As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
DIABLO ATHLETIC LEAGUE MOUNTAIN DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 CONCORD
Coach: Paul Reynaud
2023 record: 3-7
What to expect: Concord’s young core from last season returns with a year of varsity experience under its belt. Sophomore Juan Gonzalez will be back under center after starting every game as a freshman. He passes for 1,109 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. He’ll have help at receiver and in the backfield as Jayden Reger (running back) and Jorge Leyva (wide receiver) return for their senior seasons. Sophomore Jayden Pena is expected to anchor a more experienced offensive line. Junior Isaiah Singleton is the team’s X-factor as he’s expected to be Concord’s top pass rusher and one of Gonzalez’s passing options as a tight end.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Newark Memorial, 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 MT. DIABLO
Coach: Fetuau Mua
2023 record: 8-4
What to expect: The Red Devils made huge strides last season under first-year coach Fetuau Mua, reaching eight wins for the first time in more than 20 years. Mua will have another talented group, led by senior quarterback/defensive end Jakorey Robinson. Robinson earned all-league first-team offensive and second-team defensive honors in 2023. All-league outside linebacker Jeremiah Owens is back for his senior year after averaging 9.8 tackles per game last season. Owens is also slated to be one of the team’s top ball carriers after the graduation of Herschel Turner Jr. – the 2023 DAL Valley Division player of the year who ran for an incredible 3,027 yards and 42 TDs as a senior last season. Mt. Diablo opens the season with five consecutive road games.
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Deer Valley, 7 p.m.
No. 3 BEREAN CHRISTIAN
Coach: Giles Chapman
2023 record: 3-7-1
What to expect: Senior quarterback Joshua Werner was a bright spot for a team that struggled to string together wins last season. Werner threw for 2,181 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2023 while also serving as the team’s punter. He’ll have some help this season as freshman Kerrick Hannah is set to return as the team’s running back. Hannah will be running behind all-league offensive/defensive lineman Meru Omoko and guard Lukas Hines. Kicker Peter Hollister should bring some consistency on special teams as he earned all-DAL Valley first-team honors after making 29 of 35 point-after attempts.
Season opener: Aug. 31 vs. Hamilton, 12:30 p.m.
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No. 4 YGNACIO VALLEY
Coach: Rae Jackson Sr.
What to expect: Will this be the year Ygnacio Valley breaks its 34-game losing streak? Coach Rae Jackson Sr. certainly believes so. The Wolves bring back all-league quarterback Fred Fine, who had 756 passing yards, 110 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while also playing defensive back last season. Senior receiver Dalton Gates will provide skill on the outside and sophomore linebacker Oscar Najera will look to lead a young defense. “The team will be more confident in our play,” Jackson said. “We will be strong and very athletic.”
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Alameda, 7 p.m.
