BVAL Football Preview 8.12.16 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

AUGUST 12, 2016

The Press 2016

BVAL Football

Preview

Photo by Tony Kukulich

ANTIOCH �� 8B DEER VALLEY �� 7B FREEDOM �� 5B

HERITAGE �� 6B LIBERTY �� 4B PITTSBURG �� 3B

Keep your ballplayer in the game. Location: Sutter Urgent Care 4053 Lone Tree Way, Suite 101 Antioch, CA 94509

Sutter Urgent Care in Antioch gives you a faster, convenient and more affordable alternative to going to the emergency room for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open evenings and weekends so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to wait, worry or drive miles to get the care you need.

Evening and weekend hours Monday - Friday: 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Weekends and Holidays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(925) 756-3499 suttereastbay.org/urgentcare 2B | follow us on twitter: @thepress_sports

BVAL Preview

August 12, 2016

TEAM PREVIEW

PITTSBURG

Pirates looking to take back BVAL title by NATE SMITH Correspondent Despite a young nucleus in 2015, Pittsburg found itself in a familiar position entering the Big Little Game against Antioch to finish the season. In an electric atmosphere, the Pirates were leading 28-14 at the half, two quarters away from capturing their third straight Bay Valley Athletic League title. However, it didn’t happen that way, as the Panthers roared back for a thrilling 44-42 victory. As such, Pittsburg enters this season with experience, another influx of young talent and a desire to return to the top of the league. Returning players: Despite a strong cast of returners at the skill positions, there is no doubt this year could be special along both lines for the Pirates, thanks to a deep and talented class of veterans with plenty of varsity experience. “This will be the deepest line I have ever had, and it could be the best,” said Pittsburg coach Vic Galli, who is entering his 15th season at the helm, and broke the Pirates record for all-time coaching victories last year. “Our front four defensively all started last season, so we are pretty excited about that group.” The defensive line is deep with experience and talent, led by last year’s sack leader, Iffy Joyner, who is receiving strong interest from track and field programs such as Cal and Miami after establishing himself as one of the top discus throwers in the state. Tariq Wright and Jason Harmon once again solidify the interior of the defensive line, while junior Michael Pryor and senior Floyd Burrell each add speed off the edge. The linebacker corps and secondary took some hits to graduation, but return a handful of experience to go with young talent. Mason Collins started at linebacker in 2015, registering ON THE COVER: Running back Elijah Jackson receives a handoff during the Falcons practice last week. The Falcons are seeking their sixth straight playoff appearance. Photo by Tony Kukulich.

August 12, 2016

Pittsburg running back Montaz Thompson (21) returns after posting the third highest, single-season rushing total in Pirates history last year. Photo by Nate Smith

35 tackles and three tackles for a loss. Armon McRaven saw time both in the secondary and outside linebacker last season. Senior Sam Dickson and junior A’jae Boyd return with experience on both sides of the ball. Dickson played primarily on the defensive side in the secondary, while Boyd was one of the top sophomores in Northern California last season, leading the team with 50 catches on offense, while also making 39 stops in the secondary. The running game should benefit from experience both up front and in the backfield. Senior Montaz Thompson recorded the thirdhighest regular-season rushing total in Pittsburg history last season, and gets to run behind a veteran offensive line, with three returning starters from last year. Sergio Vargas, Devon Taylor and DJ Wright all started last season, and Harmon can certainly help on that side of the ball as well. Junior Chris Nelson also saw varsity playing time in 2015, while 6-foot-6-inch, 260-pound senior Jacob Avilla figures to be an imposing force. The quarterback position is a battle right now entering official practice, but senior Seu Kuka is the one player with varsity experience,

