SCV FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2024
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• Signal Victory Bell
PUBLISHER/OWNER
Richard Budman
rbudman@signalscv.com (661) 287-5501
EDITOR
Tim Whyte
twhyte@signalscv.com (661) 287-5591
Sports Writers
Justin Vigil-Zuniga
Tyler Wainfeld
Photographers
Habeba Mostafa
Katherine Quezada
Trisha Anas
Tyler Wainfeld
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Doña Uhrig
Each year The Signal awards the Victory Bell to the Foothill League team with the most victories.
On the Cover:
Special thanks to the athletes from each of the nine Santa Clarita Valley high school football teams who participated in this year’s cover photo shoots. They are:
• Valencia: Brian Bonner – JR. – RB
• West Ranch: Max Piccolino – SR. – DE
• Hart: Wade Cobbs – JR.– OL
• Castaic: Monty Coleman – SR. – RB/DE
• Canyon: Evan Watts – SR.– TE/DE
• Golden Valley: Jamison Torres – SR. –WR/DB
• Saugus: Jake Nuttall – JR. – QB
• SCCS: Cayden Rappleye – SR. – QB/LB
• Trinity: Noah Visconti – SR. – QB
See pages 32 and 33 for bonus photos from the cover photo sessions.
Cover photos by Habeba Mostafa/ The Signal
The Signal Victory Bell symbolizes football supremacy in the Santa Clarita Valley. Te Foothill League team with the most victories against other Foothill opponents wins possession of the bell for a year.
If there is a two-way tie for best record, the bell will go to the winner of the head-to-head matchup. If there is a three-way tie, the Foothill League's tie-breaking formula for playof seedings will be used.
1969 – Hart
1970 – Canyon 1971 – Hart 1972 – Hart 1973 – Canyon 1974 – Hart
1975 – Hart
1976 – Canyon
1977 – Hart
1978 – Saugus
VICTORY BELL
– Saugus
– Hart
– Canyon
– Canyon
– Canyon
– Canyon
– Hart
– Hart
– Canyon
1979 – Canyon 1980 – Saugus
18 YEARS IN A ROW!
–
– Saugus 2021 – Saugus 2022 – West Ranch 2023 – Valencia
Canyon Country 19138 Soledad Canyon Rd. 661-252-5010
Valley 19159 Golden Valley Rd. 661-250-0400
Newhall 24802 Orchard Village Rd. 661-200-7630
Saugus 26510 Bouquet Canyon Rd. 661-296-1910
Saugus 19325 Plum Canyon Rd 661-263-4454
Saugus 26557 Golden Valley Rd. 661-724-7772 Stevenson Ranch 25660 The Old Road 661-253-1600 Valencia 24453 Magic Mountain Pkwy. 661-222-3924
Valencia 23872 Copper Hill Dr. 661-775-6288
The Basics VALENCIA
VALENCIA HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH LARRY MUIR. PHOTOS BY KATHERINE QUEZADA / THE SIGNAL
HEAD COACH: Larry Muir
18th season. 156-68-1 overall record
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-4
Top returners on offense: Brian Bonner [RB], Brady Bretthauer [QB].
Top returners on defense: Ronald Bruner [DB].
Key losses: Jackson Askins [QB], Luke Cruz [WR/ DB], Reid Farrell [LB], Jake Pikor [DE], Rocco Inzalaco [OL], Jordan Cardenas [DB].
2023 Results
9-2 overall, 6-0 Foothill League Bishot Amat 28 Valencia 36 Valencia 45 Santa Barbara 18 Murrieta Mesa 14 Valencia 20 Valencia 20 Cucamonga 22 Valencia 48 Saugus* 0 Castaic 14 Valencia* 48 Valencia 40 Golden Valley* 7 West Ranch 14 Valencia* 42 Hart 7 Valencia* 37 Valencia 38 Canyon* 0 Valencia 24 Servite** 48 * Foothill League games **CIF playoff games
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 at Simi Valley7 p.m.
Aug. 30 Santa Barbara7 p.m. Sept. 5 at Murrieta Mesa7 p.m.
Sept. 13 R. Cucamonga7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Saugus*7 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Canyon*7:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 Golden Valley*7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Hart*7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Castaic*7 p.m.
Nov. 1 at West Ranch*7 p.m. * Foothill League game. Bye week Sept. 27
Valencia Aiming for Foothill Repeat
By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer
Valencia football is looking to defend its title and go back-toback for the frst time in fve years. A talented returning group of “Killer B’s” leads the way for the Vikings as they seek to keep Te Signal
The Basics WEST RANCH
2023 Results
WEST RANCH HEAD COACH CHRIS VARNER. PHOTOS BY KATHERINE QUEZADA / THE SIGNAL
HEAD COACH: Chris Varner
9th season. 55-29 career record.
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-4
Top returner on offense: Luke DePerno [RB], Andrew Hamilton [WR].
Top returner on defense: Max Piccolino [DE], Ethan Quesada [LB], Kyler Garrity [DB].
Key losses: Zach Wyre [WR/DB], Aidan Lombardo [DL], Dakoda Darby [DL].
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 Pacifica7 p.m. Aug. 29 at Cleveland7 p.m.
Sept. 5 Antelope Valley7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Thousand Oaks 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Hart*7 p.m.
Oct. 4 Saugus* 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 Castaic*7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Golden Valley*7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Canyon*7 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Valencia*7 p.m. * Foothill League game; Game times subject
New Faces, Familiar Plot at West Ranch
By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer
New faces, but the same West Ranch football is what fans can expect in 2025. Wildcats coach Chris Varner has lost just two Foothill League games since 2021 and is expecting similar results in his ninth season.
“I think we have a solid group of returners,” Varner said. “We’ve got some young talent, but it’s untested but I feel pretty optimistic. I think we could be looking at pretty solid performance this year.”
Returning for his senior season is the touchdown machine, running back Luke DePerno. Te senior back rushed for over 1,100 yards and 20 TDs last season while averaging 7.8 yards a carry despite missing a couple of games.
“Summer has been going great,” DePerno said. “We’ve had great practices with a pretty new team. So we’re learning a lot and we’re also implementing a few new things on ofense. We’re going to be a little diferent this year.”
DePerno will be joined again in the backfeld by senior Justus Morris, another standout back who also missed time last season. Morris returns afer punching in fve touchdowns while rushing for 6.4 yards a carry.
“Justus Morris, our backup running back last year, is also going to be our outside linebacker,” Varner said. “On ofense, he’s not much diferent than Luke. It’s a good problem to have. We feel pretty good, we just gotta get the
WEST RANCH, page 31
The Numbers
2
3
25
Foothill League losses in past three years.
Defensive shutouts in 2023.
Rushing TD’s in 2023 by Luke DePerno and Justus Morris.
The Basics HART
2023 Results
Schedule
HART HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH JAKE GOOSSEN-BROWN. PHOTOS BY TRISHA ANAS / THE SIGNAL
New-Look Hart Ready to Contend
By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer
The stars may fnally be aligning for Hart to retake the Foothill League throne in a year of “new.” Standout returners, the bulk of an undefeated junior varsity team and big transfers have fooded the now Hart Hawks program with headlines.
First-year head coach Jake Goossen-Brown, or “Goose,” takes the helm for Hart football in 2024, which will be just the second season in almost 50 years without one of the Herrington brothers on staf.
While the Hawks’ sideline will be full of new faces, Goose ensures fans they can expect the same old hard-nosed Hart football.
“I think what’s great about this is that we’re defnitely paying homage and respecting the past traditions and what Hart stands for,” Goossen-Brown said. “We’re just breathing some new energy and life into it, a couple of tweaks here or there. Tey’ve done such a great job here. It’s a storied program with nine CIF titles.”
Te team will have big shoes to fll with all-league stars Tim Larkins and Shawn Irwin graduating last spring. Taking over under center is junior Ja-
The Numbers
764
Returning receiving yards.
10-0
Junior varsity team mostly coming up to varsity.
cob Paisano, the undefeated JV quarterback. “I’m getting used to the speed,” Paisano said. “Some of the seniors I played with two years ago so we’re building that chemistry back up, but I think everything’s going good.”
