SCV FOOTBALL 2026 Funez, RB, Valencia
Frithsmith, WR/RB, Hart
McCormick, RB, Golden Valley
Kusumi, WR/DB, Castaic
• Team Profiles • Rosters • Player Photos
Herreres, WR, Canyon
Visconti, WR/RB, Trinity
• Schedules • X’s and O’s • Victory Bell
Lattimore, WR, Saugus
Samuelson, WR, West Ranch
Wilson, OL, SCCS SINCE 1919
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SINCE 1919
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EDITOR
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Sports Writer Ryan Romero
TABLE OF
CONTENTS The Victory Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Each year The Signal awards the Victory Bell to the Foothill League team with the most victories.
Photographers
Habeba Mostafa Katherine Quezada Ryan Romero
PRODUCTION MANAGER Doña Uhrig
TEAM PREVIEWS Foothill League Teams (in order of 2025 league finish)
Valencia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Saugus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Golden Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Canyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 West Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Castaic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Private Schools
The entire content of the Football Preview is copyrighted 2026 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
Trinity Classical Academy . . . . . 28 Santa Clarita Christian School . . 30
On the Cover:
Special thanks to the athletes from each of the nine Santa Clarita Valley high school football teams who participated in this year’s cover photo shoots. They are:
• Valencia: Nico Funez • Hart: Matix Frithsmith • Saugus: Landon Lattimore • Golden Valley: Aaron McCormick • Canyon: Jeremiah Herreres • West Ranch: Charlie Samuelson • Castaic: Lincoln Kusumi • Trinity: Aiden Visconti • SCCS: Gabe Wilson
SCV FOOTBALL 2026 Funez, RB, Valencia
Frithsmith, WR/RB, Hart
McCormick, RB, Golden Valley
Herreres, WR, Canyon
Lattimore, WR, Saugus
Samuelson, WR, West Ranch
See pages 22 and 27 for bonus photos from the cover photo sessions. Kusumi, WR/DB, Castaic
Cover photos by Habeba Mostafa/The Signal
• Team Profiles • Rosters • Player Photos
Visconti, WR/RB, Trinity
• Schedules • X’s and O’s • Victory Bell
Wilson, OL, SCCS SINCE 1919
SignalSCV. com
SINCE 1919
SignalSCV. com
T
VICTORY BELL
he Signal Victory Bell symbolizes football supremacy in the Santa Clarita Valley. The Foothill League team with the most victories against other Foothill opponents wins possession of the bell for a year. If there is a two-way tie for best record, the bell will go to the winner of the head-to-head matchup. If there is a three-way tie, the Foothill League's tie-breaking formula for playoff seedings will be used. 1969 – Hart
1979 – Canyon
1989 – Hart
1999 – Hart
2009 – Valencia
2019 – Valencia
1970 – Canyon
1980 – Saugus
1990 – Canyon
2000 – Hart
2010 – Valencia
2020 – Saugus
1971 – Hart
1981 – Saugus
1991 – Canyon
2001 – Hart
2011 – Valencia
2021 – Saugus
1972 – Hart
1982 – Hart
1992 – Hart
2002 – Hart
2012 – Valencia
2022 – West Ranch
1973 – Canyon
1983 – Canyon
1993 – Hart
2003 – Hart
2013 – Valencia
2023 – Valencia
1974 – Hart
1984 – Canyon
1994 – Hart
2004 – Valencia
2014 – Valencia
2024 – Valencia
1975 – Hart
1985 – Canyon
1995 – Hart
2005 – Canyon
2015 – Valencia
2025 – Valencia
1976 – Canyon
1986 – Canyon
1996 – Hart
2006 – Canyon
2016 – Valencia
1977 – Hart
1987 – Hart
1997 – Hart
2007 – Hart
2017 – Valencia
1978 – Saugus
1988 – Hart
1998 – Hart
2008 – Saugus
2018 – Valencia
Canyon Country
19138 Soledad Canyon Rd. 661-252-5010
Golden Valley
19159 Golden Valley Rd. 661-250-0400
Newhall
24802 Orchard Village Rd. 661-200-7630
Sand Canyon
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Saugus
26510 Bouquet Canyon Rd. 661-296-1910
Saugus
19325 Plum Canyon Rd 661-263-4454
Saugus
26557 Golden Valley Rd. 661-724-7772
Stevenson Ranch
25660 The Old Road 661-253-1600
Valencia
24453 Magic Mountain Pkwy. 661-222-3924
Valencia
23872 Copper Hill Dr. 661-775-6288 AUGUST 21, 2026
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 7
VALENCIA VIKINGS The Basics
2025 Results 9-1 overall, 6-0 Foothill League
Valencia 28 Valencia 34 Bishop Amat 42 Valencia 47 Valencia 48 Valencia 55
Simi Valley 7 Chaminade 20 Valencia 38 Paraclete 44 West Ranch* 0 Saugus* 14
Valencia
55
Canyon*
35
Golden Valley* 7 Hart* 7 Castaic* 0 Valencia** 34
Valencia Valencia Valencia Palos Verdes
38 63 42
3
* Foothill League games **CIF playoff games
Head coach Larry Muir. Photos by Habeba Mostafa/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Larry Muir 20th season. 170-75-1 overall record
2026 Schedule Aug. 21
at Simi Valley
7 p.m.
Aug. 28
Chaminade
7 p.m.
Base defense: 4-3
Sept. 3
at Bishop Amat
7 p.m.
Top returners on offense: Evan McCalister (QB), Nico Funez (RB), Anthony Vernon (WR/DB), Will Mayberry (OL/DL), Thomas Konrad (OL/DL)
Sept. 10
Paraclete
7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18
Castaic*
7 p.m.
Top returners on defense: Rocco Testa (LB), Ryan Galvan (DL), Caysen Badawi (DB)
Sept. 25
West Ranch*
7 p.m.
Oct. 2
at Saugus*
7 p.m.
Oct. 16
at Canyon*
7 p.m.
Oct. 23
Golden Valley*
7 p.m.
Oct. 30
at Hart*
7 p.m.
Base offense: Spread
Key losses: Brady Bretthauer (QB), Brian Bonner (RB), Aiden Ends (OL), Elias Holloway (WR/DB), Caleb Larson (TE/DL), Chase Fulp (DL) 8 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
* Foothill League game. Bye week Oct. 9
AUGUST 21, 2026
The Numbers 19
598
3
90
Foothill League games won in a row.
Foothill League championships in a row.
Returning passing yards from Evan McCalister.
Returning total tackles.
Valencia Seeks to Continue its Winning Ways By Ryan Romero
A
Signal Sports Writer
lthough the Valencia Vikings are fully focused on the 2026 season, there are still a few lingering emotions from last season’s ending. After winning the program’s third-consecutive Foothill League title, the Vikings entered the first round of the Division 3 playoffs with all the momentum to advance to the team’s first quarterfinals appearance since 2021. Instead, the Vikings fell at home to Palos Verdes and graduated the likes of Brian Bonner and Brady Bretthauer, two athletes who shared Foothill League player of the year honors after the season. For Larry Muir, who’s entering his 20th season as the head coach of the Valencia Vikings, last year’s first-round exit was a tough pill to swallow, but he said that although it was a disappointment, the beauty of high school football is that there’s always a new year to look ahead to. “That was a rough one to take. The kids had played so well. They had committed everything to that. And the game got away from us in the second half,” Muir said. “But it’s a new year. It’s a whole new deal. We’re all keen to learn from mistakes in the past and it’s a new year, a new group of guys, and they’ve been great.” While there is a new group of players ready to take over, expectations are still high at Valencia High School as the Vikings carry a 19-game Foothill League game winning streak dating back to 2022. Nico Funez says he is ready to meet those expectations as See VALENCIA, page 32 AUGUST 21, 2026
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 9
HART HAWKS The Basics
2025 Results 8-4 overall, 5-1 Foothill League
Birmingham Hart Paraclete Hart Hart Hart Hart Hart Hart Valencia* Hart Palm Springs**
24 49 47 49 46 40 63 49 42 38 52 22
Hart Burroughs Hart Herit. Christian Saugus* Golden Valley* West Ranch* Castaic* Canyon* Hart Mayfair** Hart
14 0 21 34 35 28 21 0 6 7 24 21
* Foothill League games **CIF Playoffs
Head coach Jake Goosen-Brown. Photos by Habeba Mostafa/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Jake Goossen-Brown 3rd season, 16-7 career record
2026 Schedule Aug. 21
Birmingham
7 p.m.
Aug. 28
at Newbury Park
7 p.m.
