Daily News football preview 2025: Marmonte League

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Media day made one thing clear: the Marmonte League won’t lack theatrics this fall.

Schools like Oaks Christian, Simi Valley, Bishop Diego, Camarillo, Pacifica and St. Bonaventure gathered on the Oaks Christian campus at the league’s media day.

MARMONTE LEAGUE PREVIEW

Oaks Christian: DB Davon Benjamin, 6-foot, 170 pounds, Sr.

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This Oregon commit is a highly touted defensive back. Benjamin can play corner, safety or nickel. His game-day routine has remained fairly consistent over the years, and he’s still fortunate to have his parents as a support system – something he can turn to whenever he needs a little extra grounding.

“They’ve given me the tools and the advice I need to reach the next level in life,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin said he’s excited for the upcoming season, but when asked if there was a game he was looking forward to most, he kept it simple: “All of them.”

Schedule note: Opens at home vs. Chaminade on Aug. 22; visits Simi Valley on Oct. 31.

Other top players:  Deshonne Redeaux, RB, Sr.; Treyvone Towns Jr., QB, So.; Joseph Peko, DL, Jr.; Ben Hatfield, OL, Sr.; Lucas Hillsten, OL/DL, Jr.

What to expect: The Lions return difference-makers at every level and again look like co-favorite material after a 9-4 (4-1) season and a CIF-SS Division 2 semifinal run in 2024. Towns Jr. was terrific as a freshman (1,996 yards, 19 TDs); Benjamin headlines a defense that allowed just 47 points in league last year. The line is anchored by all-league picks Hatfield and Hillsten.

Simi Valley: DE/OLB Izak Simpson, 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, Sr.

A converted basketball player, Simpson was the Marmonte Defensive Lineman of the Year and has amassed 32 sacks over the past three seasons. He’s committed to Sacramento State.

Simpson said he’s excited to face off against Oaks Christian and Bishop Diego this season.

“Those two teams … I’ve always looked forward to going against them,” Simpson said.

Other top players: Gavin Hammond, QB/DB, Sr.; Ryan Schlundt-Bodien, DE, Sr.; Quentin McGahan, WR/DB, Sr.; Miguel Ledezma, DL, Jr.

What to expect: The defending co-champion Pioneers (12-2, 4-1) rode a ferocious pass rush to the CIF-SS Division 3 final last season, falling to Edison 35-21. Simpson, the Marmonte Defensive Lineman of the Year, headlines a front seven that can tilt games while new skill pieces settle around Hammond. Expect the Pioneers to be back in the title mix.

Schedule note: Hosts Oaks Christian on Oct. 31 (Halloween).

ST. BONAVENTURE

Top players: Matt Perez, EDGE, Sr.; Kaden Glover, QB, Sr.

What to expect: Hill takes over after a 9-5, 3-2 Marmonte season for the Seraphs. The defense has a headliner in Perez (Nevada commit), while Glover steps into a larger QB role after sharing time. Expect a physical approach early as the new staff settles in.

PACIFICA (OXNARD)

Top players: Alijah Royster, RB/WR, Jr.; Isaiah Phelps, LB/RB, Jr.

What to expect: The Tritons reload after last year’s CIF-SS D4 title and state 2-AA runner-up run; Royster is the playmaker, with Phelps a two-way anchor.

BISHOP DIEGO (SANTA BARBARA)

Top players: Tua Puailoa-Rojas, QB, Sr.; Oscar Anoai Mauia, RB/LB, Sr.

What to expect:  The Cardinals finished 4-5-1 overall and 1-4 in Marmonte. With Puailoa-Rojas back at QB and Mauia averaging 123.1 rushing yards per game last season, Bishop Diego has a physical identity that can grind out games.

CAMARILLO

Top players: Brad Barlow, QB, Jr.; Emmett Sullivan, LB, Sr.; Matthew Meyer, LB/WR, Sr.; Landen Valenzano, WR/DB, Sr.; Jack Norton, DB, Jr.

What to expect: The Scorpions are rebuilding after a 2-9, 0-5 season, but there’s experience at linebacker and in the secondary. The goal: close the gap and play spoilers late in league.

MEDIA DAY MOMENTS

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While Bishop Diego, Camarillo, Pacifica and St. Bonaventure are outside the Daily News coverage area, their coaches joined veteran Marmonte leaders such as Jim Benkert of Simi Valley and Charlie Collins of Oaks Christian, along with newcomer Troy Hill of St. Bonaventure.

Hill, a 10-year NFL veteran, returned to his alma mater to take the helm of the football program this season. Hill said he embraces the underdog mindset and wants his team to thrive.

“We like being taken on the underdog route,” Hill said. “It’s a faceless opponent every time we go out there.”

Meanwhile, Collins has been the head coach at Oaks Christian since 2018, and the message hasn’t changed.

“If you don’t have a culture, you don’t have a team,” Collins said. “We wanted to make sure this group is more about ball … and dialed into the why.”

The Lions went 9-4 overall last year and 4-1 in league, with their only league loss coming in a close game against Simi Valley. Oaks Christian’s defense was among the area’s best, allowing just 47 points in league play, according to MaxPreps. In the Division 2 playoffs, the Lions advanced to the semifinals before falling to Murrieta Valley.

A shared consensus among coaches: The league has some of the best talent in Ventura County, much like last season.

“You want to play the best,” Benkert said. “That’s why you work so hard and … have an opportunity to compete at the highest level within the Marmonte League.”