Te quarterback has met with Goossen-Brown nearly every day since early January and put in all the work needed to learn a new system while still acclimating to the varsity speed.
“(Paisano’s) a really good quarterback,” Goossen-Brown said. “I’ve been coaching for years and have seen some top quarterbacks. I had Wyatt Becker at Notre Dame who just committed to Utah. He’s one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and I think Jacob is right there with that guy. He could potentially be better.”
Protecting the quarterback will be Wade Cobbs, a 6-foot, 5-inch 300-
50
Just the second time in 50 years a Herrington won’t be on Hart’s staff.
156
plus pound junior transfer from Notre Dame. Acclimating to a new team can be tough, but Cobbs’ transfer comes as a return home.
“I feel at home because in eighth grade, before I went to Notre Dame my freshman year, I was actually at Placerita Junior High across the street,” Cobbs said. “So I feel more at home now. A lot of the guys on the team I went to school with so we’re starting to bond more since I’ve been back. I felt very welcomed by them when I came back to school because it was kind of hard for me to make friends that were here. So I feel that once I came back and started to really get to know the guys again, it was just great transferring over.”
Alongside the guard Cobbs are Nathan Bellith, an “athletic, quick, strong” returner along with center Cameron
Graduated receptions. See HART, page 34
The Basics CASTAIC
CASTAIC HEAD COACH SIRR GUY SHAKIR. PHOTOS BY KATHERINE QUEZADA / THE SIGNAL
HEAD COACH: Sirr Guy Shakir
2nd season, 6-4 overall record.
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 4-2-5
Top returners on offense: Jayden Broderick [QB], Logan Mietzner [WR].
Top returners on defense: Monty Coleman [DE], Dominic Espinoza [LB].
Key losses: Lucas Milan [WR/DB], Cyrus Gradoville [DL], Paul Lotz [RB], Gage Gibson [WR].
2023 Results
6-4 overall, 3-3 Foothill League
Castaic 21 Adelanto 30 Royal 12 Castaic 36
Castaic 39 Burbank 13 Eastside 12 Castaic 54 Golden Valley 21 Castaic* 28
Castaic 14 Valencia* 48
Castaic 35 Canyon* 7
Saugus 28 Castaic* 42
Castaic 28 West Ranch* 56
Castaic 13 Hart* 42
* Foothill League games
2024 Schedule
Aug. 22 Adelanto7 p.m.
Aug. 30 at Calabasas7 p.m.
Sept. 6 San Joaquin7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Dominguez7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Canyon*7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Golden Valley*7 p.m.
Oct. 4 Hart*7 p.m.
Oct. 10 at West Ranch*7 p.m.
Oct. 18 Saugus*7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Valencia*7 p.m. * Foothill League games. Game times subject to change.
Coyotes Looking to Fight for Playofs
By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer
The Castaic Coyotes football program ended last season having earned its frst three Foothill League wins. And that came in just the second season for a program that was fghting in a league that is historically considered one of the toughest in all of the CIF Southern Section.
So what’s the goal for this year?
“Same thing, if not better,” said senior Monty Coleman. “Try to make it to playofs.”
Tird on the team last year in rushing yards with 289, Coleman fnds himself as the Coyotes’ run game leader following the graduation of Paul Lotz and departure of quarterback Tyler Lewis, who is now at Nogales High School.
Likely to take over at quarterback will be senior Jayden Broderick. Te signal caller had just 22 pass attempts last year, but senior Logan Mietzner, the team’s receptions leader last year, said they’ve been working on building a relationship. “Building a relationship with my quarterback is the main thing I focus on,” said Mietzner, who had 25 receptions for 265 yards and touchdown last year. “Because if you just have a good relationship with them, and you’re on the same page, everything works out.”
Te receiving corps will have a new look this year afer Gage Gibson, Lotz and Lucas Milan all graduated.
Head coach Sirr Guy Shakir, in his second season in charge of the Coyotes, is looking for both Coleman and Mietzner to be the leaders of the Castaic ofense.
“He’s got to answer that challenge,” Shakir said of Coleman. “We lost Paul Lotz. Paul’s a great player. Monty was able to see Paul’s work ethic and so now it’s his turn. It’s his.
The Basics CANYON
HEAD COACH: Ken Holsenbeck
3rd season. Overall record 9-11
2023 Results
Base defense: 4-3
Top returners on offense: Sebastian Martinez [QB], Keston Banos [RB].
Top returner on defense: Evan Watts [DE].
Key Losses: Jeremiah Taylor [WR/DB], Diego Olujich [LB], Dane Lawler [LB].
2024 Schedule
CANYON HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH KEN HOLSENBECK. PHOTOS BY HABEBA MOSTAFA / THE SIGNAL
Cowboys Hungry for League, Playofs
By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer
Evan Watts is returning for his senior year at Canyon looking to lead the Cowboys to the playofs for the frst time since 2017.
“My goal is to help lead this team to playofs and hopefully a CIF championship,” Watts said. “Tat’s the No. 1 priority for me.”
At 6 feet, 4 inches and 240 pounds, Watts is an imposing fgure at defensive end, where he said he’s hoping to break the program’s single-season sacks record with 19. A running back last year, Watts is transitioning to tight end in a bid to make head coach Ken Holsenbeck’s spread ofense more expansive.
“Certainly athletically, right, he does a lot of things on the football feld which are pretty fun to watch,” Holsenbeck said.
Running almost exclusively a wing-T
ofense last year, Holsenbeck said that bringing back the entire backfeld corps from last year along with quarterback Sebastian Martinez gives him the idea that he can open up the playbook and use both styles of ofense.
“You got to set up your team in terms of success based on what skillsets you have,” Holsenbeck said. “And we just feel a lot more confdent this year with Sebastian and that we’re gonna be able to add those facets to our game.”
Martinez threw for 692 yards and fve
4 of 5
Leading tacklers graduated.
18
Years since last Foothill League title, longest active streak between championships.
touchdowns against nine interceptions as a junior in 2023, completing 45% of his pass attempts. He said he spent a large portion of his ofseason going to camps with college quarterbacks around the country, traveling to Arizona, Utah and Colorado, to name a few. Tat experience and knowing who is returning gives him confdence that the Foothill League title could be returning to Canyon for the frst time in 16 years. “We want the league title,” he said.
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The Basics GOLDEN VALLEY
HEAD COACH: Dan Kelley 11th season. 53-52-1 overall record.
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 4-2-5
Top returners on offense: Brandon Contreras [QB], Jamison Torres [WR].
Top returners on defense: Donnavan Anson [LB], Rico Lapid [LB].
Key losses: Isaiah Orozco [LB/RB], Jackson Anderson [TE/LB], Sean Gomez [WR].
2023 Results
3-7 overall, 1-5 Foothill League Golden Valley 49 Newbury Park 59 Antelope Valley 6 Golden Valley 29 Golden Valley 36 Quartz Hill 35 Garfield 14 Golden Valley 35 Golden Valley 21 Castaic* 28 Golden Valley 9 Hart* 42 Valencia 40 Golden Valley* 7 Golden Valley 21 Canyon* 24 West Ranch 31 Golden Valley* 13 Saugus 22 Golden Valley* 38
* Foothill League games;
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 Westlake7 p.m.
Aug. 29 at Antelope Valley 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 Lancaster7 p.m.
Sept. 13 at S. Pasadena7 p.m.
Sept. 20 Hart*7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Castaic*7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Valencia*7 p.m.
Oct. 18 West Ranch*7 p.m.
Oct. 25 Saugus*7 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Canyon*7 p.m. * Foothill League game; Game times subject to change.
GOLDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HEAD COACH DAN KELLEY. PHOTOS BY TRISHA ANAS / THE SIGNAL
Grizzlies Seek to Recapture 2022 Playof Magic
By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer
Dwelling on the past isn’t something that Golden Valley football coach Dan Kelley likes to do.
It’s why a 3-7 record last year isn’t fazing him, and why his Grizzlies said they think this year has a diferent feel to it.
“Te new guys are all stepping up and everyone’s playing their part this year,” said senior Jamison Torres.