Base defense: 4-3
Sept. 4
Pacifica
7 p.m.
Top returners on offense: Matix Frithsmith (RB/WR), Silas Tucker (WR/DB), Michael Toner (WR/DB), Josh Rogozik (WR/LB)
Sept. 11
at Herit. Christian
7 p.m.
Sept. 25
at Saugus*
7 p.m.
Oct. 1
at Golden Valley*
7 p.m.
Oct. 9
West Ranch*
7 p.m.
Oct. 16
at Castaic*
7 p.m.
Oct. 23
Canyon*
7 p.m.
Oct. 30
Valencia
7 p.m.
Base offense: Spread
Top returners on defense: Bailey Hill (DB), Chase Madrid (WR/DB), Trevor Tristan (OL/ODT), Gabe Degl’Innocenti (OL/DL) Key losses: Jacob Paisano (QB), Jared Trujillo (OL), Josh Whitson (DL), Graysen Rivera (DL), Devin Thompson (DB) 10 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
*Foothill League game (bye week Sept. 18)
AUGUST 21, 2026
The Numbers 4
35.8
27
126
Consecutive seasons in playoffs. . Touchdowns by returner Matix Frithsmith.
Points per game last season.
Total tackles from returners.
New year, same expectations for Hart Hawks
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t’s a new year for Hart High football, and it’s still the same expectations for third year head coach Jake Goossen-Brown. But the Hawks enter 2026 with a foundation to build upon after the team won its first California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section win since 2019 last season. For Goossen-Brown, the playoff win presented an opportunity for both incoming and returning players to enter the new season with one goal in mind: bring back winning to Hart football. “I love this stuff. I live for it,” Goossen-Brown said. “These kids. This is a great group of kids. This is one of the best groups we’ve had. I think as far as how the kids get along and the ateamwork and the camaraderie. You know, it’s a great group. There’s not a bad apple in the bunch.” This year, the team will have big shoes to fill after last year’s Hawks set the benchmark. But Goossen-Brown believes he has the players this year to fill them. At quarterback, Goossen-Brown has three names in mind to take over after Jacob Paisano graduated last season. Juniors Dax Woodward, Jamo Pazak and Camren Ketner all are fighting for that No. 1 spot, and all have impressed the head coach so far through the offseason. “We haven’t figured that part out yet, but we’re working on it with a few of those guys in the mix here,” Goossen-Brown. “You ask me one day it’s this one guy, the next day it’s the
See HART, page 33
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SAUGUS CENTURIONS 2025 Results The Basics
10-3 overall, 4-2 Foothill League
Saugus 35 Saugus 51 Saugus 30 Saugus 46 Hart* 46 Valencia* 55 Saugus 48 Saugus 54 Saugus 48 Saugus 32 Saugus 22 Saugus 28 Apple Valley** 21
Buena Oak Park Camarillo Hueneme Saugus Saugus Canyon* West Ranch* Castaic* Golden Valley* Schurr** Calabasas** Saugus
16 19 27 0 35 14 20 6 19 29 19 27 7
* Foothill League games. ** CIF playoff games.
Head coach Jason Bornn. Photos by Habeba Mostafa/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Jason Bornn
2026 Schedule
24th season as head coach. 132-117 record
Aug. 21
at Agoura
7 p.m.
Base Offense: Spread
Aug. 28
Sylmar
7 p.m.
Base Defense: 4-3
Sept. 4
at Camarillo
7 p.m.
Top Returners (Offense): Landon Lattimore (WR/ DB), Mono Ortega (RB/LB), Tre Lewis (WR/DB), Beckham Welch (OL), Pau Gaudio (OL/DL)
Sept. 10
Hueneme
7 p.m.
Sept. 18
at Golden Valley*
7 p.m.
Sept. 25
Hart*
7 p.m.
Top Returners (Defense): Justin Alvarez (RB/LB), Uyliem Huynh (OL/DL), Elijah Ham (OL/DL)
Oct. 2
Valencia*
7 p.m.
Oct. 9
Canyon*
7 p.m.
Key Losses: Jake Nuttall (QB), Ty Hall (RB), Matt Long (RB/LB), Nolan Campeau (TE/LB), Riley Cleveland (OL/DL), Teddy Knott (WR/DB)
Oct. 16
at West Ranch*
7 p.m.
Oct. 30
at Castaic*
7 p.m.
12 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
* Foothill League game; Bye Oct. 23.
AUGUST 21, 2026
The Numbers 4 of 5 Leading tacklers graduated.
1,604 Returning receiving yards.
37.6
Points per game last season, a program record.
4
All-time school records broken by returner Landon Lattimore last season.
Saugus Aiming to Build on Success of ‘25 By Ryan Romero Signal Sports Writer
T
he 2025 season was a record-breaking year for the Saugus football program. After the team went winless in 2023, and posted two wins in 2024, the Centurions finished as semifinalists in the Division 7 playoffs last season with a record-breaking offense. But that was last season. Jason Bornn is entering his 24th season as the head coach of the Centurions and has said that although the Centurions had success last season, 2026 is a whole new year. “Last year was last year and we must remember it’s a brand-new team. It’s a brand-new season,” Bornn said. “And we have to approach it with that attitude that last year was great and all, but this is a new year.” So, what’s new about this year’s Centurions? For starters, the Centurions’ faithful should be looking out for who will be the man under center after Jake Nuttall, who broke the all-time school record for passing yards, graduated after starting for several seasons. This year, Bornn hasn’t named who will take the role but has junior Brayden Connelley and freshman Zachary Barnes. Bornn said that he and the coaching staff won’t name a starter until the day the season starts but is happy to see how both players are treating the competition. “We won’t name a starter until we’re ready to do that, but See SAUGUS, page 34
AUGUST 21, 2026
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 13
GOLDEN VALLEY GRIZZLIES 2025 Results The Basics
4-6 overall, 3-3 Foothill League
Westlake Crespi Lancaster Golden Valley Golden Valley Hart Golden Valley Valencia Golden Valley Saugus*
38 41 56 34 14 40 35 35 43 32
Golden Valley Golden Valley Golden Valley S. Pasadena Canyon* Golden Valley* Castaic* Golden Valley* West Ranch* Golden Valley
14 16 12 13 10 28 7 7 28 29
*Foothill League game
Head coach Dan Kelley. Photos by Katherine Quezada/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Dan Kelley 13th season. 66-61-1 overall record.
Base offense: Spread Base defense: 4-3 Top returners on offense: Aaron McCormick (RB), Jaxson Ray (QB), Ian Henriquez (WR/DB, Kayden McIntyre (WR/DB), Jeremiah Brothers (WR/DB), Samuel Flint (WR/DB), Joel Rocha (OL) Top returners on defense: Andrew Markovich (LB/ TE), Javier Quinones (DL), Adin Gonzalez (DL/OL), DJ Terry (DB/RB), Zane Crosby (LB/TE) Key losses: Ace Frias (WR), Jayce Johnson (QB), David Gillum (WR/DB), Anthony Baldoze (TE/DL), Evan Nye (OL/DL), Damian Ozuna (OL/DL) 14 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2026 Schedule Aug. 21
at Pasadena
7 p.m.
Aug. 28
Crespi
7 p.m.
Sept. 4
Crescenta Valley
7 p.m.
Sept. 11
at Burbank
7 p.m.
Sept. 18
Saugus*
7 p.m.
Sept. 25
at Canyon*
7 p.m.
Oct. 1
Hart*
7 p.m.
Oct. 9
at Castaic*
7 p.m.
Oct. 23
at Valencia*
7 p.m.
Oct. 30
West Ranch*
7 p.m.
*Foothill League game (bye week Oct. 16)
AUGUST 21, 2026
Grizzlies hungry for league, playoffs By Ryan Romero
Signal Sports Writer
T
he 2025 season ended in heartbreak for the Golden Valley Grizzlies. After missing out on the playoffs in a week 10 loss to Saugus on Halloween night, the Grizzlies ended the year just three points away from the playoffs. But with a new year comes a new opportunity for the Grizzlies to right the ship and return to the postseason as head coach Dan Kelley eyes bringing Golden Valley football back to the top step of the Foothill League. “You know, we can learn from past experiences. We can learn from the successful years we had here,”
Kelley said. “We’ve had seasons where we’ve won nine games, we’ve had seasons where we won two games ... I always tell them, ‘It’s not about guys who were in the CIF championship. The guys that won nine games wore the same uniform. It’s not about the uniform; it’s about the guys in the uniform. So, with the mentality of that it’s still about building on tradition and taking one week at a time, one day at a time.” This season, instead of Kelley and his staff having to remind the guys it’s a new season, last year’s returners have taken the leadership mantle and have hit the ground running for 2026. One of the returners Kelley has placed all his trust
The Numbers 3
Points away from making the playoffs last season.
