This is the third in a series of posts comparing two local rivals who both may be toward the top of the preseason state football rankings. We’ll write up what we think these teams will be like heading into the season, then we hope to see what their fans have to say through comments, reaction.
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What The Teams Accomplished Last Season: Serra won its first CIF Central Coast Section Open Division title with a 21-7 win over Archbishop Mitty, then lost to Del Oro of Loomis in the NorCal D1 bowl game. The Padres (11-3) were No. 16 overall in the final state rankings and were No. 4 in NorCal Division I. Valley Christian advanced to the semifinals of the CCS Open Division before losing to Mitty 37-7. The Warriors (8-4) knocked off previously unbeaten Terra Nova of Pacifica in the quarterfinals. They were No. 20 in the final NorCal D1 rankings.
San Mateo Serra running back Kava Cassidy is one of the top returning players in the CIF Central Coast Section. Photo: Harold Abend.
Shapshot of Valley Christian: That 37-7 loss to Mitty in the playoffs was a dud, but the Warriors were battling injuries down the stretch, including a shoulder that knocked out star running back Kirk Johnson. The University of Texas-bound player still rushed for 1,228 yards and 11 TDs last season and was one of the top sophomores in the state two seasons ago. If Johnson stays healthy, there is loads of returning talent throughout the rest of the offense and defense so that head coach Michael Machado’s team looks like the preseason favorite in the entire CCS.
More Top Players for Serra: Jr. RB/DB Kelepi Lataimua (all-league, two ints in win over Bellarmine); Jr. WR Brandon Monroe (35.2 yds per catch); LB James Outman (98 tackles, Sacramento State commit); OL Jack Dreyer (6-8, 285, Top 100 prospect in state); OL Christian Villanueva (6-1, 215, all-league); DB/QB Tevita Tuitavake (2 ints).
More Top Players for Valley Christian: Jr. WR Collin Johnson (committed to Texas); QB Michael Machado (son of coach); FB/LB Jesse Osuna (Co-Most Valuable LB in league); RB/DB Tre McCloud (all-league); RB Mark Quimby (674 yds, 7 TDs); OL Chase Batnich-Garcia (6-3, 265); OL Trevor Thomas (6-4, 300, NFTC standout); DL Dan Dunham (all-league); jr. FB/LB Travis Tuitele (6-0, 230).
Recent History Between These Two: Serra won last year’s game 28-7 and also won in 2011 and 2012. Valley Christian’s last win over the Padres was 52-23 in 2010.
Hunch As To Where Each Team Should Be Ranked In The Preseason: Based on the returning players and what happened last year, the probability is we’ll go with Valley Christian and Serra at No. 1 and No. 2 in that order to start in the CCS. It doesn’t look like we’d put either in the preseason top 10, but can see one of the two at around No. 15. Keep in mind, though, that Serra does play De La Salle in its first game, so it’s also possible we’d flip these two at the start then see what happens early on. Serra and Valley Christian also meet on Oct. 3 in the very first week of the WCAL schedule.
Next Preseason Duel: Oceanside vs. Mission Hills (San Marcos).
2 Comments
How about some ccs public schools such as Deanza League ,Mount Hamilton league and so for….
I think you are right early on having Serra behind VC since they will start a soph at QB the first 5 games. VC also has a junior RB Morian Walker , that is bigger and may be faster than the elder Johnson and now is highly recruited, that will be another impact player on that team. St Francis may be really good a s well. They may have the best defense in the WCAL with the transfer of that DT that benches close to 400 lbs. and is being recruited by everyone. That SF senior class had among the best defenses in the WCAL anyways. They also have a high profile QB transfer from Texas, but also other able QBs. I wouldn’t be surprised if St Francis takes Serra again this year. Mitty has some talent as well, but not as much depth. WCAL will be very good this season. One of the more talented years and next year as far as D1/FBS talent in that league. Top to bottom the WCAL looks to be stronger this year than last.