Two years removed from a run to the CIF Southern Section Division 7 championship game, the Grizzlies went just 1-5 in the Foothill League last year and missed the playofs altogether.
Tat isn’t in anyone’s plan at Golden Valley this year.
Junior Evan Nye, a two-year starter on the line, including as a freshman in that 2022 playof run, said he’s been using that experience to make sure everyone else knows what work needs to get done to ensure a long season.
“I do see myself as one of those leaders, helping out … make them understand like how important this is to everyone and really tell them how much potential this team has if they really put in that work,” Nye said.
Along with Nye and Torres, the Grizzlies return a few leaders from last year.
At quarterback is senior Brandon Contreras, who tossed eight touchdowns as a junior and completed more than 50% of his 181 passing attempts. Torres will be lining up as one of his receivers, as are seniors Anthony Seragusa and Jordan Flores.
Torres is the team’s returning receptions leader with 25 to
SAUGUS
The Basics
SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL. HEAD COACH JASON BORNN. PHOTOS BY TRISHA ANAS/THE SIGNAL
HEAD COACH: Jason Bornn
22nd season as head coach. 121-109 record
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: Multiple schemes
Top returner on offense: Jake Nuttall [QB].
Top returner on defense: Rylan Connelly [LB].
Key losses: CJ Mound [WR/DB], RJ Temple [WR], Lucas Francke [RB].
2023 Results
0-10 overall, 0-6 Foothill League
Rio Mesa 48 Saugus 6 Saugus 7 Moorpark 39 Camarillo 34 Saugus 10 Saugus 0 Simi Valley 56 Valencia 48 Saugus* 0 Saugus 0 West Ranch* 28 Hart 44 Saugus* 14 Castaic 42 Saugus* 28 Canyon 28 Saugus* 13 Saugus 22 Golden Valley* 38
* Foothill League games.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 at Buena7 p.m.
Aug. 30 Oak Park7 p.m.
Sept. 6 at Camarillo7
Sept. 13 Simi Valley7 p.m.
Sept. 20 Valencia*7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Canyon* 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 at West Ranch*7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Castaic*7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Golden Valley* 7 p.m.
Nov. 1 Hart*7 p.m. * Foothill League game; Game times subject to change.
Relentless Efort Powers Saugus to ’24
By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer
2023 is not even visible in the rear-view mirror at Saugus. Win or lose, coach Jason Bornn is always only focused on the task at hand and right now the 2024 season is looking up for the Centurions.
Saugus returned the majority of talented sophomores and juniors from last season who are all ready to make a splash in their upperclassmen seasons.
The Numbers
Returning at quarterback is junior Jake Nuttall, who gained invaluable varsity experience as a sophomore afer Trent Johnson’s injury in 2023. “I feel like a bunch of people are defnitely gonna sleep on us because of what happened last year,” Nuttall said. “We’re not at all the same team we were last year. Te chemistry is a lot better, we’re more experienced. Last year, we were an extremely young team and we drew from it. We learned all ofseason and just got better every single day.”
Nuttall showed promising play as a sophomore thrown into the fre last season, throwing for 1,296 yards with eight touchdowns. Te quarterback has no shortage of weapons, starting in the backfeld with junior Ty Hall. Te junior back is expected to carry the load for the Saugus run game behind a tenacious ofensive line.
Tree-year varsity lineman Jake Franano returns to the Saugus trenches for his senior season and is excited to see what his line can do.
“We’re defnitely way more consistent,” Franano said. “We’re taking care of ourselves a lot more so we won’t have as many injuries this year. We’ll be a lot better.”
Franano will look to clear lanes and block with sophomore center Pau Gaudio, Tochi Okere and Andrew Caseres leading the charge.
“All the guys up front are just incredible,” Nuttall said. “I trust them with everything and it’s great to play quarterback behind that line.”
On the outside, Nuttall has returners Gage Sheklow and Degan Grant and slot receiver Landon Lattimore.
“Landon Lattimore at slot, I don’t know if there’s any slot corner in Foothill that can cover him,” Nuttall said. “He’s gonna be phenomenal this year.”
Also returning is two-way standout Rylan Connelly. Te senior will resumes duties at tight end while also serving as the Centurions’ middle linebacker.
“It’s a whole diferent atmosphere compared to last year,” Connelly said. “How we’re doing practice, how we’re doing recovery, the connections within the team.
It’s defnitely a diferent feel and I’m excited for it.”
Franano will line up opposite center at defensive tackle. Despite a lack of size, the Centurions feel good about their defensive front.
“We had some studs last year, but I think now we have a much more well-rounded group of kids now,” Franano said. “We’re gonna do a lot better.”
Connelly has been impressed with the of-season work both lineman groups have put in.
“We might have one or two 6-footers, but every guy has been hitting the weight room,” Connelly said. “ Tat’s been a focus for our whole team. Getting stronger there, See SAUGUS, page 38
The Basics SCCS
SANTA CLARITA CHRISTIAN HEAD COACH AUSTIN FRY. PHOTOS BY HABEBA MOSTAFA / THE SIGNAL
HEAD COACH: AUSTIN FRY
4th Season, 14-17 career record
Base offense: West Coast
Base defense: 3-2
Top returners on offense: Cayden Rappleye [QB], Eli Duhm [WR].
Top returners on defense: Jonathan Boelter [DE], Mason Rappleye [LB].
Key losses: Jude Patton [LB/OL], Noah Butler [DL].
2023 Results
Aug. 31 Santa Clara6:30
Sept. 5 Milken*7
Sept. 14 Valley ChristianTBD Sept. 20 at Fresno Christ.7
Us vs. Us: SCCS Aims for D1 Title
By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer
Santa Clarita Christian School football has come a long way since the program’s revival in 2021. Te group went 0-10 that season with numerous freshmen and sophomores starting.
Tat same group led SCCS into the Division 1 eight-man playofs last year as Cardinal football has ofcially returned to form. Now that group enters its fnal chapter with SCCS with even more in their sights and perhaps in their grasp.
Senior Cayden Rappleye has been the signal caller on both ofense and defense over the past few seasons and enters his last ride with SCCS confdent.
“It’s not that bad, you get used to the calls and the plays, but I love it,” Rappleye said. “I want to be the guy that they have to rely on. I want to have that
The Numbers
33
Offensive touchdowns scored by Cayden Rappleye in 2023.
4
Returners with 2+ interceptions.
burden. I want to be the dude that has to make the tough play. It’s why I love football so much.”
Last season Rappleye led the ofense with over 2,000 ofensive yards and 33 scores. Twelve of his TDs went down the feld to receiver Eli Duhm, earning the duo frst team all-CIF honors and the quarterback a Heritage League MVP trophy. For the quarterback, the pair’s chemistry is unrivaled.
“Eli and I, we’ve been together for a long time,” Rappleye said. “Our chem-
27%
Growth of numbers in the program.
6
Teams the Cardinals beat by 2+ scores in 2023 that they’ll play again.
istry might be the best I’ve ever seen. We’ve played together for four years. We’ve made it up the ladder and I think it’s gonna be a good year with him.”
SCCS also returns receivers Wyatt Waldron, Caleb Shafer and Wyatt Shields.
Te Cards’ running back group will be led by senior Jonathan Boelter. Te running back missed the majority of last season due to injuries but is aiming to be the lead back alongside Chase
The Basics TRINITY
TRINITY CLASSICAL ACADEMY HEAD COACH MIKE PARRINELLO. PHOTOS BY TYLER WAINFELD / THE SIGNAL
HEAD COACH: Mike Parrinello
4th season. Record 11-18
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-4
Top Returners on Offense: Noah Visconti [QB], John Carlson [TE].
Key returners on defense: Nicolas Delgado [LB], John Ryan [DL].
Key Loss: Cade Frazier [OL].
2023 Results
2-8 overall, 0-5 Mesquite League
Firebaugh 8 Trinity 37 Bosco Tech 6 Trinity 26
Trinity 8 Arleta 49
Trinity 22 Nordhoff 57
Trinity 14 Santa Paula 44 Arrowhead Chr. 48 Trinity* 14
Trinity 24 Riverside Prep* 52
Trinity 0 Linfield Christ.* 49 Capistrano Val, 47 Trinity* 7
Trinity 20 W, Christian* 67
*Mesquite League game
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 at Vasquez7 p.m.