5 of 5
Leading tacklers graduated.
into is senior running back Aaron McCormich, who rushed for 614 yards across five games played. “He leads by example. You know, for a guy his size, he’s a 315-pound bench presser,” Kelley said. “He’s power cleaning 250s, squatting over four. Big things come in small packages.” Last year, McCormick suffered an injury and was
122.8
Rushing yards per game from returner Aaron McCormick.
0
Sacks from returners
ruled out for a portion of the season. But after an offseason in the weightroom, the senior running back is ready to take over the offense and show what he can do over the full course of the season. “During this last spring I was also heavily involved in track, so heavily running,” McCormick said. “I’ve also See GOLDEN VALLEY, page 35
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CANYON COWBOYS The Basics
2025 Results 2-8 overall, 2-4 Foothill League
Charter Oak 49 Buena 44 Kennedy 29 Crespi 58 Golden Valley* 14 Canyon 42 Saugus* 48 Valencia* 55 Hart* 42 Canyon 32
Canyon Canyon Canyon Canyon Canyon Castaic* Canyon Canyon Canyon West Ranch*
7 30 21 0
10 0 20 3 6 24
* Foothill League games
2026 Schedule Head coach Ken Holsenbeck. Photos by Katherine Quezada/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Ken Holsenbeck
Aug. 21
Knight
7 p.m.
5th season. Overall record 14-26
Aug. 28
at Glendale
7 p.m.
Base Offense: Hybrid
Sept. 3
at Kennedy
7 p.m.
Sept. 10
Crespi
7 p.m.
Sept. 18
at West Ranch*
7 p.m.
Sept. 25
Golden Valley*
7 p.m.
Oct. 2
Castaic*
7 p.m.
Oct. 9
at Saugus*
7 p.m.
Oct. 16
Valencia*
7 p.m.
Oct. 23
at Hart*
7 p.m.
Base Defense: 4-3 Top Returners (Offense): Julian Carlin (QB), Benicio Wright (RB), Jeremiah Herreres (WR) Top Returners (Defense): Miguel Castillo (LB), Logan Lagarnia (DB), Ethan Dilley (DB) Key Losses: Carson Soria (QB), Keyshawn Wooten (RB), Semaj Richardson (RB), Ethan Nava (LB)
* Foothill League game; Bye Oct. 30.
16 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AUGUST 21, 2026
Retooled Canyon eyes return to glory By Ryan Romero
Signal Sports Writer
J
ust 20 years ago, the Canyon High School football team won its first-ever California Interscholastic Federation state title in a 27-13 victory over the nation’s top-ranked Concord De La Salle in the Division 1 State Championship. Twenty years can seem like a long time, especially in high school football. But for fifth-year head coach Ken Holsenbeck, who’s also been an assistant coach with the program since 2014, every year presents a new opportunity to replicate the success of
the once-Harry-Welch-led Cowboys and make more history. “Every year presents a new challenge, right? It’s a new group of kids, a new group to work with. And we’re very young this year,” Holsenbeck said. “So, for a lot of our kids, it’s about teaching those expectations about what a varsity football player is supposed to perform like. And these kids responded well.” Last season, the Cowboys finished the regular season 2-8 overall, 2-4 in Foothill League and haven’t been in the playoffs since 2017. But this year, Holsenbeck believes his team can be the best chance for the Cow-
The Numbers 38 9
Rushing yards from returners. Seasons since Canyon’s last playoff appearance.
boys to play football in November with returners who have the same goal. At quarterback, senior Julian Carlin takes the QB1 role after he and Carson Soria split time last season. With Soria having graduated, Carlin takes over as the Cowboys’ next gunslinger with plenty of confidence from his head coach. “Julian [Carlin] is defi-
6 of 7
Leading tacklers graduated.
94
Passing yards from returner Julian Carlin.
nitely our No. 1 quarterback. He was with us last year and he’ll be a senior this upcoming year and progressed well,” Holsenbeck said. “He accepted the role of being the leader on offense. It comes very natural to him.” Last year, Carlin played in four games and threw for 94
See CANYON, page 36
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2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 17
WEST RANCH WILDCATS The Basics
2025 Results 2-8 overall, 1-5 Foothill League
Pacifica 59 West Ranch 17 Bishop Diego 42 West Ranch 6 West Ranch 23 Antelope Valley 13 Thousand Oaks 49 West Ranch 15 Valencia* 48 West Ranch 0 Hart* 63 West Ranch 21 Saugus* 54 West Ranch 6 West Ranch 21 Castaic* 19 43 Golden Valley* West Ranch 28 Canyon* 34 West Ranch 24 * Foothill League games
Head coach Sean O’Brien. Photos by Habeba Mostafa/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Sean O’Brien
2026 Schedule
5th season (second tenure); Overall record 18-23
Aug. 21
Harvard-Westlake
7 p.m.
Base Offense: Spread
Aug. 28
at Bishop Diego
7 p.m.
Sept. 4
Palmdale
7 p.m.
Sept. 10
at Moorpark
7 p.m.
Sept. 18
Canyon*
7 p.m.
Sept. 25
at Valencia*
7 p.m.
Oct. 9
at Hart*
7 p.m.
Oct. 16
Saugus*
7 p.m.
Oct. 23
Castaic*
7 p.m.
Oct. 30
at Golden Valley*
7 p.m.
Base Defense: 4-3 Top Returners (Offense): Humza Harsolia (QB), Mesziah Ramos (RB), Charlie Samuelson (WR) Top Returners (Defense): Connor McIntosh (LB), Nicolas DeLeon (LB) Key Losses: Blake Johnson (QB), Aiden Lynch (RB), Luke Gibbons (LB), Justin Zeringue (DL) 18 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
* Foothill League game; Bye week Oct. 2.
AUGUST 21, 2026
New Coach, New Leaders at West Ranch By Ryan Romero
Signal Sports Writer
T
he West Ranch Wildcats have named their third head coach in three seasons. And although Sean O’Brien is a newish name for the West Ranch faithful, this isn’t the new coach’s first rodeo tackling the Wildcat football program. O’Brien served as the head coach of the Wildcats from 2009 to 2012 and returns to the helm of the program with the task of ushering in a new era for West Ranch football. O’Brien is doing just that and cleaning house for the 2026 season.
SUPERVISOR
“Everything old is new again. There’s a lot of things that don’t change and some things that do. What doesn’t change is the fundamentals of football and the desire these kids have,” O’Brien said. This season, he has decided to start from scratch. When the new coach took the job in late December, O’Brien held exit interviews, team meetings and told those involved with the program that the Wildcats will operate with different schemes. “We came into this with a big broom. We had everything cleaned out, and we were a little worried that the kids would say why they
#5
The Numbers 587
2
503
lers return.
Charlie Samuelson.
Total touchdowns return.
Returning rushing yards.
Returning receiving yards by
can’t go back to the old way. None of them said that” O’Brien said. “They have all embraced new schemes, new attitudes, and new ways of doing things. They’re fired up, they’re ready to go. They have not had a peep of, ‘We don’t like this.’” O’Brien will have a few returning names from last
Of last season’s leading tack-
17
season he’s expecting to represent West Ranch this fall. At quarterback, junior Humza Harsolia is taking over as the starter for the Wildcats after he and Blake Johnson split time under center last season. With Johnson committing his future to the
See WEST RANCH, page 37
I hope our Santa Clarita Valley teams have a great season kickoff!
KATHRYN BARGLEESR COUNTY OF LOS ANGE
AUGUST 21, 2026
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 19
CASTAIC COYOTES The Basics
2025 Results 0-10 overall, 0-6 Foothill League
Adelanto 23 Calabasas 47 San Joaquin 49 Dominguez 45 Canyon* 42 Golden Valley* 35 Hart* 49 West Ranch* 21 Saugus* 48 Valencia* 63
Castaic 7 Castaic 6 Castaic 0 Castaic 0 Castaic 0 Castaic 7 Castaic 0 Castaic 19 Castaic 19 Castaic 0 * Foothill League games
Head coach Sirr Guy Shakir. Photos by Habeba Mostafa/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Sirr Guy Shakir
2026 Schedule Aug. 20
Buena
7 p.m.
Aug. 28
at Little Rock
7 p.m.
Sept. 3
Cleveland
7 p.m.