having thrown a pair of touchdown passes while backing up Christian Young last season. “Seu has gotten so much better over the last year, but it is still a very close competition,” said Galli, referring to the battle between Kuka and sophomores Trey Turner and Willie Harts. “All three are very capable, and all are very good athletes who will contribute to the team somewhere on the field. We need to narrow it down soon.” New players: Wide receiver, defensive back and linebacker are the three positions that could see the largest impact from new players, along with the potential for an underclass starting quarterback. Sophomore linebacker Jack Lacy III is a leader among this contingent, as a likely starter at linebacker. Lacy also proved he can play both sides of the ball on the Pirates’ unbeaten freshmen team last year, running for 13 touchdowns. “We’re pretty young and new at linebacker, but we’re also going to be talented and deep,” Galli said. Two more of those newcomers at linebacker include junior David Martija and Timote Finau, a 6-foot-1-inch, 185-pound athlete who brings range to the position. Three players who figure at either wide receiver or defensive back include juniors Donovan Crosse, Jalen Mitchell and Justin Sanders. Galli expects Crosse to play in the slot offensively, and describes him as a player with big potential, while Sanders was a playoff callup in the secondary last season, and Mitchell has the ability to contribute on both sides. And even though the Pirates are already deep on both lines, watch out for two more young players on the varsity this year. Sophomore Jacob Bandes could be a two-way starter and one of the best players up front in the program, while fellow sophomore Jaden Tauanu’u could see extensive time on both sides of the ball. Tauanu’u already has an offer from Utah State, can play receiver on the offensive side of the ball – possibly tight end in the future – and can play either defensive end or outside linebacker on the defensive side. Outlook: Not since 1999 has Pittsburg

BVAL Preview

SCHEDULE August 26, 7:00 PM vs. Archbishop Mitty September 2, 7:00 PM vs. James Logan September 9, 7:00 PM vs. Serra September 16, 7:00 PM @ Berkeley September 23, 7:00 PM @ Vacaville October 7, 7:00 PM* @ Deer Valley October 14, 7:00 PM* @ Heritage October 21, 7:00 PM* vs. Liberty October 28, 7:00 PM* vs. Freedom November 5, 1:30 PM* @ Antioch *BVAL games

gone back-to-back seasons without capturing the BVAL title. Antioch denied the Pirates a three-peat last season, but the team is hungry to extend that former streak. In Galli’s 14 seasons in charge of the program, the Pirates have won 10 league titles, and look to capture an 11th title in 2016. The non-league schedule is tough as always, including Central Coast Section powerhouses Serra and Archbishop Mitty, but it is all with an eye on the bigger prize – a shot at the league title and a berth in the new North Coast Section Open division for the playoffs. “Our league is strong right now,” Galli said. “The motivation to compete against the teams in our league and in our section has shown in the weight room this off season and in all our workouts to this point.” To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

TEAM PREVIEW

LIBERTY

Lions set to pounce on opposing teams by KYLE SZYMANSKI Staff Writer Liberty fell just short of its third consecutive trip to the North Coast Section playoffs in a 4-6 finish last season, which included a heartbreaking 51-8 season-ending loss that squashed the Lions’ playoff hopes and forced them to relinquish the coveted Bell to the rival Falcons. That bit of unfortunate history is in the past this season, giving way to a young and determined squad poised to show they belong in the thick of the Bay Valley Athletic League race. "It's kind of how the ball bounces, but I really feel that we are going to be competitive in most games,” said head coach Jeff Walters, whose led the team to the playoffs two of his first three years at the helm. Returning players: The Lions’ playmaking ability will be on full display with the return of all-BVAL second team wide receiver Trejon Hawkins, who led the team with 25 catches for 627 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Fellow wide receiver Jordan Suckow (15 catches for 247 yards and one touchdown last

SCHEDULE August 26, 7:00 PM vs. Vacaville September 2, 7:00 PM @ San Leandro

Liberty High wide receiver Trejon Hawkins figures to be the Lions top playmaker this season.

September 9, 7:15 PM vs. Wood (Vacaville) (Homecoming) September 16, 7:15 PM @ Concord September 23, 7:00 PM @ Tracy September 30, 7:00 PM* vs. Heritage (Brentwood Bowl)

Press file photo

year) figures to compliment Hawkins, who Walters called the Lions top playmaker this season. Senior Matt Marchetti also figures to see plenty of time on the field as an option at quarterback and other positions as well, Walters said. "His utility is kind of allowing us to get the best athletes and the best football players on the field at the same time,” said Walters. Senior running back Anthony Gripe ,