Aug. 30 Channel Islands7 p.m.
Sept. 6 Monroe7 pm
Sept. 20 at Morningside7 p.m.
Sept. 27 Nordhoff7 p.m.
Oct. 4 Webb Schools7 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Santa Rosa Ac. 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 Temecula Prep7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Silver Valley7 p.m.
Nov. 1 Riverside Prep7 p.m. Game times subject to change.
Knights Return Key Players, Confdence
By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer
Apromising start to 2023 ended with a season of disappointment for the Trinity Knights.
Afer two wins to start the year, they followed that up by losing the fnal eight games of the year, including all fve Mesquite League games.
As the Knights get ready for a new campaign – and a new league — head coach Mike Parrinello said he’s been pleased to see his players well ahead of where they were at this time last year.
“We’re probably where we were almost two months in last year, just because we got guys returning, they know what they’re doing,” Parrinello said.
Te Knights will be competing in the Cottonwood League this year, which features: Riverside Prep; Santa Rosa Academy; Silver Valley; Temecula Prep; and Te Webb Schools. Riverside Prep is also coming over from the Mesquite
The Numbers
3.6
Average yards per rush attempt in 2023.
7
Returners with 40+ tackles.
League and beat the Knights last year, 52-24.
Parrinello said he thought his squad actually looked better at the end of last season, but the competition of the league made it seem like Trinity was regressing.
“Te progression was nice,” he said, “and now hopefully we’re gonna see a little bit more the fruits of our labor with that and not have to deal with such a rough second half of the season.”
Te Knights return a large group of starters from last year. Front and center are quarterback Noah Visconti and
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2,237
Returning receiving yards.
11
Straight league game losses.
linebacker John Carlson, who will also be featured in multiple positions on ofense.
Visconti threw for 1,877 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing nearly 50% of his pass attempts as a junior in 2023. Te senior enters the campaign with more than a year of experience as the starter afer splitting time under center as a sophomore before being handed the keys to the ofense as a junior.
“With experience comes maturity. I think I’ve really matured in the game,
VALENCIA
Continued from 9
also ran the ball efciently at 4.3 yards per carry with six touchdowns. Now, Bretthauer moves into a leadership role where longtime coach Larry Muir has seen his quarterback thrive.
“(Bretthauer) has been terrifc,” Muir said. “He did such a great job for us in his role last year. He did a great job with Jackson (Askins). Now it’s his and he’s assuming that role. He’s just taken it, ran with it and done a great job all in terms of leadership. He has just such a great voice amongst his teammates and in the huddle. He knows not only what to say, but how to say it. I think he’s mature beyond his years. He’s a good old-fashioned football player, but he loves to run the football. He’s a great dual threat and can do a lot of diferent things. And his arm’s gotten much stronger this year.”
Bretthauer’s receivers include Ronald Bruner, Nick Seymour Elias Willis and Isaac Shin. Bruner reeled in 15 catches for 242 yards and a TD last season while adding 27 tackles and three interceptions on defense. Willis is expected to have an impact afer missing most of last season with a leg injury.
Te ofensive line will have some major holes to fll with numerous multi-year starters departing last season. Muir has liked what he’s seen from the group including Konner Quitevis, a threeyear varsity lineman moving to center; Aiden Ends, Austin Andrachick, freshman Will Mayberry, Benjamin Jeong and Luke Gastil.
“It’s a good, solid group of guys,” Muir said. “Tey’ve had a really good ofseason and they’ve adapted and understand all the things that we’re trying to do. Teir chemistry and the way they work give us the keys to everything. Whether we’re running the ball or throwing the ball, we will always want to try to be a balanced football team. Tey’re the key to allow you to do that, so now we’re excited about that group.”
Te quarterback has built up a strong camaraderie with his linemen.
“Tis year, I’m closer with all of the line than I have ever been in the past; all those guys are my best friends,” Bretthauer said. “I feel like it becomes less about blocking for the game, more about blocking for me, which I really appreciate. I think the bond that all those guys have together as well makes them want to fght for each other more.”
Te defense will have holes to fll with seven leading tacklers departing. Te two-way group includes Jeong, Quitevis and Ends, while Ryan Galvez, Ethan Ferguson and Mason Bidding will be other defensive linemen to keep an eye on.
Te linebacker corps will all be new faces with Xander Hohler and Kevin McGinley leading the way.
Te Vikes’ secondary will include leaders such as Seymour, Bruner, Logan Tompson, Jeremiah Estrella and the strong safety Willis.
About 20 seniors graduated from last season’s team, leaving plenty of spots open for the younger Vikings. Muir has seen talented play-
ers step up but is hoping to see more in the depth chart.
“It’s been good and it’s been a challenge,” Muir said. “We have a lot of young guys. We graduated so many seniors last year, and so many seniors that played such a big role on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. So there’s been a lot of new guys in new positions. So, we have to get them ready fast and get them prepared. Tat’s a challenge and the other thing is we don’t have a lot of depth … We have a lot of good pieces and really terrifc players but we don’t have a ton of depth. We have a lot of guys who just don’t have a lot of experience. So we gotta get that underneath their belt real quick.”
Te team may be younger than normal but the players believe they’re right on track to compete for another league title.
“We’re taking big steps in the right direction, which is important,” Seymour said. “We’re looking good defensively.”
Valencia believes its chemistry is strong, with stems reaching well beyond high school football. Bonner and Bretthauer have ties that date back to youth football.
“I trust (Bretthauer) with
Re-Elect
Linda STORLI
my life,” Bonner said. “I feel like we have really good chemistry, so we’ll get it done this year.”
Bonner shined in rushing and receiving. His versatility has, and will likely yet again, power the ofense and be a focus for opposing defenses.
“Having him in the back-
Wm. S. Hart Board Trustee
Linda taught in the Hart District for 30 years. She was elected to the Hart Board the year she retired. Linda has served the district with respect & courage. She loves the district. Linda’s two children, and eventually all her grandchildren, have or will graduate from the Hart District.
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WEST RANCH
O-line clicking.”
Up on the line, Matt Jizmejian and Yusuf Dajani are leading a newer group of linemen ready to clear lanes.
“We want it, we’re the underdogs of this league,” Jizmejian said. “We’re the newest team, everyone preys down on us. We really want it and you can see it of the feld. We’re always going to the gym and stuf and we’re always working.”
At the helm of the offense will be junior Cooper Jackson. Te 6-foot, 5-inch quarterback has picked up the ofense quickly in his frst year under center but Varner is eager to see his junior get varsity game experience.
“(Jackson is) working hard. He’s doing everything right.” Varner said. “It’s just, he’s got to get game tested. He’s gonna make mistakes. He’s gonna do some good things, we gotta build on what he does well and correct the mistakes that he will make and keep his confdence high. ‘Manage the ball, manage this ofense, move the ball,’ is really what I keep telling him. We have to keep the ball moving.”
Jackson has some solid targets on the outside, most of whom are junior varsity guys coming up with the quarterback. Senior Andrew Hamilton is the team’s only starting returner at receiver and is poised for a big year.
“I have great chemistry with Andrew,” Jackson said. “He’s looking like a really good receiver, not the tallest, but he’s defnitely fast and has great hands. He’s really reliable.”
Leading the charge on defense is senior Max Piccolino. Te defensive end fnished his junior season with 34 tackles and a trio of sacks in just eight games. Varner believes his senior can be among the best defensive linemen in the Foothill League. Piccolino will fght for that title along with some more hardware
for West Ranch.“Winning league, fnishing a season positive and a deep run into playofs,” Piccolino said of his goals. “We’ve always made it and got eliminated. I could realistically see us going far and winning a championship. Tat’s defnitely a goal for me before I leave high school. I want us at least go somewhere deep in the playofs, and maybe get a ring.”
Big plays and defense win games, and Piccolino has extra motivation to make one of the toughest plays in football for a defensive lineman.
