As part of our high school football content to get you ready for the 2025 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
Today’s focus:
EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE VALLEY DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 GRANADA
Coach: Brandon Black
2024 record: 7-5
What to expect: In his first season as coach, Brandon Black led Granada to a league championship and the North Coast Section Division IV semifinals. The Livermore school will be the favorite to repeat as league champion as many of its top performers return along with an infusion of key transfers. Senior Jack Badger earned all-league first-team honors last season at quarterback and will be a multi-tool player this season, playing wide receiver and defensive back. Three-star, 6-foot-5 wide receiver/tight end Damien Miles is aiming to build on a stellar junior season in which he had 40 catches for 673 yards. Wide receivers Ethan Mitchell and Skyler Stuart are fast, physical players who will also contribute as defensive backs. Leading the offense will be quarterback Caiden Van Leer, a transfer from and California whom Black said “is going to be a big surprise for Valley opponents.” The defense lost key starters from last season, but will have Cody Phillips as a returner at linebacker.
Season opener: Aug. 30 vs. Campolindo, 7:15 p.m.
No. 2 LIVERMORE
Coach: John Wade
2024 record: 6-5
What to expect: Since John Wade took over as coach in 2019, the Cowboys have not had a losing season. Expect that streak to continue this year. While Livermore graduated star running back Kamarri Robinson, the Cowboys will have a lethal air attack led by senior all-league first-team quarterback Mateo Lortie, who threw for 1,838 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. All-league receivers Chad Harper and A.J. Carey, along with shifty slot receiver Luke Mederos and senior Benancio Rivera, form a dynamic quartet in the passing game. Livermore’s defense will also be a strength with hard-hitting safety Griffin Lee and run-stopping linebacker Jackson Perotti leading the way. Livermore will be looking for its first league title in at least 30 years.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Castro Valley, 7 p.m.
No. 3 DUBLIN
Coach: Napoleon Kaufman
2024 record: 3-8
What to expect: Last year was a struggle for Napoleon Kaufman in his first season coaching the Gaels. But Dublin still qualified for the NCS playoffs despite a losing record, and the postseason experience could help moving forward. Andre Armendariz, the team’s leading rusher from last season, is set to return after receiving all-league first-team honors last year. He is a team captain. Armendariz will form a dynamic backfield tandem with junior Rome Raymore, who earned all-league second-team honors in 2024. Senior wide receiver Jake Torok was also named a captain and will provide a solid option in the passing game. All-league defensive back Cayden Bennett and senior Tiras Campbell will lead Dublin’s defense. The Gaels’ non-league games includes games against Berkeley, Vanden, Heritage and Windsor.
Season opener: Aug. 29 vs. Berkeley, 7 p.m.
No. 4 FOOTHILL
Coach: Greg Haubner
2024 record: 4-6
What to expect: Foothill was competitive last season, even in its losses. It’ll be an uphill battle for the Falcons this season as they graduated five of their six all-league players. Returning all-league second-team honoree Christian Morales will anchor Foothill’s young offensive line. Wide receiver Jacob Weinstein is set to return for his senior year along with physical pass catcher Liam Shedd. Quarterback Gavin Brown, a junior, is returning from a knee injury. Foothill will be on the road for five of its first six games this season.
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Season opener: Aug. 29 at Monte Vista, 7 p.m.
No. 5 DOUGHERTY VALLEY
Coach: Gwangee Pittman
2024 record: 2-8
What to expect: Dougherty Valley will look to get back on track in Gwangee Pittman’s first year after back-to-back 2-8 seasons. The Wildcats lost four of their five all-league players to graduation, but return second-team lineman Nathan Li to anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Junior Ayden Parker was a standout at receiver and defensive back last season. The Wildcats will have two quarterbacks who could be difference makers – Junior Jimenez and Vincente Estrada. Senior Parsa Mahyari will seek to make an impact at running back and linebacker. The Wildcats have just five seniors on their 24-player roster.
Season opener: Aug. 29 at College Park, 7 p.m.
