High school football 2024 preview: EBAL Valley Division

As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.

Today’s focus:

EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE VALLEY DIVISION

(Predicted order of finish)

No. 1 GRANADA

Coach: Brandon Black

2023 record: 7-4

What to expect: Brandon Black, who takes over the Granada program after five seasons as Dublin’s coach, is walking into an ideal situation with many of the Livermore school’s top players from last season returning. Dawson Kerezsi, a 6-foot-5, 275-pound senior tackle, will anchor the offensive line. Black said there is a competition for starting quarterback. Whomever is chosen, the QB will have all-league wide receivers Peyton Richards and Mikey Boyd to help in the passing game. Defensive end Joseph Vargas earned all-league honors two seasons ago and will anchor the trenches on defense. Linebackers Hayden Hobbs and Cody Phillips provide athleticism at the second level. “This is a solid group of players returning this season,” Black said. “Good senior leadership and team chemistry.”

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Monte Vista, 7:15 p.m.

No. 2 LIVERMORE

Coach: John Wade

2023 record: 5-5

What to expect: Livermore’s offense will run through junior running back and all-BANG 2023 selection Kamarri Robinson. Robinson had one of California’s all-time great games last season, rushing for 534 yards and five touchdowns against Dublin. He’ll be running behind two all-league offensive lineman, Brandon Giamona and Chandler Smoak. All-league quarterback Matteo Lortie is back for his junior season and is expected to be the starter for the third straight year. In five seasons, head coach John Wade has never had a losing season. 

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Hillsdale, 7 p.m.

No. 3 FOOTHILL

Coach: Greg Chandler

2023 record: 1-8

What to expect: Foothill struggled in the stronger Mountain Division last season, but a drop down to the Valley could mean more wins for the Falcons. All-league linebacker Brayden Brown returns for his senior season to anchor the defense. Wide receiver Michael O’Donoghue Jr. will look to build on a solid 2023 season in which he played a key role on special teams and in the passing game. Sophomore wide receiver Max Shuga should also provide speed on the outside. First-year coach Greg Chandler will look to lead the Falcons back to their winning ways. Three seasons ago, the Pleasanton school reached the North Coast Section Division II final.

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Heritage

No. 4 DUBLIN

Coach: Napoleon Kaufman

2023 record: 5-5

What to expect: Dublin made one of the biggest hires of the offseason, bringing in former Oakland Raiders running back and Bishop O’Dowd head coach Napoleon Kaufman to lead the program. Kaufman will have his hands full as he replaces five of Dublin’s six all-league players from last season, but the Gaels are well stocked with talent. Wide receiver Ethan Kennedy was an all-league second-team selection in 2023 and will return for his senior season as one of the team’s captains. Senior quarterback and Amador Valley transfer Jack Duncan is slated to be the team’s starter after throwing for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games last season. Dublin’s defense returns many of its key starters from last season, including cornerback Cayden Bennett and linebackers Logan Smith and Austin Thomas.

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Berkeley, 7 p.m.

No. 5 DOUGHERTY VALLEY

Coach: Durajho Frommoethelydo

2023 record: 2-8

What to expect: Dougherty Valley took a step back last season after having back-to-back winning campaigns for the first time in school history. First-year coach Durajho Frommoethelydo will look to blend a roster that has a good mix of younger and older players. California High transfer Vincent Banzon will make a switch to quarterback after garnering all-league honors as a defensive back last season. Lucas Jung will anchor Dougherty Valley’s offensive line along with senior Emiliano Cabrera. Junior William Walleshauser is slated to be the team’s feature back and will share the backfield with senior Ali Wassie. Senior Jerry Long could be the team’s X-factor as he will be used all over the field. He is also a team captain. “Jerry has earned the role as a team captain and looks to have a great year due to his development in the weight room,”.Frommoethelydo said.

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Northgate, 7 p.m.