Base Defense: 4-3
Sept. 10
at Oak Park
7 p.m.
Top Returners (Offense): Cody King (QB), Lincoln
Sept. 18
Valencia*
7 p.m.
Kusumi (WR/DB), Takai Bogan (WR/DB)
Oct. 2
at Canyon*
7:30 p.m.
Top Returners (Defense): Justin Priestley (RB/LB),
Oct. 9
Golden Valley*
7 p.m.
Lucas Duryea (LB), Aiden Mojica (RB/LB)
Oct. 16
Hart*
7 p.m.
Key Losses: Vicente Davalos (RB), Grayson Gonza-
Oct. 23
at West Ranch*
7 p.m.
lez (WR/DB), Andres Corretier-Molina (TE/LB), Karr
Oct. 30
Saugus*
7 p.m.
4th season, 10-20 overall record.
Base Offense: Multiple
Singh (OL/DL) 20 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
* Foothill League games. Bye week Sept. 25
AUGUST 21, 2026
Coyotes Looking to Win from Within By Ryan Romero
Signal Sports Writer
T
he 2025 season was a challenging year for the Castaic Coyotes and head coach Sirr Guy Shakir. Last season, the Coyotes went winless and suffered multiple injuries throughout the year. But instead of forgetting how the 2025 season transpired, Shakir is learning from last year’s campaign and is using it as motivation for the 2026 season. “We’re really establishing the right culture because for us, things got really challenging last year,” Shakir said. “But having gone through that, we had a lot of guys we retained. And they’re here and happy. They’re competing for each other, and I think our culture was a big part of that.” In 2025, the Coyotes embraced the “youth movement” with only seven seniors and multiple underclassmen starting in key positions throughout offense and defense. This season, Shakir believes the returners established a culture at Castaic and have been putting in the work over the offseason to make 2026 a better year. “As uncomfortable as it was, they needed that. And that’s a great thing for Castaic,” Shakir said. “Our student body is a lot smaller than other schools, so guys will have to embrace the challenge and have an opportunity to move up
AUGUST 21, 2026
faster. Our guys have done a good job in embracing that.” One of the returners who’s been putting in the work, sophomore quarterback Cody King, is a right-handed dual threat gunslinger set to take over for the Coyotes under center in 2026. “I’ve been working hard and getting ready for the season. I’m excited and I’m just ready to get out there with the boys,” King said. Last year, King played in one game as a freshman and threw for two touchdowns along with 177 yards. With the opportunity to take over as the starter at quarterback, King has big goals set after improving his game as a signal-caller. “Last season, when I got called up, the game speed was a lot faster,” he said. “I’d say it’ll be a little easier, but it’ll still be a battle ... my speed’s gotten a lot better, so I’ll be able to move through the pocket a lot better.” At receiver, King will rely on junior Lincoln Kusumi, who was unable to play last season after being sidelined due to injury. Kusumi will slot in as wide receiver No. 1 and will be joined by Takai Bogan and Jaay Hernandez, two players Shakir said have grown over the offseason. Although Kusumi wasn’t able to step out on the field, that didn’t stop the junior
The Numbers 153
1
2
105.6
Total yards per game last season.
Rushing touchdowns from returners.
receiver from working on his game as he’s expected by Shakir to be not just a standout on offense but also on defense as a safety. “I’ve just been practicing a lot and putting my full effort into this,” Kusumi said. “I’m trying to improve on my availability and just
Receiving touchdowns from returners.
Passings yards per game last season.
play the whole game without having to step off so my coaches can use me to my full ability.” For Hernandez, the junior receiver makes the jump from junior varsity and believes this year’s team and offense is special
See CASTAIC, page 38
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2026 The Cover Shoots Golden Valley: Aaron McCormick
Bonus photos from the 2026 Football Preview cover photo sessions. Photos by Habeba Mostafa. Additional photos on page 27.
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Valencia: Nico Funez
Hart: Matix Frithsmith
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26 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AUGUST 21, 2026
2026 The Cover Shoots Bonus photos from the 2026 Football Preview cover photo sessions. Photos by Habeba Mostafa.
Castaic: Lincoln Kusumi
SCCS: Gabe Wilson
Canyon: Jeremiah Herreres
AUGUST 21, 2026
Trinity: Aiden Visconti
West Ranch: Charlie Samuelson
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 27
TRINITY KNIGHTS The Basics
2025 Results 6-5 overall, 4-1 Cottonwood League
San Fernando Trinity Gahr Calvary Chapel Trinity Trinity Trinity Santa Rosa Ac.* Trinity Pioneer*
Trinity 6 7 Bosco Tech 0 42 Trinity 21 33 Trinity 33 14 Webb* 26 42 36 Riverside Prep* 31 41 Temecula Prep* 7 Trinity 14 35 Gabrielino* 35 47 Trinity 6 14 *Cottonwood League game
Head coach Joe Visconti. Photos by Ryan Romero/The Signal
HEAD COACH: Joe Visconti 1st season.
2026 Schedule Aug. 21
at Sage Hill
Aug. 29
7 p.m.
at Desert Christian* 6:30 p.m.
Base offense: Spread
Sept. 18
SCCS*
7 pm
Base defense: 3-4
Sept. 25
at Faith Baptist*
4 p.m.
Top returners on offense: Aiden Visconti (WR/RB/ OLB), Cade Herta (WR/FS)
Oct. 2
at Chadwick
3:45 p.m.
Oct. 9
at Lanc. Baptist*
7 p.m.
Top returners on defense: Eric Clark (RB/LB), Ezra Bly (WR/CB)
Oct. 16
Sierra Lutheran
7 p.m.
Oct. 24
at Orcutt Academy
6 p.m.
Key losses: Andrew Carlson (QB), Hudson Sweitzer (RB), Steven Follansbee (WR/DB), Patrick Cherry (OL/LB), Chase Backman (WR/DB)
Oct. 31
Avalon
12 p.m.
28 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
*Heritage League Game; Bye weeks Sept. 4, 11
AUGUST 21, 2026
Trinity Enters a New Era By Ryan Romero
Signal Sports Writer
T
he Trinity Classical Academy Knights are entering a new era for the 2026 season, or more rather a familiar one. After the Knights recorded the program’s first-ever California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section 11man playoff win, the school announced the football team will operate as an eight-man program for 2026. Although the decision to play the 2026 season as an eight-man program was disappointing for first-year head coach Joe Visconti, the new coach said there’s still much to look forward to for the upcoming season. “Obviously, there’s some big changes this year going from an 11-man program to the eight-man program. But quite honestly it fits our mold as a school,” Visconti said. “We got some
The Numbers 11
Seasons since the last time Trinity competed as an 8-man program.
3 Seniors on this year’s 15-man roster.
474
6
Rushing yards from returners.
Road games this season.
athletes and I’m just excited to see what we have the first few weeks.” This year, the Knights will have 16 players on their roster, and although that’s a small number after graduating 11 seniors last season, Visconti expects every player to play a key role this season. One of the players coach Visconti is counting on, his own son, junior Aiden Visconti. Aiden Visconti, who’s expected to line up as a running back and receiver
on offense and linebacker on defense, comes into the 2026 season after leading the team in receiving yards per game last year. Since the news was announced that the Knights will compete as an eightman program, Aiden Visconti rallied the team to prepare for the upcoming season and has taken a captain-like approach with the younger players. “At first it was a little shocking to
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2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 29
SCCS CARDINALS The Basics
2025 Results 3-8 overall, 2-2 Heritage League
Cornerstone Ch. Avalon Mammoth Fresno Christian Chadwick Desert Christian* SCCS SCCS Faith Baptist* SCCS Cate**
63 SCCS 41 SCCS 56 SCCS 68 SCCS 54 SCCS 26 SCCS 55 Lanc. Baptist* 34 Milken* 48 SCCS 77 Public Safety ** 15 SCCS
12 12 28 32 14 14 26 28 7 22 6
* Heritage League game, ** CIF playoffs
Head coach Austin Fry. Photos by Habeba Mostafa/The Signal
HEAD COACH: AUSTIN FRY
2026 Schedule
6th Season, 25-28 career record
Aug. 29
St. Joseph Ac.
7 p.m.
Base Offense: Multiple
Sept. 5
at Hesperia Ch.
6 p.m.
Sept. 10
at Sage Hill
6 p.m.
Sept. 18
at Trinity*
7 p.m.
Top Returners (Offense): Isaac Lee (RB/LB), Gabe Wilson (OL), Stone Funk (QB/DB)
Sept. 26
at Cate
TBA
Oct. 2
at Faith Baptist*
4 p.m.