“I need a pick-six this year, maybe a couple picks,” Piccolino said. “My D-line coach said I’ll get a steak dinner if I get a pick-six. Ten defnitely double-digit sacks for me, 15-plus.”
Alongside Piccolino on the line are a handful of younger guys ready to make a name for themselves. A certain nose guard likely won’t be getting too much praise outside of the Varner house, though.
“We’ve got a nose guard doing pretty well but I probably won’t mention him a lot because he’s my son,” Varner said. “Colt Varner, he’s coming around and doing some things. We’re kind of patch working with a couple other guys going both ways on the line. We’ll have some double duties but with our conditioning up, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Morris is expected to have a big role at outside linebacker while Ethan Quesada and Nicholas Harden will also lead the middle of
2024 The Cover Shoots
Bonus photos from the 2024 Football Preview cover photo sessions.
Photos by Habeba Mostafa.
Valencia: Brian Bonner
West Ranch: Max Piccolino
Hart: Wade Cobbs
Castaic: Monty Coleman
2024 The Cover Shoots
Bonus photos from the 2024 Football Preview cover photo sessions. Photos
by Habeba Mostafa.
Canyon: Evan Watts
Golden Valley: Jamison Torres
Saugus: Jake Nuttall
SCCS: Cayden Rappleye
Trinity: Noah Visconti
HART
Continued from 13
Warner. Goossen-Brown, being a former ofensive lineman, believes his center needs to be the smartest player on the team. Warner fts the bill, being top 10 in his grade in the classroom while remaining a tenacious lineman on the feld.
“Our line is looking good this year,” Cobbs said. “We don’t have the biggest guys like me but we have guys who are very technically sound. We always work hard in practice.”
Lining up on the outside will be tight end Oliver Welch and receivers Ryder and Matix Frithsmith, Tristan Perez, Kevin Reyes and Parker Maxwell, the top returning wideout.
“Our QB Jacob coming up from JV, he’s gonna have a big year,” Maxwell said. “We’ve got a great receiving corps, a great O-line; we’re ready to just run through league … Jacob, our quarterback, I think he’s gonna prove a lot of people wrong this year. I think there’s been a lot of doubts, but he’s gonna dominate.”
Maxwell, Welch and Nate Mata are among the Hawks’ two-way talents. Goose believes Mata can be plugged in anywhere and make an impact. He was utilized at running back and defensive end last year and led Hart with seven sacks. Now the senior moves into the secondary with Maxwell, where there are sure to be a host of Hawks swarming the ball.
“I just like to fy around the feld and make as many plays as I can,” Mata said. “We should be excit-
ing to watch.”
Te defensive line appeared to have holes with Mata moving back and nose tackle Vincent Tiscareno graduating. However, the speedy 6-foot, 4-inch Welch will move to defensive end while Ryan Loman, a transfer from Texas, will man the line. Sophomore Grayson Rivera will be another name to watch on the defensive front. Linebackers include Zach Saldivar, Caden Craf and Matthew Pellow, who had a huge summer in the weightroom. Talan D’auetremont will be at safety alongside Maxwell while Perez, Ryder Frithsmith and Devin Tompson will be the top corners.
“We may not be the biggest team in league but we will get the job done,” Maxwell said. “We do not like losing … It’s diferent but the job’s still the same. We’ve got to go out there, put the work in, fnish and just win.”
Hart has historically aired it out on ofense with some coaches referring to the school as “Quarterback U.”
Goossen-Brown will aim for the same with a bit more work on the ground.
“We’re probably going to be running the ball more than most people are used to for a Hart football team,” Goose said. “I’m an ofensive lineman at heart so that plays into where we want to go. I always say things get real in the A and B gap, so you got to be able to thrive in that area.”
Running the ball will be returner Zack Rogozik, Mata and Caden Craf.
Goossen-Brown will be the only new coach in the Foothill League this season.
“Tis has been one of the easiest transitions I’ve had coaching football,” he said. “Tis is the third time I’ve been a head coach at a school and this has been the smoothest transition I’ve had, which is a testament to coach Rick and Mike Herrington and the groundwork they laid for us. Te kids understand what work ethic is, they have good football IQ, so it’s been really easy for me and for them to pick up what we do for them. So I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”
Te team’s football IQ has sparked the coach to speed things up and instill more into the ofense months before the season.
“I’m doing more ofensively than I’ve ever done before, because these guys can handle it,” Goossen-Brown said. “I’ve been meeting Jacob and Mata, going over ofense since January.”
Goossen-Brown knows the challenges in Foothill League play. However, the Hawks have progressed so much this summer, the coach believes they were good to go weeks ago.
“We’re really excited. I haven’t really felt this way in a long time. I feel like if we had to play Friday, we could be successful right now,” Goossen-Brown said. “I think they’re ready for the challenge and I think that they’re gonna play with a chip on their shoulder. We know we have something to prove and we’ve been working our tails of.”
Hart has not brought a league championship back to Newhall in 17 years. Numerous great teams have fallen just short of the title in the past decade.
Te Hawks open up the season on Friday, Aug. 23 at home against Quartz Hill.
CASTAIC
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He’s got to take that torch, and he’s got to step up for us.
“We expect (Logan) to have a big year,” Shakir said. “He’s made the biggest improvement from the beginning of last season to the end of last season, and so we’re expecting a very similar jump during the year. It was great that he got his frst touchdown last year. Tat was great, but that was just a tribute to his work ethic.”
On defense, the Coyotes return their top tackler in senior Dominic Espinoza. He had 58 total tackles last year at linebacker, where he is expected to be one of the cogs once again.
“I’ve just been doing my best to lead the team by holding everyone accountable to their jobs, doing my part,” Espinoza said. “I do my part before I hold everyone to their jobs.”
Also back on defense are seniors Alexis Silva, who was tied for the team lead last year with four interceptions at defensive back, and Maddux Anderson, while Coleman is expected to play defensive end afer racking up 43 tackles and a teamhigh eight sacks last year.
At 6-4 overall and 3-3 in league play, the Coyotes were in the mix last year to be selected as an at-large team for the playofs.
Tis year, Mietzner said he is “very confdent” that the Coyotes have what it takes to go on a playof run.
“We need to get better each and every day,” Mietzner said. “You know, we can’t have any bad days. We need to progressively get
2024 Roster
No. Name Yr. Pos.
1 Khanai Langford Jr. QB
2 Monty Coleman Sr. RB/DE
3 Adriab Urionabarrenechea Jr. WR/CB
4 Keeshawn Mills Sr. DB
5 Grayson Gonzales Jr. WR/CB
6 Isaiah Reid So. WR
7 Ty McVay Jr. WR/CB
8 Kyle Machtolf Jr. LB/OL
9 Vicente Davalos Jr. RB
10 Noah Gonzalez Sr. WR/CB
11 Jayden Broderick Sr. QB
12 Austin Evans Jr. WR/CB
13 Kaleb Miller Jr. RB/DB
14 Rossie Cherry Jr. WR/DB
15 Jaiden Oliver Sr. RB/DB
16 Caden Ward Jr. WR/CB
17 Logan Wissinger Jr. WR/TE
18 Parker Moreno Sr. RB/LB
19 Gilbert Petito Sr. WR/DB
20 Logan Mietzner Sr. WR/DB
21 Jesse Canaday So. WR
22 Andres Corretjer-Molina Jr. LB
23 Jesse Mendez Jr. RB/LB
24 Aidan Mojica So. TE/DE
26 Karanvir Singh Jr. LB/OL
28 Marcus Rubio So. DT/OL
31 Maddux Anderson Sr. CB
33 Dominic Espinoza Sr. LB/OL
34 Mason Andres Sr. DL
44 Danny Hargrave Jr. RB/LB
45 Leo Knox Sr. DE/OL
50 Mason Hanks Sr. DT/OL
55 Andrew Villalpando Sr. OG/DT
57 Ethan Vergara Jr. WR/TE
58 Anthony Fatoohi Jr. DT/OL
61 Evan Delgadillo Sr. RB/DL
62 Thomas Deegan Jr. DL
63 Cove Coronado Jr. DL/OL
66 Aidan Preston Jr. OL
70 Ty Dalire Jr. OL
71 Nathan Ramirez Sr. OL
72 Nasir Robinson Sr. DL/OL
80 Colin Hicks So. LB/P
99 Thomas Butler Jr. DL/OL
better and better and try to win some football games.”
