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 MT. DIABLO
Coach: Fetuao Mua
2024 record: 7-4
What to expect: Mt. Diablo won its first league title in over 60 years last season and will return a strong group of core players. Leading the way is running back and defensive end Antonio Campbell III. Campbell rushed for 455 yards and five touchdowns while racking up 43 tackles and five sacks on defense. The Red Devils round out their defense with physical cornerback Christian Kuuan, thumping linebacker Kaile Leffel and versatile athlete Mason Kern. Quarterback Michael Vasquez returns for his junior season after leading Mt. Diablo’s offense last season. Junior wide receiver Jamonie Lewis is a speedy receiver who is also a talented track runner. The offensive line will be anchored by senior Sheldon Silas and all-league guard Armanny Ayala. Mua said this is his most talented team he’s had since he took over two years ago. “Most of our kids now have been in our system for two years, so they are understanding the system better and communication has been great in the spring and rolled over to summer,” he said.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Terra Linda, 7:30 p.m.
No. 2 BEREAN CHRISTIAN
Coach: Giles Chapman
2024 record: 5-5
What to expect: If there’s one thing Berean Christian can do, it’s score. The Eagles averaged just under 31 points per game last season with a balanced offense. Junior Gabe Andrucko was an all-league player at both receiver and safety last season. Sophomore twin linebackers Timothy and Tyler Ng will lead a young defensive core. First-team all-league safety Dean Vawter will join Andrucko roaming Berean Christian’s backline. Running back Meggins Lovitt will take over as the Eagles’ starting running back after a solid freshman season. The Walnut Creek school will challenge itself with non-league matchups against Piedmont, St. Patrick-St. Vincent and The King’s Academy.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Middletown, 1 p.m.
No. 3 CONCORD
Coach: Paul Reynaud
2024 record: 6-4
What to expect: Continuity is hard to come by, but Concord will have plenty of it. The Bears are returning 16 of their 22 starters from last year, most of whom are juniors this season. Junior quarterback Juan Gonzalez is returning for his third season as the starter after winning league offensive MVP last season. Running back Chris Dunn is slated to be a full-time starter after rushing for 700 yards last season. Junior receivers Andrew Lopez and Max Dashner will provide speed and size on the perimeter. Jayden Pena and Franchesco Cornejo earned all-league honors on the offensive and defensive line, and are expected to play on both sides again this season.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Newark Memorial, 7 p.m.
No. 4 YGNACIO VALLEY
Coach: Rae Jackson Sr.
2024 record: 4-6
What to expect: Ygnacio Valley had a historic 2024 season as the Concord school broke its five-year long losing streak. The Wolves were more than competitive, earning impressive non-league wins over Pinole Valley and San Lorenzo. YV will be strong on the offensive line with center Nadjib Hami and guard Silas Davis returning as starters. Junior Danny Castro played football for the first time last season and had a breakout year before suffering a season-ending injury. He has since recovered and will look to have another solid year. Romel Mariano will play running back while also being a leader on defense as a middle linebacker. YV’s coaching staff is high on freshman Corey Harris Jr., who is slated to start at wide receiver.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at Redwood Christian, 5 p.m.