4B | follow us on twitter: @thepress_sports

who was the team’s sixth-leading rusher last season with 38 carries for 130 yards, will spilt time in the backfield with sophomore newcomer Tyerell Sturgis-Cofer. The Lions’ rushing attack will be bolstered by a handful of returning big boys up front. All-BVAL first team center Ryan Vanderwerf will anchor the line with returning guard Fischer Silva and tackles see Lions page 10B

BVAL Preview

October 14, 7:00 PM* @ Antioch October 21, 7:00 PM* @ Pittsburg October 28, 7:00 PM* vs. Deer Valley November 4, 7:00 PM* vs. Freedom (Bell Game) *BVAL games

August 12, 2016

TEAM PREVIEW

FREEDOM

Falcons seek sixth straight trip to playoffs by

MICHAEL DIXON

SCHEDULE

Correspondent

Under the guidance of 14-year head coach Kevin Hartwig, the Freedom Falcons will look to make a sixth consecutive appearance in the North Coast Section playoffs. After a heartbreaking loss to Pittsburg and a hard fought defeat at the hands of Antioch, Freedom found itself at 0-2 in Bay Valley Athletic League play and 3-4 overall. The Falcons responded by winning their final three regular season games by a combined 139-50, reclaiming the Bell from rival Liberty in a 51-8 victory. Freedom then routed Dublin 37-12 in the first round of the North Coast Section playoffs. The season then ended in the second round with a 45-14 defeat to Foothill. The team is upbeat about the progress that it has made in early practices. “We’ve had a great summer,” Hartwig said. “We’re excited for the year.” Returning players: Freedom’s defense will enter the season with a lot of experience. Linebackers Kyle Harmon and Kevin Longeran are both three-year start-

August 12, 2016

August 26, 7:00 PM vs. Turlock September 2, 7:30 PM @ Tracy September 9, 7:00 PM vs. James Logan September 16, 7:00 PM vs. San Leandro (Homecoming) September 23, 7:00 PM @ Bishop O’Dowd October 7, 7:00 PM* vs. Antioch

Freedom running back Ronnie Rivers figures to be one of the Falcons most explosive players this season. Press file photo ers with the Falcons. Each player will also see time in the Freedom backfield. Ronnie Rivers is also a three-year starter and was one of the league’s best players last year. As a junior, Rivers ran for nearly 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns. He added nearly 300 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Junior Baylei Coston looks to have an even bigger role in the passing game. As

a sophomore, Coston was second on the team in receiving yards. Up front, senior lineman Rudy Yanes will anchor the offensive line. Senior safety Cory Cox is another key returner. As a junior, he led the team with three interceptions. New players: One place where see Falcons page 10B

BVAL Preview

October 14, 7:00 PM* vs. Deer Valley October 21, 7:00 PM* vs. Heritage October 28, 7:00 PM* @ Pittsburg November 4, 7:00 PM* @ Liberty (Bell Game) *BVAL games

TEAM PREVIEW

HERITAGE

Patriots strive for consistency this season by MICHAEL DIXON Correspondent Heritage’s football team had some bright moments in 2015, but ultimately finished the season in disappointing fashion. After going 3-2 in preseason play, the Patriots dropped their first four games of league play. They did finish on a positive note with a win over Deer Valley in the finale, but it was not enough for a playoff spot. With a deep group of playmakers, head coach Don Sanders has seen reason for optimism throughout the summer practices. “I think we’ll be competitive,” Sanders said. “We’re seasoned skill positions and young at offensive and defensive line. This year, we’ve focused on some things that we need to execute better and get more consistent at.” Returning players: With senior Nick Zell, Heritage is experienced at the everimportant quarterback position. In his junior year, Zell accounted for more than 2,000 yards, passing for nearly 1,700 and rushing for better than 400. Zell will have a slew of familiar veteran weapons at his disposal. Senior Tyrese Mack accounted for over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season. He was the team’s most dangerous players in rushing and receiving, leading the team in both categories. Mack also found the end zone 16 times, scoring 10 touchdowns in the air and six on the ground. Mack’s twin, Tyriq, also returns, after missing most of 2015. Senior middle linebacker Marcus Bustos