Mietzner concurred with Coleman that the Coyotes are in a position to succeed.
“We’re all confdent when we say that we can win this,” Mietzner said. “I got a lot of faith in them.”
Shakir said with 19 seniors from last year no longer playing for Castaic, it’s an opportunity for many of the younger players in the program to show that they
CANYON
Continued from 17
Holsenbeck said he’s liked what he’s seen from his quarterback, but also knows that he has a solid group of running backs to carry some of the ofensive load as well.
Returning are Keston Banos, Keyshawn Wooten and Aidan Magno, all of whom were featured in the backfeld last year. Semaj Richardson is also expected to come up from junior varsity and make an impact as one of many Canyon players who double as stars for the school’s track program.
Banos led the team with 565 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, while Wooten added 192 yards and fve touchdowns as a sophomore in 2023.
“We have a lot of talent in this group,” Banos said. “I know that we have a really good group.”
Receiver is where Holsenbeck is looking for players to step up. Gone are Eyezik Ruppert and Jeremiah Taylor, the team’s two leading pass-catchers in 2023. Holsenbeck said he’s looking for a big year out of junior Myles McCrory, who recently competed in the 400-meter dash at the Junior Olympics, and for Watts to fnd his place at tight end.
“Speed helps kill the defense in terms of both the width as well as the depth in terms of where you can get the ball,” Holsenbeck said.
McCrory is also expected to compete for a spot in the secondary, where Holsenbeck sees his speed as a deterrent for other ofenses.
Andrew Ruiz is expected to be one of the senior lead-
ers on both lines, and Zach Demarest and Benny Navarette are two guys Holsenbeck thinks can shine there as well.
In the secondary, Holsenbeck said he’ll be leaning on two returners in Josh Cambaliza and Seth Cherre.
Ruiz said he thought the team’s 6-4 record last year was good enough for the
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have gotten better and can push the Coyotes to the next level. “We have an opportunity for a lot of the younger guys to kind of fll that void,” Shakir said. “You know, 19 is a lot, and those guys meant a lot to our program, but that’s an opportunity for our younger guys.”
Shakir said he hopes his team can take advantage of the speed it has on the offensive side to get his spread ofense to work. “We like our guys. We like our speed,” Shakir said. “We like our quickness. We just have to make the right decisions to get those guys to ball.”
And while he said he knows it’s a cliché, Shakir is wholly focused on improving each day and not worry-
ing about the future.
“We can’t look ahead to anything,” Shakir said. “I mean, we really have to make sure that we focus on where we are and being present here today and getting better. I know that’s cliche, and it sounds like coach talk, but it really isn’t. We don’t have the luxury of not being present where we are. Tat’s the only way we’re gonna get better.
“I want us to be better than we were Saturday. I want us to be better than we were at 6 o’clock. Tat’s pretty much our mantra, that’s what we focus on as a staf and that’s what we pass through to the kids.”
Castaic was set to open the season Tursday at home against the Adelanto Saints, who went 5-5 last year. Te Saints beat the Coyotes last year, 30-21.
CANYON
Continued from 35
Cowboys to make the playofs, but they were ultimately denied. He said the goal this year is to fnish well enough in the league to book an automatic playof berth, so long as injuries don’t plague Canyon as they did last year.
“We’re just trying to make it to the promised land, which is the playofs, and then go from there,” Ruiz said. “With this team we have here, I feel like we could defnitely go far in the playofs, you know, possibly win a championship and all that.”
Tey saw last year how the Calpreps system that is used to generate the CIF Southern Section playofs can be unforgiving for teams who don’t fnish high enough
in their leagues. Holsenbeck said the goal is to win the league and his team has what it takes to compete against any in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond. Te Cowboys went 4-0 in non-league play before going 2-4 in the Foothill League.
“We feel like we can compete with everybody in league,” Holsenbeck said. “And now we just have to take that next step to be able to turn some of those close games into wins.
“We need to be able to get one of those automatic berths and not rely on whatever rating system is out there or whatever in terms of giving us a wild card,” he added. “So, we’ve got a tougher pre-league schedule this year, prepare us better for league, and we’ve got to
GOLDEN VALLEY
Continued from 21
go along with a touchdown.
“We’ve been working really hard during the spring and ofseason,” Contreras said. “We’ve been getting double practices in with me and my receivers and really trying to fnd the chemistry between us and push the ball down the feld as much as we can.”
Seragusa is likely to see time at both receiver and defensive back, where he was tied for the team lead last year with three interceptions.
“I want to get back to feeling really bad,” Seragusa said, referring to the team’s 2022 playof run. “All the work that we’ve been putting in, just gotta show it on Friday night.”
Kelley said he will once again be looking for his defense to put the Grizzlies in a position to win games. He mentioned Torres as one of the keys in the secondary, while Nye and fellow junior Damian Ozuna will be leaned on as the linchpins on the defensive line.
“Te defensive side of the ball is looking good so far,” Kelley said.
One position where Kelley doesn’t have any returning starters is at running back. Isaiah Orozco – who led the Grizzlies with 1,360 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns — and Julian Rios have both graduated, leaving guys like seniors Nolan O’Dwyer and Donovan Anson to fll in.
Others who could see time in the backfeld are senior Rico Lapid and junior
Joseph Lewis.
“We’ve got a big hole to fll at the running back position. Probably the frst time since I’ve been here at Golden Valley in 11 years, that we haven’t had a guy returning at that position or a guy that is promising,” Kelley said. “But we do have some promise there. You know, the guys that are trying at that position have shown signs. Tey have football experience, you know. It’s not like they never played the position before. So, we’re going to develop that.”
Kelley said he’s calling his ofense a spread system because he thinks “everybody in the league wants to be a spread ofense,” but he’s going to let what works dictate what will be called moving forward.
And with multiple linemen returning, Kelley said that gives him hope that a run game will develop.
“We will utilize our tight ends and we will utilize some power formations because that’s when we can do because we have confdence in our ofensive line,” Kelley said.
Many of the players whom Kelley said he’ll be leaning on to lead Golden Valley said the ultimate goal is a playof run. It’s something that Kelley said he wasn’t used to hearing early on in his tenure with the Grizzlies, when he was told by the players that they’d be happy just winning a league game.
“And now we’re talking about winning CIF titles,” Kelley said. “So, we’ve
made big strides. You know, we’ve been to the semifnals three times, we’ve been to the CIF fnals two times. And those are those are big things. Tose are big steps … Tat means these young men have seen the guys in the past do things that they want to do. And that’s building a culture of guys wanting to do it. So, it’s good to hear it.”
And while things didn’t always go the Grizzlies’ way last year, Kelley said it could have been a little diferent afer they lost two league games by a touchdown and a feld goal, respectively.
Seragusa said there is an improved focus with the Grizzlies heading into the new season that could help them get back to winning ways.
“I feel like this team, with this year’s team and last year’s team, we’re more focused this year,” Seragusa said. “Last year, it was a whole bunch of ‘me’ players. Tis year, we want a ‘we’ team. We want to play as a team and get the job done.”
Kelley said there’s no reason why this group can’t get the job done if they learn to play like a team.
“Tat ’22 team had good chemistry. Tey played well together,” Kelley said. “We had a lot of good football players, and when I say that, we had guys that were football guys … Tat means you have to live it, eat it, sleep it and want it. And those ’22 guys wanted it. So, we’ll see how these guys gel. So far, so good.”
Golden Valley opens up the season on Friday at 7 p.m. with a home game against the Westlake War-
riors, who went 2-8 last year.
Count Contreras as one of the seniors who wants that be the start of a long season before signing of on their high school careers.
“I’m very excited for it. It’s my last year as a senior,” Contreras said. “What I’m mostly looking forward to is getting my team to the playofs this year, and advancing as far as we possibly can.”
SAUGUS
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coming out here, pushing sleds, just putting in the work all summer. We’re not big but we’ll run you over.”