Top Returners (Defense): Caleb Arnold (OL/DL)
Oct. 9
at Hillcrest Ch.*
TBA
Oct. 17
Desert Christian*
TBA
Oct. 31
Lancaster Baptist*
TBA
Base Defense: 2-3
Key Losses: Caleb Shaffer (TE/LB), Caleb Grissom (WR/DB), Jonah Babikan (RB/LB), Chase Kalinske (RB/LB), Dax Woodward (QB) 30 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
* Heritage League game; Bye week Oct. 24
AUGUST 21, 2026
New-Look SCCS Ready to Bounce Back By Ryan Romero
The Numbers
Signal Sports Writer
S
0
16
Returning passing attempts.
Graduated total touchdowns from Caleb Shaffer.
1078
6
Graduated rushing yards.
Total touchdowns from returner Isaac Lee.
moved on to collegiate football, but the team will enter the season looking to reclaim the Heritage League crown they lost out on last year. Fry isn’t worried about any of it and said he’s preparing for the team to get back to the roots of playing Cardinal football. Last year, the Cardinals tried a runheavy offense, which was due to the lack of a true quarterback on last year’s roster. This year, Fry said, the team will
go back to relying on the man under center and with most of the last year’s offensive linemen returning, he’s expecting big things out of Ethan Alvardo, Cameron Metro, Cash Gibson, Jared Durruty, Samuel Aguilar, and Carson Arnold. “This is probably our the best offensive line since I’ve been at SCCS, just in terms of true linemen,” Fry said. “I feel like we’ve got three or four true linemen and I’m pretty excited to get them See SCCS, page 40
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anta Clarita Christian School head coach Austin Fry learned a lot after the 2025 season. After the Cardinals were bit by the injury bug throughout the year and fought their way from an 0-6 start to the season to a quarterfinals finish in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 2 playoffs, Fry said 2025 has shaped the way he’s approached this year. “Last year, we went through a lot of trial and tribulation and a lot of injuries. I don’t think we were full strength for more than one or two games all season,” Fry said. “So, this year we’re going to spread it out a little bit more and try to get our good young athletes the ball in space and let them be good football players.” Not only is the team losing standout Caleb Shaffer, who’s graduated and
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After nearly every team won their week three matchups, local teams struggled for the most
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The Cowboys are all business and only focused on 2023, a season that has resparked the once-great Canyon program. While most teams feature a running back tandem, the Cowboys boast a talented quartet in the back-
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part in week four. 141 Canyon is the last unde- field. Mail: 25060 Avenue Stanford, Ste Evan Watts, Ganisten feated team in the Santa ClarValencia, CA 91355 Turner, Keston Banos and ita Valley just ahead of FootKeyshawn Wooten have tramSports nightline: 661-254-8690 hill League play. Here’s a look pled defenses on the ground ahead at the highly anticipated this season. opening week of league play in Watts is a pure playmaker the SCV: and has also been a leader on · B1 9, 2023 · WWW.SIGNA LSCV.COM the Canyon defense SATURDAY, that hasSEPTEMBER alValencia takes on Saugus lowed just nine points a game, The Vikings and Centurions leading the team with four sacks are having nearly polar oppo- and two interceptions. site seasons, but don’t count out West Ranch aims to run the Saugus yet. rock as well, as junior Luke DeThese two programs have had Perno has powered the Golden Valley senior Sean Gomez (3) Dan Watson/The Signal close battles regardless of the this season with 391 offense evades a Garfield defender during rushing High School. Golden Valley last week’s game at Canyon circumstances in their last three yards and 9 TDs. is set to take on Canyon tonight in the first week of Foothill League play. matchups. Coincidentally, SauBoth teams will try to The Coyotes are coming off gus has won three straight over other uncomfortabl get the a The Cardinals will hit the e, which 54-12 thrashing of Eastside Academy had a rough day at road for a third time in four the Vikings, who are looking for could mean the game will come (1-2). Arleta last week, with the Musweeks on Thursday when their first win over the Centuri- down to some big throws Golden Valley hasn’t been tangs (3-1) handing the Knights by they go to Birmingham Charons since 2019. Cats’ quarterback Liam able to dominate games like (2-1) a 49-8 loss. ter High Valencia’s run game has Daniel and Canyon’s Mc- the Grizzlies (2-2) were able to Milken School to take on the The Knights will have one Caleb shined with Aidan Hicks and Sparks. Wildcats (1-2) in their more do at times last season non-league game before sophomore Brian Bonner takWest Ranch heads over to shown some firepower.but have Heritage League opener. SCCS setting off for Mesquite League won this matchup last season, ing carries. Canyon on Thursday at 7 p.m. Senior running back Isaplay, traveling to Ojai to take on 54-24, and with many of the The Vikings’ defense is floodiah Orozco is leading the way the Nordhoff Rangers (0-3) on same faces playing in red, it ed with stars. Jake Pikor and JuJustin’s pick: West with 691 yards and eight touchFriday. isn’t hard to imagine another dah Plett have led a ferocious takes slight advantage Ranch downs in a runThe Knights will be looking on the ground. He’s av- win Wainfeld Tylerlinebackers By rush, pass for the Cardinals. Reid Far- ning back duel. Cats win 24-21. eraging an insane 8.4 yards per to get back to the type of ofWriter Staff rellSignal Balance has been key for and Tony Testa have anTyler’s pick: Cowboys’ carry through four games. fense that was helping them to the Cardinals through three chored the middle while Jordan game proves too much. run The Grizzlies can put up blowout victories in their first 34-28 football has Canyon. games. Junior quarterback Golden Cardenas andValley Sam Gieser have to points with the best of them, avtwo games. That could well be its run game on interceptions itself Cayden Rappleye has thrown both prided added three eraging 32.8 points per game. the case on Friday as the Rangfor 458 yards and six toucheach the season. already start this season. Castaic set The to ers problem debut are giving new is up that Gar26.3 points per they also downs, while junior night against TheFriday Centurions halfback game to opponents. will relythatValencia field give up 33.8 points per game to against run game Jonathan Boelter has paced heavily was therunning field,onit senior backand opponents. Junior receiver Lucas Backes time Golden Valley the Cardinals with 389 yards Lucas Francke the Grizzlies hurt and receiver RJ Golden Valley will be looking has emerged as an aerial threat and five touchdowns on the The Castaic Coyotes (3-1) to Temple. time again. for junior quarterback Noah forget its 35-14 loss to Garwere (3-1) ground. Rappleye has added Valencia and Saugus The Bulldogs meet theprobably didn’t enter the 2023 field last week. Visconti to target. Backes has on season as potential league con159 yards and two scores runagainnearly on the gridiron unstoppable on ThursThe Grizzlies and Coyotes racked up a team-high 16 catchtenders, but they’ll probably ning the ball. day ground at 7:30 p.m. as atsenior CollegeDamian of are set to kick off at 7 p.m. on es for 179 yards and two scores. have to be looked at more serithe Canyons. Junior wideout Eli Duhm has Cornejo amassed 226 rushing Thursday at Valencia High Junior John Carlson is just beously based on their non-league been the main threat through yards and a hat trick of scores School. hind at 14 catches but leads the play. the air, recording nine catchSignal to a 35-14 vicStaff Picks Garfield to lead team with 232 receiving yards es for 172 yards and four Justin (2-2) at Castaic is averaging 37.5 Valencia over the Grizzlies toryVigil-Zuniga: Justin’s pick: Grizzlies’ run and three touchdowns. points touchdowns. defense proves per game while only game too much Stadium. for SauHarry Welch Visconti has thrown for 744 shows enough to beat giving up 16.8 per game to opgus. Vikings winstrong, Milken can match on ofCastaic. Golden Valley 24-17. “He’s 35-21. he’s elusive, yards and seven touchdowns ponents. Seniors Lucas Milan, fense, putting up 29.3 points Tyler Wainfeld: he’s got and get Vikings Tyler’s pick: Coyotes pick up while completing 55 of 98 passgood vision Paul Lotz and Monty Coleper game compared to 33.7 for back got to winning Golden 28-15Valley their first league win. 35-24 es on the season. great speed,”ways. man SCCS. Much of that is buoyed Valencia. of have been at the heart of Castaic. Nordhoff keeps the ball on head coach Dan Kelley saidthe by a 44-point showing last week Coyotes’ strong start and the ground for the most part. Cornejo. “We knew we were will probably have to continagainst Malibu. footgood West Ranch a very The main threat will likely be heads to going against Canyonsize and ue to be the leaders if the Coy- SCCS starts Heritage SCCS and Milken are set to The ball senior running back Sol McGara lot of to Wildcats team with are aiming otes want to challenge for the kick off on Thursday at 7 p.m. do whata no League play at Milken ey, while sophomore Weston has done yet in league title. of ability.” lot one at Birmingham Charter