As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE EL CAMINO DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 WOODSIDE
Coach: Justin Andrews
2023 record: 7-5
What to expect: Woodside looks poised to make a run at the PAL El Camino title behind a patented rushing attack. “We will be young, but very competitive,” coach Justin Andrews said. “We expect to again be one of the top rushing teams in the CCS.” Senior running back Evan Usher leads the way offensively after two seasons of productive work in the varsity backfield. Andrews described him as “one of the top rushers in CCS. He is stronger and faster, eager to continue the tear he’s been on.” Junior slotback/safety Daniel Torres is a “dynamic playmaker who played varsity as a sophomore last season,” Andrews said. Senior linebacker Sam Cowart is a leader on defense. “Instinctive player with a nose for the ball,” Andrews noted. Junior Carlos Latu was a first-team all-league DT as a sophomore who also made CCS as a wrestler. He is “explosive, with a passion for the game that makes his teammates better,” Andrews said. Junior running back and linebacker Evan Frampton is a “strong, patient runner who was called up to varsity late last season,” Andrews said. Frampton rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown in the Wildcats’ first playoff game last season. Senior quarterback/athlete Carmel Mendes is “a do-it-all player who can play and do well at multiple positions on offense, defense and special teams,” Andrews added.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Overfelt, 7:15 p.m.
No. 2 FREMONT-SUNNYVALE
Coach: Rob Swartz
2023 record: 7-3
What to expect: The Firebirds have the look of a contender in the El Camino Division. Team speed will be a strength, as will depth at quarterback, wide receiver and running back. Senior QB/WR/CB Henry Buenrostro returns after being named first-team all-league the past two seasons. RB Eli Smith and WR Jadon Smith are big-play threats. Buenrostro led the Firebirds’ triple-option attack last season and compiled 13 rushing touchdowns. Jadon Smith “has exceptional hands and speed,” Swartz said, and ”plays man coverage very well at corner.” Eli Smith “possesses explosive quickness and compact power,” Swartz said. “At 192, he is 17 pounds heavier than last season. He is also a solid receiver.” Senior WR/S Isaac Garcia is a “big hitter on defense, and a depth threat and excellent blocker on offense,” Swartz said. Senior OG/DT Dylan Rogers is a key blocker and rusher up front who anchors the middle of both lines at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds. Senior two-way lineman Davis Scholten is a returning starter at offensive guard and the strongest of the Firebirds, benching 320 pounds. Senior RB/OLB Jonathan Regalado is a returning starter on defense who “brings experience and toughness,” Swartz said.
Season opener: Santa Teresa, TBA
No. 3 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
Coach: Kolone Pua
2023 record: 12-2
What to expect: After a banner year that ended with a CCS Division V championship, South San Francisco moves into the PAL’s El Camino division. The Warriors swept the PAL’s Lake Division with a 7-0 record in 2023. Lake coach of the year Kolone Pua loses the division’s utility player of the year, Gerald Tanielu, but he returns league special teams player of the year Darren Miller (WR/FS) and offensive player of the year Elijah Fields (RB/MLB). That senior duo will get help from fellow all-leaguer Soblessed Mauia, who was named a first-team offensive lineman and defensive lineman as a freshman.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at San Lorenzo Valley, 7 p.m.
No. 4 LOS ALTOS
Coach: Mark Adams
2023 record: 5-6
What to expect: First-year coach Mark Adams will have a lot on his plate with the Eagles in 2024. Los Altos won the El Camino Division championship in 2023 but will have a lot to replace on both sides of the ball. “The team has a good receiving corps and solid depth at linebacker,” Adams said. “There will be a priority of identifying a new QB and rebuilding depth on the offensive and defensive lines.” Adams took over as the Eagles’ coach just weeks ago when Mike Garrity stepped down. Though Los Altos lacks a number of players from the title-winning 2023 team, multiple Eagles with accolades return. Senior center and nose tackle Juan Lopez is a returning first-team all-league player who will solidify Los Altos on both sides of the ball. Senior wide receiver Colt Caputo is a first-team all-conference honoree who will give whichever quarterback emerges a reliable target in the route pattern.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Calaveras, 7 p.m.
No. 5 SANTA CLARA
Coach: Nelson Gifford
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2023 record: 3-7
What to expect: The Bruins finished in the middle of the El Camino pack last year at 2-3 in league play and will be looking to move up in 2024. Santa Clara loses first-team El Camino running back Matthew Nguyen, offensive lineman Kyran Warren and wide receiver Jeremiah Karongo but returns El Camino first-team linebacker Mitchell Pacheco to anchor the defense.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at MacDonald, 7 p.m.
No. 6 HOMESTEAD
Coach: Shawn Hook
2023 record: 1-9
What to expect: Homestead moves into the El Camino Division one year after struggling to a winless record within the De Anza Division. Shawn Hook has taken over from longtime coach Milo Lewis. The Mustangs picked up their lone win in a non-league game against Gunderson. Homestead lost all three of its all-league honorees from last season: offensive lineman Ben Ochinero, tight end Wyatt Hook and defensive back Maxx Ward. The team returns MLB/FB Jefferson Hoang, who had 52 tackles last season.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Yerba Buena, 7:15 p.m.