SCHEDULE August 26, 7:15 PM @ Tokay (Lodi) September 2, 7:00 PM vs. Pacheco (Los Banos) September 9, 7:00 PM vs. Acalanes (Lafayette) September 16, 7:15 PM @ Edison (Stockton) September 23, 7:00 PM vs. Berkeley (Homecoming) Returning Heritage quarterback Nick Zell will provide continuity at the position for the Patriots this season. Press file photo will be an anchor on the defensive side of the ball. As a junior, Bustos recorded nine quarterback sacks, leading the BVAL. Junior lineman Jett Stanley and senior linebacker Ryan Sanchez will complement Bustos, playing vital roles on the Patriots defense. New players: The development of an inexperienced line will be important to Heritage’s success in 2016. In order for Zell and the playmakers to be truly effective, they will need to be given time and space. Despite missing a good deal of time to injury, junior running back Aiden Quinn was one of the Patriots top contributors in 2015. His return will buoy Heritage’s hopes. Juniors Josh Wishom and Jordan Stanley both saw limited time with the varsi-

ty team in 2015. Both players figure to have bigger roles with Heritage this season. Receiver Hassan Williams was one of the top players on the junior varsity team last season. He will be expected to contribute for the varsity team in 2016. Outlook: If nothing else, Heritage will be fun to watch. With a veteran quarterback and numerous experienced big playmakers, the Patriots will score plenty of points. The wins and losses will likely come down to the plays that Heritage makes on defense. A sturdy defense is always important, but with so many veteran playmakers from the Patriots league rivals returning, a strong defense will be even more important in BVAL play. “This is always a competitive league; I

September 30, 7:00 PM* @ Liberty (Brentwood Bowl) October 14, 7:00 PM* vs. Pittsburg October 21, 7:00 PM* @ Freedom October 28, 7:00 PM* @ Antioch November 4, 7:00 PM* vs. Deer Valley *BVAL games

really think that it’s one of the best leagues in the North Coast Section,” Sanders said. “In the preseason, you make some adjustments. You try to follow those adjustments as you get through the league.” While there’s certainly room to improve, Heritage’s success at the lower see Patriots page 10B

WE SUPPORT OU R B VA L TEA M S !

Smiles Are Our Specialty

BC Dental Group DG BrentCourt Family. Community. Health. Craig Chlebicki DDS, Christopher Charles DDS, Doug Herman DDS

6B | follow us on twitter: @thepress_sports

R MEDA VE AWARD

2013

R MEDA VE AWARD

MEDA L LD AWARD

20 2 100 2 11120 L

100 Cortona Way, Suite 250 • Brentwood • 240-2070 www.HannOrthodontics.com

• Invisalign • Crowns/Fillings • Cosmetic Dentistry

• Digital Xrays • Whitening • Nitrous

For Adults and Children

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALISTS

Whether it’s your first or 100th visit with us, we will treat you like family. New Patients and Children Welcome GO

Frank M. Hann D.D.S. Kristen M. Hann D.D.S.

SIL

• Flexible Payment Plans • Personal Attention • State-of-the-Art Office

SIL

• Complimentary Consultations • Convenient Location & Hours • Invisalign and Esthetic Options

MEDA L LD AWARD

20 2 088

634-3503 • www.brentcourtdentalgroup.com BrentCourt Professional Building: 1140 2nd St., Ste. A, Brentwood BVAL Preview

August 12, 2016

TEAM PREVIEW

DEER VALLEY

Young Wolverines seek to surprise by NATE SMITH Correspondent

SCHEDULE

Deer Valley is only three years removed from its last playoff appearance, when the Wolverines came four points shy of a Bay Valley Athletic League title and advanced to the North Coast Section Division I semifinals. But it might seem like longer for the current players in the program, since Deer Valley has failed to win a league game over the last two years, despite a winning record each year outside of league play. The challenge in front of the Wolverines and second-year head coach Robert Hubbard is clear, with a daunting non-league schedule and a continually improving league. On top of that, graduation hit hard at Deer Valley, as only about eight players return on both sides of the ball with varsity experience. That means the Wolverines will be relying on younger, less experienced players throughout the non-league slate, but will hopefully see an improved, more experienced team taking the field in league play, as they seek to break the drought. Returning players: The big name and big body returning for the Wolverines is offensive tackle and defensive end Jamarr Hardy, a 6-foot-4-inch, 260-pound athlete who was clocked at a 4.8 in the 40-yard dash at a recent

August 26, 7:00 PM @ Monte Vista

Deer Valley cornerback and wide receiver Dylan Rakchhate figures to play a prominent role on offense for the Wolverines this season, as the lone returning wide receiver.