High. 2023: TakeGarfield, It was not an away day to reHaley has shown some prowess runners-up in down thethe Cowboys. Castaic junior Tyler Lewis member In turn, Division tossing the rock. The main air for the Santa Clarita City Section hasn’t lost CIFRanch theWest has emerged as a solid option a league1game Christian Cardinals (2-1) last Trinity looks to rebound seatarget is likely to be junior Uriel p game in two years, championshi notlastat quarterback, while plenty of week at Covarrubias. Dan Watson/The Signal to mention not belong as they they dropping were why handed a game showed son, a Nordhoff other Coyotes are capable of of Goldagainst Canyon since 52-14 loss the Trinity and Gomez Sean are Nordhoff top teams inproviding (Above) set (3) among the 2015. Whether it was the early start depth across the field. Academy. at Valley Christian to kick off on Friday evades High deat City Section once again. The or the heat, Trinity Classical en Valley at 7 p.m.Garfield Nordhoff High School. Bulldogs ran out to a 28-7 lead as he runs back off and fenders at the half, with Cornejo pickyard line in eight the to it takes and ing up two of his scores the second quarter at Canyon High 172 of his rushing yards in the on Friday. (Left) Alex Risdon (10) first two frames. Golden Valley has been acof Golden Valley catches a long Erin Indermil from beplaying be honored customed tol to pass to set up Golden Valley’s tonight before Indians take on West hind this year and showed KelRanch first touchdown in the first quarter By Justin Vigil-Zuniga ley yet again that the Grizzlies for her position, the former setter against Garfield. (Far left) TeamBy Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sportswon’t Writer back down. The defense impressed former Olympic gold University, while also assisting Signal Sports Writer mates Isaiah Orozco (27) and medalist and Matador head coach the women’s volleyball team. She responded by only allowing For the first currently works at Brown Unitime second in the school in histotouchdown Jeff Joshua Clarke (65) celebrate after Stork with her athleticism. Santa Clarita Christian Cardinals ry, Hart willone retire a volleyball came out football jersey Cornejo dropped though Golden Valley’s first The narrative was that if In- versity as the assistant business half, scored Orasco its first game honoring the of the season office illustrious in Friday’s manager to the athletics career road loss against scoring and middermill sharpened her skills, the game after the Valley Christian Academy Lions. communityofwork touchdown in the first quarter. she department. of alumnus Erinquarter. third the could through find way playing The Lions jumped all over the Cardinals, time in the Indermill. Indermill has impacted dozens of stacking back row by her junior season. on numerous big plays in a game Indermill’s No. 6 will forever be communities that just got away B2 since departing Hart See GVHS, However, the Hart alumna from SCCS. honored in the Indians’ gym im- in 2015. Irilian wasn’t and pressed the coaches throughout surprised VCA won never be worn again after years the non-league matchup, 52-14, at all to see her former star being of to remain undefeated. community service, humanitarian the summer and season, earning honored. SCCS (2-1) head coach Austin projects and of course a legendary her a ton of playing time as the “Not at all,” Irilian said when Fry saw his team Matador setter. battle but make a few too many career at Hart. mental Indermill transitioned to defen- asked if she was surprised with “Quite honestly, it was not a great mistakes. The alumna will be honored in how much Indermill has accoma us,” Fry said in a phone interview. showing by ceremony on Thursday night ahead sive specialist during her sopho- plished. “For someone “We knew we undersized were playing a really good team, of the Indians’ Foothill League more season. Even though the for- in this sport, she always there were no surembodprises there. We knew what they matchup with the West Ranch mer setter had never received serves ied herself to be the were added two interceptions on tallest and before, she finished second in but I think day,th coming up with the gonna do, Wil rush-
Golden Valley falls at home in tough matchup with Garfield
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Eagles hand Hart first loss at home Indians struggle in the air against
Eisenhower
we did wrong. And VALENCIA what just really building off what
Continued from 9
the senior running back has taken a leadership role on this year’s team. “This year, I’ve really been focusing on taking a leadership position, because I feel like the player-led teams are, like, the best teams, you know what I mean?” Funez said. “I’ve just been focusing on connecting with my guys on the line. You know, it’s important that we’re one unit, that’s our brand of football, we’re the gold standard.” Last season, Funez played primarily as a receiver and will switch to running back, taking over the role of Bonner, who went to the University of Washington. Funez said the switch has had its ups and downs but he’s looking forward to playing the best possible football he can. “My biggest goal is just to be the best version of myself, you know, nothing more, nothing less,” Funez said. “You can always be less than what you are, but you can never be more than what you are.” This year, Funez will be working with multiple returners on the offensive line such as Thomas Konrad and Will Mayberry, two players who were named by Muir as players to watch after the departure of Aiden Ends. For Mayberry, the senior offensive lineman believes this year’s group is the best version it’s been in years and is looking forward to driving the team to new heights. “We’ve been really working hard this off season. You know, fixing everything, going back to last year’s film, seeing what we did right, 32 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
we have,” Mayberry said. “All the guys are a lot closer, and, you know, we’re all just, we’ve all been working super hard to get ready for the season.” Last season, Mayberry and the offensive line looked after Bretthauer as their quarterback, but this season they’ll have a new arm to look out for. Sophomore Evan McCalister takes over the starter role for the Vikings after spending his freshman season on varsity as the team’s backup. Although he’s a new name for some, McCalister has already gotten his fair share of high school football as the sophomore righty threw for 598 yards and five touchdowns. “Last year was just a learning process. I was behind Brady Bretthauer, and he taught me a lot,” McCalister said. “This year, I’m just focusing on improving with my team, improving every day, every practice, every lift, every meeting, just getting better and, learning the game of football more.” As McCalister goes into his sophomore year, he’ll have a few trusted targets. Senior Anthony Vernon returns to the Vikings as the team’s top receiver along with Luke Valdez splitting time as a receiver and running back along with Funez. With options at receiver and McCalister’s performance from 2025, Muir has high hopes that his sophomore quarterback can not only do well this season but also has the potential to continue Valencia’s winning
tradition. “He’s a tremendous talent, and more importantly, I think he’s a great kid. He’s a great person,” Muir said. “His talent, his arm talent, he’s just something special. I love his poise. He is a special, special player, and I know a lot of people don’t know who he is, but a lot of people can know who he is pretty quick.” As for Valencia’s defense, Konrad and Mayberry are two names who will attack opposing offenses at the line of scrimmage and are joined by senior Ryan Galvan. In the linebacker corps, Rocco Testa returns for his senior season after his allleague season last year. Another name Muir is looking forward to having a great year at linebacker is Caysen Badawi, who led the team in interceptions last season and is a commit to San Diego State. Over the offseason, Badawi improved his speed after spending the spring with the track team and returned to the football team with bigger goals. “Over the off season, I ran track, which helped me with my speed, as well as oneone-one with some coaches to improve my game,” Badawi said. “My own personal goal is I want to have seven or eight interceptions by the end of the year.” Badawi will line up as a linebacker and could drop back as a safety when needed alongside Vernon, who will play all over, including as a defensive back. With a retooled offense and college commitments on defense, Muir feels confident about the team repeating in the Foothill League.
2026 Roster No. Name 3 Carson De Leon 4 Anthony Vernon 8 Rocco Testa 13 Michael Wilder 14 Luke Valdes 15 Evan McCalister 17 Hudson Sanders 19 Caysen Badawi 20 Ryan Galvan 24 Nico Funez 26 Deshawn Palmer 27 Tyler Thornton 32 Justin Simon 35 Trevor Lesaca 39 Westley Hinze 41 Diego Torres 42 Karsyn Quitevis 43 Landon De Leon 44 Isaiah Reid 51 Elli’giah Willis 53 Austin Roth 54 Chase Martin 56 Jaime Moreno 57 Brady Stockland 58 Anthony Baca 62 William Mayberry 65 William Skinner 70 Josue Moreno 74 Thomas Konrad 75 Nevan Ochoa 80 Luke Paolillo
Pos. FS, CB CB, WR OLB, WR QB WR, SS WR, RB DE, TE WR, OLB
C, WR WR RB FS OLB WR WR, OLB T MLB, DE DE, TE NG, T G T G CB, WR
Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr.
