Valencia eyes 12th straight Foothill title
Like much of high school football this spring, the Foothill League will operate differently starting March 18.
The league will rotate games each week at Canyon and Valencia high schools. Each week will consist of games on Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday. All games are scheduled for 7 p.m.
The entire league was tested for COVID-19 on March 2 and 3 — roughly 600 tests — and all came back negative, clearing the way for the league to move forward with practices leading up to opening night.
Despite the unorthodox spring season, Valencia has a chance for another Foothill League title, which would be its 12th straight.
Coach Larry Muir is very high on his junior class, which includes transfer quarterback Tyler Voss, who has grown to 6-foot-3, according to Muir.
“He’s one of the smartest quarterbacks I’ve ever been around,” said Muir. “He has a quick release, the quickest I’ve seen in my 20-plus years coaching. His progress, the way he reads — he’s way ahead of the game.”
His go-to target will be wide receiver Zamondre Merriweather, who also plays safety. Merriweather has offers from Florida State and Maryland.
The Vikings will begin their season on March 19 against West Ranch at Valencia High.
VALENCIA
Last season: 8-3, 3-2 Foothill Key returners: Zamondre Merriweather, WR, Jr.; Jayden Shakir, WR, Sr.; Max Begley, LB, Sr.; Jackson Stein, DT, Sr.; Duhron Goodman, DB, Jr.
CANYON
Outlook: The senior-heavy Cowboys will look to get back on track this spring. Canyon didn’t win a league game the past two seasons. The team’s bright spot was quarterback Aydyn Litz, who scored 22 of the team’s 30 touchdowns in the fall of 2019. It will be up to two key returners — wideout Colin Figueroa and running back Dylan Roof — to help new quarterback Angel Vasquez. Keep an eye on Jarrett Reeser, a talented All-Area kicker, who can help keep Canyon in games with his big leg.
The Cowboys open their season against Saugus on March 18.
Last season: 2-9, 0-5 Foothill Key returners: Angel Vasquez, QB, Sr.; Colin Figueroa, WR, Sr.; Jarrett Reeser, K, Sr.; James Mendibles, WR. Sr.; Dylan Roof, RB, Jr.; Felix Garcia DL/LB, Sr.; Porter Lawler, DB, Sr.; Matt Santos, DL, Sr.
GOLDEN VALLEY
Outlook: The Grizzlies this season will experience life without All-Area running back Johnathan Kaelin, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019 as a senior. Golden Valley is coming off a historic season that included the most wins in program history, its best finish in league (second place), and beating Hart and Saugus for the first time.
Coach Dan Kelley says the team’s defense will be its biggest strength. Moving the ball down the field will rest on the shoulders of returning quarterback Jaxson Miner.
The Grizzlies’ season opener will be against Hart on March 19 at Canyon.
Last season: 8-2, 3-2 Foothill Key returners: Jaxson Miner, QB, Jr.; Carlos Meza, WR, Sr.; Steven Eakins, OL, Sr.; Lucas McCoy,
LB, Sr.; Raysean Gilmore, DE, Sr.; Jacob Cipperley, FS, Sr.; David Kim, DL, Sr.
HART
Outlook: The program is thin, according to coach Rick Herrington, who says there’s roughly 35 players on the team. The Indians will also be without Titus Tucker, who left to play high school football in Alabama. Tucker was supposed to play quarterback, replacing Zach Johnson (now at Cal). Instead, Herrington will have to coach up junior Chase DePaco who has never played the position before. It’s a good thing Herrington was able to convince his brother Mike Herrington to come back and be the team’s offensive coordinator. “Now, I don’t have to worry about it,” Rick said laughing when speaking about Mike’s help.
Rick Herrington will be in charge of the defense.
Hart’s opener is against Golden Valley at Canyon on March 19. Last season: 7-5, 3-2 Foothill Key Returners: Dylan Vradenburg, WR/TE/LB, Sr.; Riley Bodemer, DB/WR, Sr.; Ryan
Tomaszewski, DB/WR, Sr.; Cade Cavin, DL, Sr.
SAUGUS
Outlook: Coach Jason Bornn isn’t looking to trick anyone, especially this season. He’s going to lean on his returning quarterback, Colton Fitzgerald, who threw for more than 2,200 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Look for a potential breakout year from running back Julian Bornn - Jason’s son - who has recovered from an ACL injury two seasons ago. Coach Bornn is harping on keeping things simple for the team’s defense.
“Especially this year, we have to focus on fundamentals. Not a lot of time to get fancy,” he said. Saugus will start its season at Canyon on March 18.
Last season: 4-6, 1-4 Foothill Key returners: Colton Fitzgerald, QB, Sr.; Hunter Girch, WR,
Sr.; Anthony Marchione, WR, Sr.; Seth Edwards, DL/OL, Sr.; Zach Swartz, DL/OL, Sr.; Julian Bornn, RB, Sr.
WEST RANCH
Outlook: It’s a youth movement at West Ranch, according to coach Chris Varner, who said there’s only nine seniors on the team. The Wildcats will start nine sophomores in their five games this spring, but will be led by senior quarterback Walker Eget. The San Jose State commit threw 40 touchdowns as a junior, including two games where he tallied seven TD passes in each.
Varner said the five games will be a great tune-up for the fall, which will most likely see sophomore quarterback Brett Liljedahl under center. Liljedahl will get his chance this spring, too, especially behind an offensive line that allowed just three sacks in 2019. The Wildcats will be the ‘home’ team for their opener against Valencia at Valencia High.
Last season: 10-3, 3-2 Foothill Key returners: Walker Eget, QB, Sr.; Nicholas Kohl, WR, Sr.; Derek Miranda, RB, Jr.; Sean Castor,
DL, Sr.