WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Oaks Christian senior defensive lineman Alifeleti Tuihalamaka believes he’s capable of doing more to impact games in the Marmonte League.
The 6-foot-5 USC commit Tuihalamaka muscled his way through blockers and disrupted paths to generate 86 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss. Still, Oaks Christian finished 6-7 and 3-2 in the Marmonte League.
Far below the expectations Tuihalamaka has for himself as Oaks Christian looks to build momentum off the two playoff CIF Southern Section Division 4 sectional games.
“I definitely could’ve done more, and it felt like I left a lot of sacks on the table,” Tuihalamaka said during the Marmonte League media day on Saturday.
Here’s what we learned about the Marmonte League that features Newbury Park and Simi Valley alongside Oaks Christian.
Johnson did it all for Newbury Park in 2025, with recruitment picking up steam
Newbury Park senior Darrien Johnson performed nearly every task on the field in 2025. He played quarterback when Brady Smigiel went down with injuries. He rushed for eight touchdowns, caught 12 passes, and finished with 31 tackles and two interceptions.
A true football player with an ability to adapt to any role and succeed.
“Honestly, if it wasn’t for my coaches and my teammates at Newbury Park, none of it would’ve been possible,” Johnson said. “My teammates helped me out a lot. It wasn’t just me.”
Filling in for Smigiel, being coachable and relying on his years of instincts and knowledge have opened new doors for Johnson.
Johnson has a growing list of offers that includes Sacramento State and Georgia State. Now he’ll be leading a team that finished 6-5 and has moved into the Marmonte League.
“A lot of people left, but we are ready,” Johnson said. “It’s really just about taking one day at a time and getting better.”
Smith finds leadership role, works to establish new culture
Simi Valley senior linebacker Denver Smith finds himself setting the standard created by longtime head coach Jim Benkert.
“He doesn’t let anything slide,” Smith said. “He’s very disciplined. He wants excellence every day. If it’s not right, we do it again.”
Smith was a captain last season but now finds himself as a greater extension of the coaching staff after his team finished 3-7 last season.
While Simi Valley might not have the biggest players on the line of scrimmage, Smith believes there’s a different itch to the program than last year.
“We are much more disciplined, our work ethic has improved, and we are gritty,” Smith said. “We don’t have a lot of big guys, but we have a lot of heart.”
Smith put up major numbers with 96 tackles, 11 TFLs, and five sacks last season. But now he’s seeing the field more easily and watching plays develop faster. The result of an offseason where he spent multiple hours a week breaking down film in Benkert’s office.
“I’ve learned to trust myself,” Denver said. “You want to be the guy to make the plays. Trust yourself to make the play and be the guy that can put in the work.”