the ball. Junior Deandre Morgan (6-4, 220) could provide another target for Nunez.
Replacing Blackburn will be an experienced running back in senior Harold Tidwell (6-2, 205), who has been getting strong interest from Fresno State, and will be a key two-way player for the Minutemen. Tidwell had nearly 400 yards on the ground last year, and is a strong runner between the tackles.
Up front is where the Minutemen might really have their best group ever. Three-year starters Shah (6-0, 260) and Rivera (6-0, 235) were both all-league selections last season, while Rembert Sison (6-0, 245) also returns for his third season in the starting lineup.
Coddington also has plenty of reasons to be excited about his defense, which returns nine starters from a year ago. Tidwell and Espinosa (6-0, 205) should solidify the linebacker position, while Shah and Sison will lead a talented group up front. Morgan and Hollars could also be contributors defensively at defensive end and outside linebacker, respectively.
MT. DIABLO (3-8, 1-4): Four key returners and a hard-working group of younger athletes has Clements excited about his first year at the helm of the Red Devils program, after 19 seasons spent coaching in the league as an assistant at College Park and Concord.
Senior wide receiver and defensive back Tarif Rivers (6-2, 180) is one such returner, and is described by Clements as being “explosive offensively and diverse for us on defense.” Joining him in the back seven defensively is returning linebacker Rudy Perez. Two juniors expected to provide valuable contributions in the secondary include Robie Moore (5-10, 156) and Hadari King. Both will likely be primary players on offense as well at the wide receiver position.
Bolstering Mt. Diablo up front is the return of two-way seniors Charlie Alofaki and Jarreck Leafa (5-10, 270), who will both play on the offensive and defensive lines. Alofaki was named first-team all-league on the defensive line last season. A junior expected to step in right away on both lines is Jajuan Roquemore.
“We don’t have a ton of returning seniors, but our younger classes are doing a great job right now, on both the varsity and junior varsity,” said Clements. “We’re very excited about them right now.”
One youngster who could step immediately into the fire is sophomore Fernando Perez, who Clements named as his likely starter at quarterback, though the position is still undecided between Perez and senior Ronnell Hicks. Hicks will also play in the defensive secondary.
NORTHGATE (5-6, 2-3): After advancing to the section playoffs last season, the Broncos return a handful of playmakers who can score from anywhere on the field, including first-team all-league running back Mason Mitchell.
“We’re going to smaller up front this year,” said Northgate coach Ben Ballard. “But we’re deeper at the skill positions.”
Mitchell returns after a standout junior campaign in 2014, and is joined in the backfield by senior David Siale, who got experience on the varsity last season. One big question mark remains under center, after the Broncos’ projected returning starter, Stephan Drugan, transferred to Pittsburg in the spring. Currently batting for the starting spot is senior Parker Harrison and junior Mark Shaffer.
Three receivers who have the ability to score quickly for Northgate include returning two-way player Dylan Alves (6-0, 170), who Ballard described as having had a great summer, and newcomers junior Patrick Reed and senior Edwin Flores. Flores actually joined the team at the end of last year, while Reed transferred from Pittsburg over the off-season.
The Broncos will be relying on some newcomers up front, but do have a pair of top two-way players returning to bolster the offensive line with senior Chris Leveque and Ian Morford (6-0, 180). Leveque missed most of last season with an injury to multiple knee ligaments, while Morford is described as a true captain type of player on the field. Players up from the junior varsity from last year who are expected to step in right away include junior guard Calvin Smith and junior center Nate Green.
Defensively, Northgate shows early potential to be improved from last season, when it allowed more than 35 points on six different occasions. Alves returns at safety, while junior Jackson Smith is back at outside linebacker after starting his entire sophomore season and earning second-team all-league honors. Morford mans another linebacker spot, while Reed and Flores are also expected to be starters in the defensive secondary.
The defensive line will benefit from the return of both Leveque and Siale, while sophomore Semisi Saluni has been looking good the last few weeks and figures to get a shot at outside linebacker opposite Smith.
YGNACIO VALLEY (3-8, 0-5): A trio of returning starters in the offensive backfield have the Warriors excited about their prospects offensively, while some new talent is ready to step into any voids.
Senior Jesse Guzman is a returning first-team all-league selection at running back, and he is joined again in the backfield by quarterback Drew Leonard and fullback Zak Ferris (6-1, 210). The lone newcomer for the backfield in Ygnacio Valley’s double-wing attack is junior Darius McVay, who will play at the wing opposite Guzman, and is described by Puentes as having “done a really good job so far.”
The Warriors have just one returning starter on the offensive line, but that is a three-year starter at left guard, senior Christian Ramirez. A top newcomer on the line is junior Jovanny Ceballos, who will be at right tackle, and has earned early praise from Puentes.
(Ceballos) is not afraid to get physical, which is critical in our scheme,” said Puentes. “He also really understands what he needs to do on each play.”
Two young tight ends have also been mentioned as top newcomers on the offensive line, with juniors Tony Rodriguez and CJ Garcia working opposite each other.
“Those two (Rodriguez and Garcia) are both on the same page,” said Puentes. “They are both doing a very good job right now.”
Defensively, Ramirez returns at inside linebacker, where he is described as being a leader by example and teaching a young group of guys. Ferris is back at outside linebacker, with Guzman at safety, giving the defense three mainstays from last year. One newcomer who has Puentes excited is junior cornerback Kionte Zerai.
“(Zerai) really came out of nowhere, and is doing a great job,” said Puentes. “We can do some man with him on one side of the field, and that opens up what we can do defensively.”
Despite failing to win a game in league play last season, the Warriors reached the playoffs for the first time in five seasons, allowing them to set the bar higher for 2015.
“Our guys are starting to trust each other,” said Puentes. “We really like the positive vibe going in our program right now, and we believe we can take that next step forward."