September 2, 7:00 PM vs. Amador Valley September 9, 7:00 PM vs. Campolindo September 16, 7:00 PM @ Pitman (Turlock) September 23, 7:00 PM vs. Clayton Valley Charter

Press file photo

October 7, 7:00 PM * vs. Pittsburg (Homecoming) October 14, 7:00 PM* @ Freedom October 21, 7:00 PM* vs. Antioch

Nike combine. Hardy has an offer from Hawaii and will be counted to anchor both lines. Senior Daniel Lado joins Hardy at the end of the line, playing both tight end and linebacker for the Wolverines, after starting on the offensive side of the ball last season. Ronald

Preston is another two-way returner, after starting at safety last year. Preston saw some time in the backfield last season, and will be a primary weapon offensively in 2016.

October 28, 7:00 PM* @ Liberty

see Wolverines page 9B

*BVAL games

November 4, 7:00 PM* @ Heritage

Proud Supporter of our Local Teams

Beautiful State-of-the-Art Dental Practice •

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

•

Tooth-Colored Fillings “Mercury Free”

•

Orthodontics for Adults & Children Traditional braces & invisalign

•

Treatment of TMJ & Headaches

•

Zoom Whitening & Lumineers

•

Digital X-Rays 90% Less Radiation

•

Intra Oral Camera in Every Room

PROTECT THAT WINNING SMILE With custom sports team color mouth guards

Call for an Appointment Today

240-7071

Saturday & Evening Appointments Available Interest Free Financing O.A.C. Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted FAWAZ HABIB, DDS

IMRAN A, RIZVI, DDS

2221 Balfour Road, Suite C • Brentwood August 12, 2016

BVAL Preview

TEAM PREVIEW

ANTIOCH

Panthers determined to stay on top

Press file photo

plenty of attention in the backfield, the Panthers will also return wide receivers Issac Freytes and Antione Tanner as well as tight end Iuni Mauga. Freytes pulled in 12 catches for 200 yards last season, which was good enough for third on the team. Defensively, returners Timmy Dorsey and Sir Forbes are poised to anchor the defensive line, while Omari and Cameron Nathan will stabilize the linebacking corps. Tanner, a first-team all-league safety, will join with Isaiah Dunn, Najee and Mauga to carry the secondary. Dunn and Tanner each snatched three interceptions to lead the team last year. New Players: Sophomore quarterback Willem Karnthong, who appeared in one game for the Panthers last season, will take

August 26, 7:00 PM vs. Lincoln (Stockton) September 2, 7:00 PM @ Milpitas September 9, 7:00 PM vs. San Leandro September 16, 7:30 PM @ Rancho Cotate September 23, 7:30 PM @ De La Salle October 7, 7:00 PM* @ Freedom October 14, 7:00 PM* vs. Liberty October 21, 7:00 PM* @ Deer Valley October 28, 7:00 PM* vs. Heritage November 5, 1:30 PM* vs. Pittsburg *BVAL games

team San Leandro. The Panthers open play at home against Lincoln (Stockton), which bowed out against Cosumnes Oaks in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs last year. “We just have to take it one day at a time and get better every day,” Lucido said. "We can’t overlook any team.” To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

SIL

Antioch’s Najee Harris is one the best running backs in the nation.

