High school football 2024 preview: PAL De Anza Division

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:

PENINSULA ATHLETIC LEAGUE DE ANZA DIVISION

(Predicted order of finish)

No. 1 THE KING’S ACADEMY

Coach: Dante Perez

2023 record: 5-4

What to expect: Perez is thinking big after the Knights tied for second place in the De Anza Division last season. “We are continuously making strides to improve,” he said. Senior quarterback Reid Black is entering his fourth year as a starter. Junior WR Kyle Welch “started as a sophomore and had a stellar season,” Perez said. Senior offensive lineman DaHani Jones is a three-year starter who “led our team in pancakes,” Perez said. Sophomore wide receiver Jaiden Flores “has had an impressive summer and will be an impact player,” Perez added. Senior defensive end/tight end Josh Taylor is a top defensive contributor and one of the team’s sacks leaders. Sophomore WR Adrian Barnett moved up to varsity last season and also has varsity basketball experience. 

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Aptos, 7 p.m.

No. 2 BURLINGAME

Coach: John Philipopoulos

2023 record: 3-8

What to expect: Burlingame looks to bounce back in 2024 after a 1-4 campaign in the PAL’s Bay Division. “We are returning a first-team all league WR in Jake Flood,” Philipopoulos said entering his 23rd year in charge of the Panthers. “Offensively, we should be far more balanced. QB Luke Levitt has had a great summer and has committed to Pomona-Pitzer. The OL should also be improved.  A lot of quickness on the defensive side of the ball led by returning starter Cole Hardtke (LB) and defensive lineman JJ Vea.  Depth and size will be a bit of an issue.” Levitt brings a strong arm, accuracy, and intelligence to the quarterback position after taking numerous game reps as a junior. Vea is a three-year two-way starter on both lines of scrimmage and is a team captain and vocal leader. Hardtke is a fast and strong player who will also contribute at running back. Junior DL Quincey Yu has great size, speed and athleticism and the versatility to stand up or play with his hand in the ground. Junior DB/RB Hayden Haba will start both ways and “has potential to be our most dynamic defensive player,” Philipopoulos said.

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Half Moon Bay, 7 p.m.

No. 3 CAPUCHINO

Coach: Jay Oca

2023 record: 9-2

What to expect: Capuchino will look to compete in the De Anza Division one year after claiming the league title in the Ocean Division.  The Mustangs went 9-2 in 2023 and finished with a 4-1 record within their league. Oca was named the Ocean Division coach of the year. Junior QB Bobby Gomez will lead the charge offensively – Oca called him an intelligent player with a high football IQ. Senior RB Lucas Zayac is the reigning player of the year in the Ocean Division and will be featured in the Mustangs’ fly offense. Senior WR/safety Cameron Chin is a two-way starter and key offensive target. Senior wideout Travis Ciardella is a three-year varsity starter. Senior defensive tackle Matt Folau is a returning starter who is a strong and explosive player. Senior WR/S Issa Keishk is a returning starter and playmaker. Senior linebacker Javon Oca is a returning starter who will call the defense from the middle of the field.

Season opener: Aug. 30 at Sequoia, 7 p.m.

No. 4 ARAGON

Coach: Ash Parham

2023 record: 8-3

What to expect: New coach Ash Parham will look to lead Aragon to contention once again after a second-place finish in the Ocean Division in 2023. “We will be young in the trenches but will have a good veteran group of skill players,” Parham said. “Our youth and the fact that we have a new offensive system will be our biggest challenges.” Senior WR/RB/DB Markus Gosch was Aragon’s best defensive back last season and “will be an all-around offensive weapon for us this year,” Parham said. Senior OT/DE Viliami Fa is a key leader who moved from a skill position to help anchor the offensive line. Senior WR Conor Reidy is a “big, strong, fast receiver poised to have a good year,” Parham said. “He is very smart and is our most consistent route runner and also a very physical blocker in the run game.” Sophomore OT/DE Oye Oyegbami is a “hardworking and very skilled young lineman,” Parham said. “Had a tremendous offseason and is both one of our best pass blockers and pass rushers.” Sophomore TE/DE Nick Castroviejo is another key skill player, a great blocker and receiver who is “already one of our strongest athletes,” Parham said. Junior OG/DE Leka Kama is a “young leader in our program,” Parham added. “One of our hardest and most consistent workers. Not only works on getting bigger, faster, stronger but is always working on his craft as a lineman both offensively and defensively.”

Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Pioneer

No. 5 HILLSDALE

Coach: Mike Parodi

2023 record: 7-4

What to expect: Hillsdale will aim to compete for the De Anza crown after a strong season in 2023. The Fighting Knights return key players on both sides of the ball but must replace some contributors as well. Senior quarterback Casey Strezo is ready to seize the reins of the offense after backing up Erick Waugh last season. Senior linebacker Stinson McCann is a three-year starter, a “plugger who can also defend sideline to sideline,” Parodi said. Senior two-way lineman Derek Holmes is a “talented DL who can use speed and power,” Parodi said. “Will also be counted on to contribute on the OL this year.” Senior running back/defensive back Dante Allendorf has “speed and quickness, along with an ability to catch out of the backfield, all while being a very good safety,” Parodi said. Senior wide receiver/DB Kingston Hua is a returning starter at corner who will get involved more offensively. Senior OL/DL Johnny Agelopoulos is Hillsdale’s starting center and defensive lineman. “The offense starts with him,” Parodi said. Senior LB/WR Rohan Singh can do a little bit of everything at linebacker and “plays well off the ball,” Parodi said.

Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Livermore, 7 p.m.

No. 6 MOUNTAIN VIEW

Coach: Rick Esparza

2023 record: 6-7

What to expect: New coach Rick Esparza will lead the Spartans one year after their season ended with a one-point loss to Palo Alto in the CCS Division IV championship. “We have a young but hungry football team,” Esparza said. “The varsity returners have a bitter taste in their mouth from the way the season ended last year. They’re looking to turn the tide this year.” Senior LB Diego Ortega-Gerow is Mountain View’s leader who “may be small in stature, but he plays big,” Esparza said. Sophomore RB Micah Perkins is a “quick and elusive ball carrier who saw time on the varsity last year as a freshman,” Esparza said. “Hard-working player who will fill multiple roles for the team.” Junior LB Brigham Robinson is a defensive anchor and emerging team leader who will contribute on offense as well. Senior athlete/defensive back Ami Sekona is a fourth-year varsity player who will be “a major contributor in all three phases of the game,” Esparza said. Senior TE/DE Liam Tyler is “poised for a breakout season on both sides of the ball,” Esparza said. “He has had a great offseason and will be a key player in the team’s success.” Senior WR/DB Amir Ware brings speed, elusiveness and big-play ability in all three phases. Junior two-way lineman Erick Brito is the leader of the Spartans’ young linemen and “should emerge into one of the best linemen in the league,” Esparza said.

Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Palo Alto, 7 p.m.