Juan Rios, Caceres and King David Asomugha will be some names to watch in the pass rush.
Relentless efort has been a theme for the 2024 Centurion defense as they aim to rebuild back into a Foothill League contender.
“Relentless efort,” Franano said when asked what will stand out about Saugus. “We have great pass coverage. We have great run blocking, run stufng abilities. So I think that because we’re so well-rounded it’ll be hard for people to run or pass on us.”
Connelly knows there won’t be much space allowed on defense and believes his 11-man wrecking crew will fy to the ball hard on every play.
“As a defensive unit, I think we just all fy around and get to the ball with just relentless efort,” Connelly said. “Just all around, I think every guy is going to have an opportunity to shine, and we’re playing for that moment.”
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Defensive backs include Anthony Garcia, Andrew Cerritos and David Pineda at safety.
Bornn’s attention to detail and intensity have fueled Saugus for over 20 years. If anyone knows to fip a team back into the win column, it’s the longest-tenured coach in the Foothill League.
“(Bornn’s) a phenomenal coach,” Nuttall said. “I strongly believe he’s the best coach out here. He’s defnitely my favorite coach that I’ve ever played for. He’s such a take-control kind of guy and he leads by example. Everything he says he does, he’s gonna do it and it’s just great to have him as a head coach. He brings a lot of confdence to this team and there’s no other coach I’d want to play for.”
Chemistry has also improved for the veteran Centurions. Extra years of varsity play together could pay dividends as Saugus’ corps gets another year all together.
“I think we’re a lot more unifed as a team,” Franano said. “Last year, we had a harder season, but that’s the past and it drives us to do better in the future. I think that’s what we’re seeing now.”
Saugus appears to have
be able to demonstrate that we can get one of those automatic berths.”
Watts said he’s been working with Martinez to perfect his craf as a tight end and thinks, for it being his frst time at the position, he’s picked up the
risen from the ashes of last season. Players could have jumped ship, quit or stopped caring but Nuttall has seen a rise in the team’s passion heading into the season.
“We all want to be here, nobody’s forcing us to come out and do this stuf,” Nuttall said. “ Tis is a good, player-led team. We have a bunch of leaders on this team who fght together. It’s just great to be a part of this as a quarterback and see everyone else just want to be here, want to learn, want to grow. It’s just phenomenal.”
Saugus will make a couple of trips to Ventura County, including its season opener at Buena. Te Centurions will host Oak Park in week two and Simi Valley in week four before heading into their league opener with Valencia.
Te Centurions have faced adversity and believe 2024 will be their time to shine, but happily accept the title of underdogs heading into what could be a complete fip-of-theswitch season.
“We’re just gonna go out and prove ourselves,” Nuttall said. “ Tis team’s had to deal with so much adversity over the last couple of years. It’s fnally our time to shine.”
skills needed to help his team. And if that isn’t working in a game, he said there’s always the crowd of running backs who can break a defense open, as happened multiple times last year.
“It’s gonna be even more balanced, I feel like,” Watts said. “We’re gonna pass the ball a lot more. We’re gonna run the ball as much as we did last year, but I feel like that just expands our ofense a
lot more.”
Watts said the excitement level for the new season is “through the roof.”
“Te goal for this team is to all be on the same page, all be locked in, all-in to the job they have to do,” Watts said. “We all got one goal, and that’s to win CIF.”
Canyon begins the season on Friday with a road game at Charter Oak.
SCCS
Continued from 27
Kalinske. “We’re having a great time out here, working hard,” Boelter said. “We’re putting in the hours, the efort and I really enjoy this team. I think we’ve got a great lineup going.”
Fry sees his ofensive line as a dark horse. Te group appears to be the biggest line SCCS has had in years but lack of experience leaves some uncertainties. “We’re really young on the ofensive line,” Fry said. “We have a junior, a sophomore, a freshman, but it’s probably the biggest ofensive line we’ve had. Tey’re pretty athletic across the board, so it’s kind of a wild card, depending on how healthy they stay, how they do. It’s how those younger guys do now being in the spotlight.”
Jonah Babikan, Gabe Wilson and freshman Cameron Metro will look to prove themselves up front. Te freshman and line have impressed their teammates.
“A new guy on our line, Cameron Metro, he’s a stud, man,” Rappleye said. “I think he’s gonna be really good for our ofensive line. He’s already shown that he can do his thing and pancaked a couple people. He’s the man for the job and he wants to prove it. So I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Boelter will lead the pass rush on defense but expects big things from Metro, Shaffer and Wilson.
“I think we’re really just gonna come out here, be aggressive, play the game, and I really hope that that aggression will just carry us through,” Boelter said. “I’ve
always heard people say defense wins games, and I really do believe that. I think if we set the tone and we come out swinging, I think that’ll really help us.”
Kalinske will join the linebacker corps lined up next to a pair of Rappleyes. Rappleye will anchor the middle linebacker spot alongside his younger brother, Mason.
“Cayden’s younger brother, Mason, who might be one of our smartest football players, just seems to be in the right spots all the time,” Fry said. “He’s a sophomore now, so he’s not just the young freshman anymore. He’s gotten bigger, stronger and faster, so he’ll be able to step in easily, without me worrying about any of those linebacker spots.”
Duhm will return to the safety spot alongside defensive backs Caleb Grissom and Marcus May.
Duhm and Cayden Rappleye have seen the program grow exponentially over the past few seasons and will become Fry’s frst four-year players. Te quarterback would have never believed afer the 0-10 season in 2021 that SCCS would be competing for a Division 1 championship just two years later.
“If you would have told me when I was in ninth grade, we’d be the one contending for a D1 championship, I would’ve called you crazy, because that year was brutal,” Cayden said. “You could see it in our second year, going 7-4, things started to fow and we started to realize what we could actually do. Ten last year, we had a goal and we achieved way over that goal.”
Numbers have also ex-
ploded for the program, which grew for the third straight year. Fry will yet again be able to feld a junior varsity team while maintaining solid depth on varsity.
“Considering where we started in June of 2021 with 10 guys out on the front turf, it’s been really cool just to see the program grow,” Fry said. “We’ll have a full JV team, and then a varsity roster with an actual depth chart.”
“It’s a testament to the support of our administration, our school, the SCCS community, and then the parents who invest so much in this program. If I were to look at this all on paper, I think you probably could have made a good bet that we would be successful in some way or another. I think seeing it actually pay of is really rewarding.”
Te team’s already picking up momentum despite not playing a snap. Camp has gone well for the Cards.
“I feel like the last week of our summer practices, we all bonded really well,” Cayden said. “We all started to fow, the tempo was there, the intensity was getting up. Everything was kind of starting to come together, almost like it does in the season. Te connections and chemistry are getting better. Everyone has a common mindset and that’s to win championships.”
Last season, the Cardinals won their frst league title in six years. “For us, one of the mottos that we have this year is ‘Us versus us,’” Fry said. “I think we have talent. I think we have guys that are bought in. We just have to make sure that we’re performing.”
Te team will travel quite a bit again, with trips to Fres-
no Christian and Avalon, Catalina Island. Te Cards lost just one regular-season road game in 2023 and will look to prove themselves again as road warriors.
Te championship window remains open. With the excitement for the 2024 season, Fry is trying to fnd a balance while giving his team everything he can.
“I have to be careful because when you have this kind of team you tend to want to invest your whole life in it. I just have to remember I’m not only the (athletic director) of multiple sports, but also a husband and father of three kids. How can I give them the most while also making sure that I’m fulflling all these other duties that I have? So I’m really excited, but I have to check myself every once in a while.”
SCCS opens up the season on Aug. 31 as the Cardinals host Santa Clara at Canyon
School.
TRINITY
reads, defenses,” Visconti said. “Also, with my experience has come with a few others’ experience, too. And that’s grown a little bit, and so our team is gonna be way stronger because of the experience. Tere’s a lot of older kids that can really, really show of what they have this year and I’m really excited to really show of the speed, the strength, everything that we’ve improved on.”