SCHEDULE

R MEDA VE AWARD

SIL

The Antioch High football team experienced pure excitement and gut-wrenching disappointment all in a matter of an 11-1 season last year. The squad completed the regular season undefeated for the first time in 38 years, charging on to the North Coast Section semifinals before it fell literally inches short in a 55–54 loss to Foothill. Five-star running back Najee Harris was stopped near the goal line on a go-ahead two-point conversion attempt with a minute left in what amounted to the Panthers’ lone blemish on an otherwise historic season. The sting of that defeat didn’t last long. Just two days after the loss, players were back in the weight room preparing for the dawn of a new season that starts later this month. “It’s exciting,” said head coach John Lucido. "The kids are ready to go. It’s going to be an exciting year.” Returning players: Harris returns for what promises to be an explosive season for the Panthers. The 6-foot-3, 228-pound senior averaged 228 yards a game and rushed for 2,744 yards last year. Making things even more exciting for the Panthers, the squad will feature two additional backs this year in returner Omari Harris and newcomer Dalaan Green, effectively creating a three-headed monster for opposing defenses, said head coach John Lucido. The trio will be bolstered by the return of offensive linemen Justin Kennard, Neel Sahota and Saia Fetuu. While Harris and company will get

over the starting role this season. “Willem is doing a really good job for being so young,” Lucido said. “He’s very confident, very poised in the pocket and is a really good athlete. He can run and throw.” Green, who also appeared in only one game for the Panthers last season, will compliment the two Harrises in the backfield this season. “Running the ball is going to dictate our success this season,” Lucido said. “We have really good running backs, and not just Najee.” Defensively, Vinny Ballardo and Koby Williams will shore up the Panthers’ linebacking corps that lost all-league first team linebacker Kobie Beltram to graduation. Outlook: The Panthers' historic run last season means they enter the year in the unfamiliar position of being the team to beat. The squad will take on the added burden as a powerful squad on offense that is expected to have more speed and athleticism at all positions, Lucido said. To that end, expect the offense to add more jet sweeps and misdirection plays to their arsenal, which is sure to feature a heavy dose of superstar Harris. Antioch’s non-league schedule should have them battle-tested by the time league play commences. Looming in week five of the preseason is De La Salle, the defending state champions in the Open Division. The road to that battle won’t be easy, either. Antioch has lined up dates with 2015 Central Coast Section runner-up Milpitas and semifinalist Palo Alto; North Coast Section Division III semifinalist Rancho Cotate; and NCS Division I playoff

R MEDA VE AWARD

SIL

by KYLE SZYMANSKI Staff Writer

R MEDA VE AWARD

2013 L

20 2 111 20 2 100 MEDA L LD AWARD

20 2 088

8B | follow us on twitter: @thepress_sports

BVAL Preview

August 12, 2016

Wolverines from page 7B With the loss of Adrian Dolo, who transferred to Clayton Valley, Dylan Rakchhat becomes the only returner from last year’s group of receivers. The Wolverines welcome back two more returners on the defensive side of the ball, with linebacker and safety Osey Oiyemhonlan and linebacker Kyle Thomas back in the mix. Oiyemhonlan was among the team’s leading tacklers last season. New players: The name causing increased levels of optimism for Deer Valley is junior quarterback Dior Walker. Walker has been a varsity starter in both basketball and baseball, and that experience should translate with poise and expectation. “He’s going to be pretty good, and has the skill set to be an immediate leader,” Hubbard said. “He’s an explosive kid, and we will be moving the pocket for him a bit. He almost played varsity last season and is doing what we have expected so far this summer.” Rakchhat may be the only returner at receiver, but two more athletes have popped up on the radar at the position, with 6-foot-2inch, 215-pound junior Devaughn Brown and

junior Gianni Purnell, who Hubbard describes as smaller, but explosive. Another newcomer who the coaching staff expects to have an immediate impact on both sides of the ball is junior lineman Kelvin Daniels. He is already expected to be a mainstay anchor on both the offensive and defensive lines, alongside Hardy. Outlook: For a team with so much youth, the non-league schedule does no favors. The Wolverines open with East Bay Athletic Leauge favorite Monte Vista, and also have tilts with Campolindo and Clayton Valley, both teams who captured section titles in each of the last two seasons. The league schedule gets underway with the trio of Pittsburg, Freedom and Antioch in successive weeks. There are no breathers for this young Deer Valley team. Despite that, Hubbard is preaching the positive aspects of the schedule and using the challenges as motivation for everyday focus in practice. “It’s what you play for, for every game to be a real challenge,” Hubbard said. “We have the unique opportunity to be excited for a big opponent every week.” To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

Visit us at Brentwood 2540 Sand Creek Road (925) 240-8778

Oakley 2190 Main Street, Suite C (925) 625-1700

Antioch 4504 Deer Valley Road (925) 776-7777

www.RoundTablePizza.com

WE DO DIESELS + $8.25 Cert.

