No. 3 St. Francis

Coach: Dean Herrington, second year

2021 W-L record: 10-3, 2-1 Angelus League, CIFSS Division 4 runner-up

Top returners: Jack Jacobs, QB, Sr.; Racin Delgatty, OL/DL, Sr. Phillip Ocon, OL/DL, Jr.; Jett McCullough, DB/WR,

Sr.; Preston Jernegan, LB/ TE, Jr.

Key losses: Duncan Sprengel OL/DL; Max Garrison RB/DB

Newcomers: Devyn Turner, RB, Sr. (transfer from Allen High, Texas); DruShun Phillips, WR/DB, Sr. (North Springs High, Georgia); Antonio Merlos, WR, Sr. (from Notre Dame); Hank Foley, WR/DB, Sr. (from Santa Monica); Alex Juarez, DE, Jr. (from Paraclete). HERRINGTON SAYS... Team’s biggest strength: “Our quarterback, running back and wideouts will be strong. We have three starting offensive linemen returning and more athleticism in the secondary.”

Team’s biggest challenge: “We only return three starters on defense.”

St. Francis at No. 3 in the preseason rankings might seem high, but when you look at the season the Golden Knights had last year and what they have returning — and an experienced offensive line — it’s easy to see why the anticipation is high in La Cañada Flintridge.

The arrival of running back Devyn Turner from Allen High in Texas is a large part of why the anticipation is so high. He’s a highly-touted, dynamic runner who scored 18 touchdowns last season. He’ll get the ball a lot. If defenses key in on him, Herrington is excited about an upgraded air attack that features 6-foot6 senior quarterback Jack Jacobs. Jacobs has a revamped receiving corps that Herrington thinks will flourish this fall.

The Golden Knights’ biggest question mark is its defense, which returns only three starters. But it might not be exposed much due to St. Francis’ schedule, which isn’t very strong.

SCHEDULE

Aug. 19:

Aug. 26:

Sept. 2:

Sept. 9: St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy Sept. 16: vs. Pasadena

Sept. 30: vs. Paraclete Oct. 7: at L.A. Cathedral Oct. 14: vs. Crespi

Oct. 21: vs. St. Paul

Oct. 28: at Loyola

2022 W-L prediction:

9-1. I don’t see St. Francis losing many games this fall. If the Golden Knights stay healthy, they’ll be able to score a lot of points against programs that won’t be able to keep up.

– Tarek Fattal