Carlson was the team’s leading rusher last year as a junior with 158 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team with 61 catches for 764 yards. He’s expected to provide experience at both fullback and tight end, though he was more than capable at linebacker as well, racking up 122 tackles and shining as the team’s captain on that end of the feld.
He said the Knights should have a path to the playofs with the improvements players have made on the defensive side of the ball.
“Our line is defnitely a lot more solid, so defense is more sound,” Carlson said. “I think we’re gonna cover a lot of teams better. Gonna make more tackles. Just building on the things that we haven’t executed well in the past.”
One issue Parrinello will have this year is having to choose who to play on the line — a good problem to have, he said, with a battle for the center position and multiple others looking to fll in at other slots.
“We got some backups. We don’t have that, you
know, one lineman goes down and there’s this domino efect and then all of a sudden I got our wide receiver playing tackle because that’s all we got,” Parrinello said. “And that’s where we were. Tis year, we have the depth. Te other side of it, what’s been really helpful for us is how it’s improved our practice. You know, we’ve got legitimate two sides of the football that we can practice, our guys are getting better practice reps and we’re just seeing that progression.”
Most of the other ofensive pieces from last year are also back, along with a couple of newcomers.
Junior Hudson Sweitzer is expected to be one of the leaders in the backfeld, while senior Jordan Lovelace, the Heritage League MVP in baseball last year, is coming in as a speed threat at running back. Parrinello also hopes for Carlson to be a pass catcher out of the backfeld as much as he is a runner.
At receiver, the Knights return senior Luke Backes, who had 43 catches for 505 yards and four touchdowns last year. Nicholas Delgado pulled in 18 catches for 383 yards last year, while Adam Hirsch and Andrew Kelley return as seniors with double-digit receptions last year.
Visconti said many of those players also play baseball or basketball together, and the camaraderie is starting to show as the season comes near.
“We practically live together,” Visconti said. “We’re living out of our cars from practice, lifing to another practice. Tey’re my dudes, they’re my friends, they’re
my family.”
Tings may not have gone the Knights’ way last year, but Parrinello believes experience matters and his players are better now because of the struggles they went through.
“We developed players. We got guys,” Parrinello said. “Micah Spring right here is a perfect example, brand-new football player last year, but a great athlete, very talented. He got, you know, 10 games under his belt. Tey were rough games, but now he’s coming in here, seasoned veteran now.”
With a new league and a bevy of returners, it’s no surprise the Knights are thinking this year is when they make their mark and enter the playof conversation.
“Tat’s like our main goal, is really to win league and go to playofs,” said linebacker Patrick Cherry, third on the team last year with 70 tackles to go along with two sacks.
Visconti remembers being a freshman when Trinity last made the playofs and said it’s his dream to lead the Knights back to that spotlight.
“Playofs in any sport, baseball, football, you just get a little more fred up,” Visconti said. “You’re ready to go. It’s your time to shine. It’s your time to show. And I think this year, we’re really looking afer that and the drive this team has is incredible compared to the ones I’ve been a part of. Te mindset, the work ethic, the grit, that determination with this team is irreplaceable. I’m ready to go to war with these boys.”
Parrinello said he’s been pleased to hear how conf-
dent his group is.
“It’s an exciting time. It’s great to be back on the feld,” Parrinello said. ‘Tere’s a little more spring in all of our steps knowing that, ‘Hey, we can make the playofs,’ which is what you want to be doing … Te energy levels are up. I know they understand it and realize it. Tey don’t just sit there and go, ‘Yeah, coach is saying we can win because that’s what you’re supposed to do.’ Tey feel they can win. Tey’ve trusted the process. Tey’ve seen themselves improve. Tey’ve gotten bigger in the weight room and now we’re gonna have to go do it on the football feld.”
Trinity begins the sea-
on Friday with a trip to Vasquez.
2023 A Look Back
WEST RANCH
Continued from 31
the defense.
Te defensive back group has a lot to be excited about despite a lack of returners. Senior Kyler Garrity returns at safety and is ready to make another splash afer his fve-interception, 32-tackle season.
Rocco DiMarco will also spend time at safety while speedsters TJ Dennis and Aidan Lynch man the corner spots. Dennis and Lynch will have their work cut out for them with all the talented receivers in the Foothill League but coach Varner is excited to see what they can do.
“Tose corners both have very, very good speed, they’re two of the fastest corners I’ve had in a while,” Varner said. “It’s exciting. Tey’re young, but we’re gonna be expecting a lot out of them.”
West Ranch has just one league title but feels confdent it can secure its second championship this season. Varner knows the days of the high-fying 2022 are well behind the program but believes having current upperclassmen who were in the lower levels during the undefeated season has helped keep standards high.
“We’re turning the page. Nobody’s talking about ’22 anymore,” Varner said. “Tis is their team. We have a banner with the ’22 team and I point at that and ask them, ‘What’s it gonna take to do that? Tose kids bought in.’ We use the ’22 championship team as our gold standard of what everyone can achieve. It’s great, because these kids were all here in the program, in lower levels when that happened. Tey know the kids were talking to and referencing and saying what made this team special. So, let’s see if we can repeat
VALENCIA
Continued from 30
feld is just for lack of better words clutch,” Bretthauer said. “You can give him the ball and he’ll make something happen.”
While the running back will get plenty of attention, Bretthauer had high praise for his receivers, a group he believes will stand out over numerous past Valencia teams.
“I think that this is going to be the best receiving corps and skill group we’ve had at Valencia in 10-plus years,” Bretthauer said. “Tese guys all can play football very, very well. Teir knowledge for the game and their work ethic is unlike any other. I’m super excited for our passing game this year. I think it’s gonna be incredible and im-
the process.”
Te team is working to repeat the process but knows plenty of work lies ahead of a league title.
“We’re gonna win league,” Jizmejian said. “Tat’s the goal we’re working towards. Its not gonna stay just a goal for long. All this work that we’ve put in this summer, it’s all gonna pay of for sure, 100%.”
New guys getting live game action will start giving the team an idea of its identity but the Wildcats have seen major improvement throughout the summer, starting with its young ofensive line.
“(Te ofensive line has) gotten much better over summer,” Jackson said. “Tey’re defnitely a young group, but they’re getting better. Always room to improve, though.”
West Ranch may have the pieces of another league title season but time will tell how ready and how much of an impact the new and veteran Wildcats can make.
Te Cats will open up with Buena and host Antelope Valley in their non-league stretch along with some trips to Cleveland and Tousand Oaks. West Ranch will take its league bye in week fve and hopes to be fresh in its Foothill opener with Hart. Winning will remain the ultimate goal and Varner will keep pushing his team down the smallest details to reach their desired result.
“Obviously, you want to succeed. My thing is, ‘Let’s try to put a good product on the feld.’ If we can do all the little things right, if we don’t shoot ourselves in the foot, we’ll succeed. Te challenge for each of these kids is to set a goal each day and to achieve that. Winning is the byproduct of doing a number of other things. So we focus daily on those other things.”
proved from last year. We were a heavy running team last year, but I think we’re gonna fip it this year and shock everyone.”
“Our passing game’s looking really good,” Seymour said. “We got ourselves a good QB and a good couple of receivers. Defnitely look out for the passing game.”
Te passing game should open up a bit if Bonner continues his tear on the ground. Muir sees no ceiling for his young star with two full seasons of varsity lef in front of him.
“Last year, (Bonner) was a sophomore and he was really good,” Muir said. “He really stepped up. What we need for Brian is to continue that path. He can’t get complacent. Tat’s what he’s gonna fght is that complacency of staying the same. He’s got to take the next step and then as the season goes,
each week, take a step in his understanding of the ofense and football and the work. He has to just keep growing in those things and if he does, the sky is the limit for him.”
“League championship, that’s all we have on our mind right now,” Bretthauer said. “Once we win that, we’ll worry about the rest later.”
“Tis is a whole new team so because of that, they’ve got to understand that last year’s team has no bearing on them,” Muir said. “Tey’ve got to do it for themselves. Tey’ve got to stand on their own two feet. Tey’re able to kind of lean on the tradition and the standards that have been set before them and understand that that they’re a part of that legacy, but at the same time, now they got to write their own legacy and they’ve got to write their own chapter.”
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