Vans, SUV’s Extra. EVAP fee may apply to vehicles 1976-1995.

00000

Star Certified vehicles $10.00 higher. One FREE retest (if done within 15 days from date of failure) Must Present Coupon. Truck & SUV Extra.

GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTS TWEETS! Follow these #hashtags.

#AntiochHS #FreedomHS #LibertyHS #DeerValleyHS #HeritageHS #PittsburgHS August 12, 2016

twitter.com@thepress_sports

BVAL Preview

Lions from page 4B Keenan Norris and Cole Kempton. Christian Liscano, a second team allleague outside linebacker, is expected to be a key contributor to the Lions defense, along with fellow linebackers Derrick Gray, Cole Zanarini and Anthony Sin. Safety Connor Capps will head-up the Lions’ secondary as a veteran presence. New players: It appears the starting quarterback role will fall to incoming junior Ryan Dutt, who’ll be charged with replacing all-league honorable mention member Christian Haffner. The 6-foot-5-inch Dutt has the edge

Falcons from page 5B Freedom isn’t experienced is at the quarterback position. Senior Dominic Mather will be replacing three-year starter Joe Sweeney. Mather, however, is not inexperienced with the offense or with the varsity level. He kicked for the Falcons last year while backing up Sweeney. Mather will be working with senior center Jordan Montoya. Like Mather, Montoya was on the varsity squad last year, but figures to have a bigger role.

Patriots from page 6B levels last year provides a reason to be optimistic. In 2015, the Patriots freshman and varsity teams both outperformed the varsity

on senior Marchetti, whose athletic ability makes him an asset at various other positions, Walters said. Sturgis-Cofer, a 6-foot-1-inch sophomore, will share carries with Gripe, but is already garnering attention as a bright spot for the Lions. The future also looks bright for the Lions’ receiving corps with the addition of Zane Hinojosa, who Walters predicts is going to be special. Hinojosa will also fit in nicely in the Lions’ secondary. Guard Triston Vilala is expected to be a nice addition to an offensive line anchored by veterans in Vanderwerf, Silva, Norris and Kempton.

The addition of newcomers Mateo Buack and Isaiah Gonzalez are expected to headline a deep defensive line. Outlook: On paper, the Lions appear to be a young but talented team, Walters said. Their preseason schedule, which includes Vacaville, San Leandro, Wood and Concord, will prepare the squad for a challenging league schedule that Walters describes as a murderers’ row. Concord is fresh off a loss to Clayton Valley in the North Coast Section Division II title game; Wood fell to Del Oro in Second round of Division II Sac Joaquin Section playoffs; and San Leandro reached the

North Coast Section Division I playoffs, before being bounced by Amador Valley in the opening round. Vacaville also figures to be a formidable opponent out of the Monticello Empire League. Liberty rounds out its preseason with Tracy High, which finished 5-5 last season out of the Tri-City Athletic League. “I think a lot of our success is going to be how we do in the preseason,” Walters said. “We have a pretty tough and physical preseason as usual. How we come out of the gates is really going to determine a lot how our season goes.” To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

Hartwig will also rely heavily on senior defensive lineman Andrew Perez, whose role with the team will also be increased. Outlook: There’s reason to be optimistic at Freedom. Antioch and Pittsburg were the BVAL’s two best teams in 2015, but with the exceptions of each other, the toughest league games for the Panthers and Pirates came against the Falcons. Those two are the favorites entering the season, but Freedom is the team most capable of breaking up their dominance.

Optimism for the Falcons isn’t limited to just last season’s results. Despite dealing with new challenges, they’ve also had a strong summer. “Even without helmets and all these new, funky practice rules, we’ve improved drastically since June,” Hartwig said. “We’re really excited about our progress and where we’re going.” Hartwig identifies the season opener against Turlock as a key game for the squad.