And while expectations and goals can get the best of athletes, Muir has kept the mantra for 2026 – be the best version of yourself. Although it’s been five years since the Vikings have been past the first round of the playoffs, success isn’t defined with just what happens in November but also with the “gold standard” Muir wants every player to strive for throughout the year. As long as his players can do that, success will come. “We’re going to be the best version of ourselves. We’re going to be us every day. We don’t want to be less than us,” Muir said. “It’s a gold standard. And then you let the outcomes be what they are. Whether that’s a league championship or not, or whether that’s when you win playoff games or not, but the standard is the standard. It’s the gold standard of who we are and what we can be. And that’s all that’s important to us and everybody on this field.” AUGUST 21, 2026
HART
Continued from 11
other guy. You know, so we’re waiting for someone to kind of like clearly to distinguish himself from the pack.” Regardless of who the man is under center, that quarterback will have one of the league’s leading players in yards and touchdowns in senior Matix Frithsmith. Frithsmith, who ended his junior campaign with over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 27 total touchdowns, returns to the Hawks and continues to raise the standard during summer camp. “Matix has continued to work hard and train, and he’s gotten bigger, faster, and stronger than he was before,” Goossen-Brown. “I expect big things out of him. You know, it’s his senior year, and he’s had big production, and I expect it to be even bigger.” Goossen-Brown said to expect Frithsmith all over the offense this year, as a wide receiver, running back, and maybe even under center throwing passes with his baseball background. Although Frithsmith believes his head coach was joking about playing him as quarterback, he’ll gladly take whatever role as long it means Hart football ends Friday night with wins. “The main overall goal is to just play until December,” Frithsmith said. “We’re striving to win a CIF championship and we’re going to take winning one game at a time and then next, league, and then playoffs.” Goossen-Brown mentioned Silas Tucker and Michael Toner as names AUGUST 21, 2026
that will be lined up alongside Frithsmith as receivers alongside Josh Rogozik. Tucker, Toner and Rogozik are also expected to be two-way players for Hart as each will play in the secondary. “It’s really helpful for, I think, these young guys and everything to have guys like Matix Frithsmith and Josh Rogozik who know the offense so well,” Goossen-Brown said. “If something happened to me, I think I would trust Matix or Josh to call the offense over anybody else around here, you know, because they spend so much time, too, studying film after practice.” As for the offensive line, Trevor Tristian takes over at center as a key returner who’s gotten bigger and stronger, according to Goossen-Brown. Tristian returns alongside Gabriel Degl’Innocneti, Matai Kasia, Sebastian Valanzuela, Hector Ruiz and Logan Jackson as those who will carry the workload on the offense while also getting time in on the other line of scrimmage. “It’s huge that we’ve all known each other for a long time,” Tristian said of the returners on the offensive line. “Guys already know plays and we could just keep building on what we’ve already been talking about.” As for the defense, Bailey Hill stands out as a key returner, according to Goossen-Brown, and will be one of the leaders for the defensive side of the ball. Hill is looking forward to another year out with his teammates and aims to raise the standard last year’s team
set. Over the offseason, Hill has led his teammates on the field, in condition, and in the weight room. “We’ve been pushing hard in the weight room. Everyone’s joining the 800-pound club,” Hill said. “I think our defense has more chemistry, and we run as full unit out there.” Chase Madrid joins Hill and the rest of the Hawks’ defense along with Kadin Saalish as pound-for-pound guys. With players such as Hill, Toner, Tucker and Madrid manning the defense in all areas, it makes the life of a head coach easier with the leadership and commitment of his players. “As far as leaders out there and guys that have been in these situations before, they can help calm down anybody else that’s never been around there. They’ve experienced it. They’ve gone through it,” Goossen-Brown said. “They’ve been through some good battles, you know, so it’s great to have experience like that because it makes everybody else around them better.” As for the goals for the 2026 season, last year’s playoff win was a good first step for Goossen-Brown, but it’s only a small part of where he and the Hawks want to go. In terms of the Foothill League, back-to-back second-place finishes have left players wanting more. “I want a league championship man,” Tristian said. “We’ve been pushed over every year and just letting it happen. We got a big chance in front of us to go out and get it.” Goossen-Brown is loving
2026 Roster No. Name
Pos.
Yr.
4 12 18 38 9 24 63 44 3 48 10 54 2 22 21 14 53 33 58 11 34 6 42 23 5
ATH DB/WR WR/DL DL/OL DB LB/RB OL DL ATH DL DB/WR OL WR DB WR/LB LB OL/DL DL/TE OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DL WR/DB QB K TE/DL LB/RB OL/DL QB/DB DB OL/DL K OL/DL DL/K OL/DL DL QB LB DB
12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 11 10 12 12 12 12 11 11 12
28 15 68 19 27 65 85 62 79 72 67 16 37 20
Matix Frithsmith Chase Madrid Kadin Saalih Gabriel Degl’Innocneti Will Greenfield Ryan Samudio Valentino Cederholm Dylan Monterrosa Joshua Rogozik Tommy Rosales Michael Toner Trevor Tristan SilasTucker Daimoni Mason Gideon Provens Bailey Hill Matai Kaisa Noah Smith Angel Alanis Derek Michel Gabrel Montanio Sammy Salazar Cortez Lopez Colin Madrid Camren Ketner Alek Aloojian Noah Gomez Gavin Ray Logan Jackson Daxton Woodward Dylan Hernandez Gavin Magtanong Anthony Toccacelli Hector Ruiz Zachary Lloyd Sebastian Valanzuela Noah Jauragui Jamo Pazak Rodolfo Martinez Nick Delgado
what he’s hearing out of his players, but even after 6 a.m. practices, daily film sessions, he’s reminding his players nothing is given, it’s earned. As he and the team turn the page on 2025 and eye 2026, last year’s Hawks built the nest with the foundation and it’s up to this year’s roster to raise it. “Our expectations don’t change. We’re vying for league championships. We’re vying for CIF titles,” Goossen-Brown said. “You got to deal with guys graduating and building new crops. This year I’m excited because these are guys that have been with me for three years now ... I think they’re great kids, and we we’ve gotten to grow together, and each of us learned from one another, and I’m excited about these kids. I’m excited to see what they do.” 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 33
SAUGUS
Continued from 13
they’re both competing for that spot,” Bornn said. “They both have strengths and areas of growth, and so we’re just working with them, collectively, to make sure that they’re both ready to play.” Whoever starts at quarterback for this year’s team will be new, but this year’s starter shouldn’t be worried with who’s returning on offense. At receiver, Landon Lattimore returns for his senior season after he recorded 1,670 all-purpose yards last season. Lattimore will be looking to not only repeat his allleague campaign last season but also look forward to going out big with his fellow seniors. “I’ve been playing with these guys since freshman year, like Mono Ortega and Tre Lewis. They’ve always been by my side playing since freshman football,” Lattimore said. “Our bond is really close, and our chemistry has definitely improved over the years.” Both Ortega and Lewis were named as players who will contribute on offense, according to Bornn. Ortega will take over running back after Ty Hall and Matt Long graduated while also playing linebacker on defense. “It means a lot for me to take that RB1 spot and just leave it all out on the field,” Ortega said. Senior Brayden Bartl will get playing time behind Ortega along with junior Jeremiah Caradine, who Bornn is bringing up from the lower levels. As for Lewis, the senior 34 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
