As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2024 season, we are rolling out all-Bay Area News Group preseason recognition.
Today’s position:
OFFENSIVE LINE
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Garrett Bertsch, Los Gatos, 6-4, 260, senior
Three-star Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo commit is the go-to run and pass blocker for a Los Gatos team that advanced to the CCS Division I championship game last season. Committed to Cal Poly, he also holds offers from Brown, Cornell and Lehigh.
Chase Braga, Palo Alto, 6-2, 255, junior
Perhaps the next great Palo Alto lineman, Braga is poised to follow in the footsteps of Iki Tupou and JJ Stallworth, two recent Paly graduates now plying their trade at BYU and Sacramento State, respectively. “He is quickly rising up the ranks of Paly linemen,” Paly coach Dave DeGeronimo said.
Taopa Fehoko, Moreau Catholic, 6-2, 280, junior
Rising junior holds an offer from Sacramento State and will open holes up for Moreau Catholic’s talented group of running backs. Mariners coach Keith Minor called him “a disruptive force” who is “ready to have a breakout year.”
John Fifita, St. Francis, 6-6, 350, senior
The three-star USC commit is the No. 139 player in California in the Class of 2026, according to 247Sports. Returning honorable mention all-West Catholic Athletic League O-lineman.
Terrence Johnson, Valley Christian, 6-5, 275, senior
Nevada commit has three stars next to his name and is the No. 178 player in California in the Class of 2026 by 247. Heir to the throne of Valley Christian’s top lineman after four-star Washington signee Champ Taulealea left for Montlake. Returning honorable mention all-WCAL.
Michael Langi, Archbishop Riordan, 6-3, 265, senior
Three-star Arizona commit is the No. 213 player in California in the Class of 2026 by 247. Brother of fellow star lineman Peter, who also plays for Arizona after a decorated high school career. Returning WCAL second-teamer.
Andrew Latu, Valley Christian, 6-4, 290, senior
San Jose State commit is a three-star player ranked No. 232 in California in the Class of 2026 by 247. Returning WCAL honorable mention.
Alex Mackechnie, Clayton Valley, 6-5, 310, senior
Mackechnie’s junior tape featured “many pancakes,” according to the now-senior lineman, and just one sack allowed. The rising senior honed his pancake-blocking prowess while starting at left tackle last season. He has the size and talent to play at the next level and will anchor Clayton Valley’s rushing attack in front of transfer running back Jhadis Luckey.
Chase Martin, Las Lomas, 6-2, 223, senior
Returning Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division first-teamer stars on both sides of the ball for the Knights. Holds offers from San Diego and Minot State.
Teki Pekipaki, Santa Teresa, 6-0, 290, senior
Heart of soul of trenches for South Bay public school. Younger brother of Tevita, who now plays at San Jose City College. Three-year varsity starter on both sides of the ball.
Spencer Reiland, San Ramon Valley, 6-3, 255, junior
Rising junior poised for big season after playing guard for team that lost narrowly to Pittsburg in North Coast Section Open/Division I semifinals. Could slide out to tackle this year. “One of the best offensive linemen in the East Bay and will play at the next level,” SRV coach Aaron Becker told BANG.
Richard Salas, Moreau Catholic, 6-3, 285, senior
Returning honorable mention all-BANG O-lineman helped key Moreau Catholic’s state championship season. Also named a first-teamer in the West Alameda County Conference Foothill Division last season.
Tyja Starks Jr., Sacred Heart Cathedral, 6-1, 305, senior
Top pass protector for explosive SHC offense that loves to air it out. Returning WCAL second-teamer is a two-star Florida A&M commit who also holds offers from Miles, New Mexico State and North Carolina A&T.
Atelea Tau, Sacred Heart Prep, 6-0, 230, senior
Four-year varsity starter plays on both sides of the ball and does it well. Played key role up front for the SHP team that won the CCS Division IV championship last season. “Has an instinct for getting to the football and loves contact,” SHP coach Mark Grieb said of Tau.
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Preseason all-Bay Area News Group high school football 2025: Defensive line
Nana Tau, Pittsburg, 6-2, 260, junior
Rising junior lineman will look to replace all-leaguers Siupeli Langi and Bradley Ruffin for a Pittsburg team that will rely on the rushing attack after the departure of superstar quarterback Marley Alcantara. Tau has previous starting experience and will return from injury this season to play on both sides of the ball.
Tommy Tofi, Archbishop Riordan, 6-6, 330, senior
Oregon commit widely regarded as top offensive lineman in the Bay Area has four stars from every major recruiting service and is rated the No. 14 overall player in California by the 247Sports composite and the No. 13 player in California by 247’s standalone rankings. No. 1 offensive guard in the nation according to ESPN, but he is expected to play tackle for Riordan this year. WCAL co-junior of the year and returning first-teamer.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Those eligible for all-BANG honors come from leagues based predominantly in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The news organization’s high school sports staff chooses the players.