“Every game is pivotal,” the coach said. “The league is always tough and we have a non-league schedule with nothing but playoff teams, but week one coming out of the gate is always a big one because it sets the tone.” Based on last season’s results, the future is bright for Freedom. The freshman team posted a solid 6-4 mark in 2015. The junior varsity team was even better, going 8-2. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

squad. Both of the younger teams went 5-5. Given the rivalry with Liberty, the Brentwood Bowl is always big for Heritage. For a few reasons, its meaning is even more significant in 2016.

First off, it’s a chance to avenge what was a tough loss last year. In 2015, the Lions beat the Patriots 8-7 on a late touchdown and two-point conversion. Secondly, it’s a chance to set the tone for BVAL play.

Given the way last season’s league schedule went, a strong league opener will be important to signify that 2016 will be different than 2015. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

SCHEDULE

Acalanes at Heritage, 7 p.m. ________

WEEK 1 Friday, Aug. 26

Follow the BVAL this season!

RESULT

Wood at Liberty, 7:15 p.m. ________ Serra at Pittsburg, 7 p.m. ________

Lincoln at Antioch, 7 p.m. ________

WEEK 4

Deer Valley at Monte Vista, 7 p.m. ________ Turlock at Freedom, 7 p.m. ________

Friday, Sept.16

Heritage at Tokay, 7:15 p.m. ________

Antioch at Rancho Cotate, 7:30 p.m. ________

Vacaville at Liberty, 7 p.m. ________

Deer Valley at Pitman, 7 p.m. ________

Archbishop Mitty at Pittsburg, 7 p.m ________

San Leandro at Freedom, 7 p.m. ________

Friday, Sept. 2

Liberty at Concord, 7:15 p.m. ________

RESULT

Pittsburg at Berkeley, 7 p.m. ________

Antioch at Milpitas , 7 p.m. ________ Amador Valley at Deer Valley, 7 p.m. ________ Freedom at Tracy, 7:30 p.m. ________ Pacheco at Heritage, 7 p.m. ________ Liberty at San Leandro, 7 p.m. ________ James Logan at Pittsburg, 7 p.m. ________

WEEK 3 Friday, Sept. 9

Friday, Sept. 23

RESULT Antioch at De La Salle, 7:30 ________ Clayton Valley at Deer Valley, 7 p.m. ________ Freedom at Bishop O’Dowd, 7 p.m. ________ Berkeley at Heritage, 7 p.m. ________ Liberty at Tracy, 7 p.m. ________ Pittsburg at Vacaville, 7 p.m. ________

WEEK 6

San Leandro at Antioch, 7 p.m. ________

W E E K 11 RESULT

Deer Valley at Heritage, 7 p.m. ________

Pittsburg at Deer Valley, 7 p.m. ________

Freedom at Liberty, 7 p.m. ________

Saturday, Nov. 5

WEEK 8 Friday, Oct. 14

Pittsburg at Antioch, 1:30 p.m. ________

RESULT

Liberty at Antioch, 7 p.m. ________ Deer Valley at Freedom, 7 p.m. ________ Pittsburg at Heritage, 7 p.m. ________

Friday, Oct. 21

RESULT

Antioch at Deer Valley, 7 p.m. ________ Heritage at Freedom, 7 p.m. ________ Liberty at Pittsburg, 7 p.m. ________

W E E K 10 Friday, Oct. 28

RESULT

Heritage at Antioch, 7 p.m. ________

Campolindo at Deer Valley, 7 p.m. ________

Friday, Sept. 30

RESULT

Deer Valley at Liberty, 7 p.m. ________

James Logan at Freedom, 7 p.m. ________

Heritage at Liberty, 7 p.m. ________

Freedom at Pittsburg, 7 p.m. ________

10B | follow us on twitter: @thepress_sports

Friday, Nov. 4

Antioch at Freedom, 7 p.m. ________

WEEK 9

WEEK 5

RESULT

Friday, Oct. 7

RESULT

Heritage at Edison, 7:15 p.m. ________

WEEK 2

WEEK 7

BVAL Preview

August 12, 2016