As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE OCEAN DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 SAN MATEO
Coach: Jeff Scheller
2023 record: 6-4
What to expect: RB Emmanuel Fitzgerald (6-1, 215), who rushed for over 1,200 yards in nine games last season, returns for the traditionally ground-based Bearcats. QB Cameron Palma, an adept ball-handler, also returns to direct the team’s triple option attack, and will also play free safety. San Mateo has seven starters returning on offense. Logan Davis, a returning all-Ocean pick, provides speed in the slot. RB/DL Xavier Zaragoza is the strongest player on the team. Diego Reyes and David Nagaya will be the leaders on an otherwise inexperienced line.
No. 2 HALF MOON BAY
Coach: Ronnie Ekis
2023 record: 3-7
What to expect: The Cougars are moving down from the De Anza, after moving from the Bay the previous year, and have a new coach. But they will strive to maintain the identity the program is known for. LB Connor Heath, the De Anza utility player of the year last season, and C Colton Henry, both three-year starters, are team leaders. RB/LB Adler Halterman, G/DT Vince Vella and slot/FS Ronin McCauley are expected to play key roles. Dusty Dimas provides experience at QB and familiarity directing the team’s multiple offensive sets.
No. 3 MILPITAS
Coach: Kelly King
2023 record: 6-4
What to expect: Adrian Chavez is a returning starter at QB. RB/LB Jacob Souza received all-league recognition last season. RB/CB Reynaldo Dunbar provides athleticism. Thomas Maicki is a leader on the line. WRs Xander Lecours and Pat Lucero and TE/DE Ersdaile David will be on the receiving end of passes from Chavez. A top-level CCS power not so long ago, the Trojans should be in the thick of it contending for the Ocean crown.
No. 4 TERRA NOVA
Coach: Nick Lotti
2023 record: 3-7
What to expect: Lotti takes over as head coach and is scrapping the Wing-T in favor of a return to the run and shoot style the Tigers were known for in the past. QB Joey Dinotti is in his third varsity season. LB JT Snead, another third-year varsity performer, is the defensive leader. RB Zac Perez (710 yards rushing last season), “opens up a lot of offensive possibilities for us,” Lotti said. The offensive line is on the small side with no player over 225, but is smart and athletic.
No. 5 SEQUOIA
Coach: Frank Mems Jr.
2023 record: 4-6
What to expect: Line play will be a strength with three-year starter Lesoni Olive (6-3, 280) leading the way. Isaac Maldonado will line up alongside Olive on the line to provide an effective tandem. WR/DB Randy Nunez, DB Marco Baisch, RB/DB Jordan Crockett and WR Shevanish Mehra are other key contributors. Shawn Royer will step in at QB after serving as the backup last season. Memes takes over from Rob Poulos as head coach.
No. 6 CARLMONT
Coach: Eric Rado
2023 record: 3-7
What to expect: Despite the 3-7 overall record, the Scots are moving up from the El Camino Division. They return several of their best players, including leading tackler and first-team El Camino LB Keoki Firenezi, strong-armed QB Johnny Dunne, WR/DB and kick returner Daniel Mattioli, the El Camino utility player of the year a season ago. TE/OLB Sean Chopoff, the team MVP as a junior and an all-El Camino selection on both offense and defense, CB Ryan Kwan and OL/LB Dante Navarra are also back
Source: www.mercurynews.com