As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out all-Bay Area Area News Group preseason recognition.
Today’s position:
LINEBACKERS
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Michael Aliki, San Jose, 6-0, 210, senior
All-Bay Area News Group honorable mention honoree and Blossom Valley Athletic League West Valley Division most outstanding linebacker last season.
Chase Cahoon, St. Francis, 6-2, 220, junior
West Catholic Athletic League sophomore of the year and first-team all-league selection in 2023 after posting 105 tackles, nine for loss. Three-star prospect with offers from Minnesota, Washington and Oregon State, per 247 Sports.
Jackson Cahoon, St. Francis, 6-2, 215, senior
Totaled 92 tackles, eight for a loss and 3.5 sacks last season. Was an all-WCAL honorable mention pick.
Zaire Calhoun, Liberty, 6-2, 203, senior
Had 65 tackles, five for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 2023. Was a first-team all-Bay Valley Athletic League selection and all-BANG honorable mention honoree.
Lucas Cord, Berkeley, 6-3, 200, senior
Led team with 79 tackles and had two interceptions. Earned all-league honors and was the team’s defensive MVP.
Cash Elmquist, Piedmont, 6-2, 205, senior
All-league linebacker in 2023. Had three interceptions. Also plays tight end.
Marco Jones, San Ramon Valley, 6-5, 240, senior
Texas A&M commit was the East Bay Athletic League co-defensive MVP last season when he had 166 tackles, 15 for loss, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. Was BANG’s Contra Costa player of the year. Highest rated player from the Bay Area, per 247Sports.
Joseph Kessler, Palo Alto, 6-0, 205, senior
Reigning Peninsula Athletic League De Anza Division defensive player of the year. Posted 124 tackles, 12.5 for loss, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Henry Masters, Los Gatos, 6-0, 175, senior
Received all-BANG honorable mention recognition and all-PAL Bay Division honors after leading Los Gatos in tackles with 172.
Jeremiah Owens, Mt. Diablo, 5-7, 175, senior
Earned all-league honors last season. Had 59 tackles, seven for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Mateaki Paongo, Hayward, 6-0, 200, senior
Was the 2023 West Alameda County Conference defensive player of the year. Led Hayward in tackles (87), tackles for loss (14) and interceptions (three).
Etene Pritchard, Pittsburg, 6-2, 190, senior
All-BANG second-team linebacker in 2023 had 74 tackles, 13 for loss, and six sacks. San Diego State commit was named the BVAL defensive player of the year.
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Palmer Riley, Menlo, 6-2, 220, junior
PAL De Anza Division co-linebacker of the year last season had 96 tackles, 21 for loss, 4.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Evan Vernon, Christopher, 5-10, 165, senior
Led Christopher to the Central Coast Section Division II final, finishing with team-best 128 tackles, six behind the line of scrimmage. Also had two sacks and three fumble recoveries. Was a first-team all-league selection.
Jordan Visperas, Bellarmine, 5-7, 200, sophomore
A transfer from Leland, Visperas was the BVAL Mt. Hamilton Division freshman of the year in 2023 after recording team-leading 75 tackles, to go with two sacks.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players.
Correspondent Mike Lefkow contributed to this report.