receiver will slot in alongside Lattimore on offense and also play defensive back. At tight end, Bornn named Ryker Wixom as a player to watch and said that, although he is listed as a receiver on the roster, the 6-foot-2 senior will be a flex option on offense. Bechham Welch, who’s a multi-year starter for Saugus, returns for his senior season on the offensive line along with senior Pau Gaudio and Nathan Suarer. With multiple returners on the offensive line, Welch is feeling good about this year’s group and their ability to lead the offense to another winning season. “I think we have a strong O line this year, and I think it’s kind of those things where I think you just lead by example,” Welch said. “And because of my freshman and sophomore years where we went 0-10 and 2-8, then the junior year we went to the semifinals, it kind of just gives us that motivation to keep going and to keep like having that in our picture.” Bornn has a lot of confidence in the offense to replicate last season’s success. Although there is no quarterback named as the starter, having multiple returners in the skilled positions along with the offensive line adds to their confidence. “It’s going to come down to how we play at the quarterback position, but look, we don’t have a shortage of skill players,” Bornn said. “We’ve got guys that you put the ball in their hands, they’re going to do some really special things. It’s just a matter of us, you know, uti-
lizing those skill players and finding creative ways to get them the ball.” On the defensive side of the ball, senior Justin Alvarez takes over as inside linebacker along with Ortega. And with Lewis and Lattimore lined up in the secondary along with senior Macklye Diaz and Bryan Espinoza, Bornn is feeling good about the lineup. As for the defensive line, Bornn believes that’s where experience will help Saugus football win games. Seniors Elijah Ham and Travis Alas will line up on the defensive line along with Uyliem Huynh, who played primarily on offensive line and will play this season on defense. “I’d say we already had a lot of depth at the end with all those guys there. So, moving here, I was just thinking of doing what’s best for my team,” Huynh said. “And it’s honestly been easy working on five on five and inside runs and I feel like I have it all down.” The program is feeling confident about 2026 after the success of 2025. Welch has seen the ups and downs high school football can bring but as he approaches his final year, the senior offensive lineman wants to go out on top with this year’s group. “I think we have the chance to go to the CIF championship,” Welch said. “So, we can win that, but also just at the end of the day, have fun playing football.” As for the coaching staff, the feelings and expectations are mutual. And with multiple returners like Welch and Lattimore, Bornn sees no
2026 Roster No Name 0 Clarence Carlisle Omar Lona Zachary Barnes TreLewis Nathan Hernandez Jordan Medina 6 Cole Ramirez Mackyle Diaz Mono Ortega Brayden Bartl 10 Ryker Wixom 11 Travis Alas 12 Brayden Connelly 13 Landen Bartl 14 Tyson Favish 15 Jeremiah Caradine 17 Landon Lattimore 18 Ethan Benner 20 DerekDeLeo 21 Bryan Espinoza 22 Ethan Kaddu 23 Zayden Arnold 24 Caden Daley Milovich 26 Aiden Bautista 27 Joshua Hairapetian 30 Jonah Rodriguez 31 Cole Wethington 33 Milo Thomas 34 Joshua Russell 37 John Ancheta 40 Ian Hounsell 41 Eric Johnson 44 Justin Alvarez 46 Travis Stromer 50 Jonathan Jamison 51 Christian Martinez 52 Nathan Suarez 53 Nick Rios 54 Pau Gaudio 56 Beckham Welch 57 Elijah Ham 58 Theodore Perez 60 JaxonBrown 64 Garrett Buck 68 Ian Sutton 70 Jacob Ceja 71 Grayson Michel 72 Ryan Rosenthal 74 Justin Heischuber 77 Noah Ticas 78 Uyliem Huynh 85 Kyle Herrera 86 Devin Cortez 87 Anthony Hernandez 88 Jackson Bumgarner 90 Dane Byrne 95 Brody Simon
Pos. RB,OLB RB,OLB QB WR,CB WR,OLB RB,MLB WR,OLB WR,CB RB,MLB RB,OLB WR,OLB TE, DE QB WR,FS WR,SS RB,OLB WR,FS WR,FS WR,SS WR,CB TE, DE WR,CB WR,CB WR,FS WR,CB WR,FS TE, MLB RB,MLB WR,SS RB,MLB RB,MLB WR,OLB RB,MLB WR,OLB G, DE G, DE G,NG G, DE C,DT T,DE T,DE G,NG T,DE C, DE C,NG T,DE T, DE T,DE T,DE T,DE T,NG WR,CB WR,CB WR,CB TE,DE G, DE TE, DE
Yr. Sr. 1 Sr. 2 Fr. 3 Sr. 4 Sr. 5 Jr. Sr. 7 Sr. 8 Sr. 9 Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.
reason why last year’s returners can’t get back to the playoffs and add to the legacy that is Saugus football. “Yes, we’re going to get after it, but we’re also going to be smart with how we do it and make sure that we’re not going to limit opportunities for guys to get,” Bornn said. “The jury is still out, so once we get a couple games under our belt, we’ll probably have a better idea of what our identity is in terms of how we move forward and this is how we can compete to give ourselves a chance in the win column.” AUGUST 21, 2026
GOLDEN VALLEY
Continued from 15
started practicing early in the morning even before football practice and ensuring the rest of our team is working hard in the weight room.” Along with getting better on the field, McCormick has taken the captain role on the offense and pushed for a connection with his teammates off the field. “I’ve been getting our team more involved in building chemistry amongst us,” McCormick said. “It’ll help us become more of a better team and more comfortable to speak to each other.” McCormich has already established a good relationship with the offensive line, such as Adin Gonzales and Joel Rocha, who’s returning as Golden Valley’s center. But at quarterback, McCormick will have a new name throwing the ball when he comes out of the backfield for a flat route. Sophomore Jaxson Ray takes over the Grizzlies’ quarterback duties and although he’s a 10th grader, he already has the trust of his senior running back. “Our quarterback is one of the smartest I’ve ever seen,” McCormick said. “He has an arm and every day I talk to him, he’s giving words of encouragement to ensure we’re doing the best we can.” Ray, who started on junior varsity last season, takes over as Golden Valley’s signal caller and is looking forward to playing varsity football. “It takes a lot of pressure off me being a 10th grader with a good run game as well as a good balanced atAUGUST 21, 2026
tack,” Ray said. “This season, the goal is to come out and go to the playoffs, and have a better record than last year and to build off each week.” Kelley said the offense will still be run-heavy with McCormick lined up in the backfield. But when Kelley wants to have his offense throw the ball, he has all the confidence in his sophomore quarterback to throw accurate passes downfield. This year, Ray’s targets include Ian Henriquez, Samuel Flint, and Jeremiah Brothers along with Andrew Markovich lined up as a tight end. Henriquez takes over the main wide receiver role after the departure of Ace Frias and goes into his junior season after recording 163 receiving yards across seven games as a sophomore. “Last season I was able to score a couple of touchdowns and been working out basically every day, working just trying to be a better player overall, mentally and physically,” Henriquez said. Kelley is feeling good about the offense. “I’m excited about the skill guys on offense,” Kelley said. “I think with our running back and our quarterback we will try to be as balanced as possible, but you know we’re probably going to run the ball more than we throw it.” On defense, Markovich will play as a linebacker with DJ Terry in the middle and Danny Fernandez. “This might be the best linebacker corps we’ve had since about a couple years ago,” Kelley said. “So, we
have some guys out there that are that are physical, and they’re flying around making plays.” On the defensive line, Holsenbeck has a few names such as Javi Quinones and Adin Gonzalez. “We have a new setup of guys this year,” Quinones said. “I think this year we’re really violent on defense. This year, I’m trying to bring my best to the team and be a team leader. Iron sharpens iron, brother sharpens brother.” As for the defensive backfield, McCormick will help and will be joined by Samuel Flint, Kayden McIntyre and Trenton Long, who’s a sophomore. “We need to get to the ball fast, and I think we’ve got to take advantage of our speed, you know, on all aspects, defensive line, linebacker, and DBs,” Kelley said. “We preach it all day in practice. You know, get to the ball. We break on the ball, and that’s the biggest thing. You know, we got to utilize our speed on both sides of the ball.” With a mix of returners, senior leadership, and young talent, Kelley is feeling good about this year’s team. And after missing out on the playoffs last season, Kelley urged his players – regardless of class standing – to treat 2026 as a new year. “Every year as a coach, you kind of reinvent yourself. You know, you don’t change everything, but you adapt to your talent level,” Kelley said. “You know, we’re not going to change our offense or our defense, but there may be a wrinkle here or a wrinkle there to take advantage of the talent we have.”
2026 Roster No. Name 1 Aaron McCormick 2 Ian Henriquez 3 Alex Aros 4 Jaxson Ray 5 Cornell Glass 6 Jeremiah Brothers 7 Kayden McIntyre 8 DJ Terry 9 Andrew Sayadian 10 Trenton Long 11 Zane Crosby 12 Steven Molina 13 Luch Capra 14 Michael Chinchilla 15 Matthew Moreno 16 Rudi Perez-Godina 17 Samuel Flint 18 Nathan Minor 19 Ernesto Clarke 20 Nathan Blodgett 21 Edwardo Quinones 22 Katryel Santay 23 Jason Santizo 24 Nollan Ramirez 25 Steven Lim 26 Alexander Martinez 27 Jesse Ponce 28 Raymond Wilson 30 Alexander Fernandez 32 Anthony Flores 34 Danny Fernandez 35 Jose Paz 44 Andrew Markovich 50 Joel Rocha 53 Damen Walker 54 Adam Ridane 55 Adin Gonzalez 56 Manuel Payan 57 Iziah Alaniz 65 Diego Palafox Acosta 72 Oliver Spalding 74 Jayden Inguanzo 75 Joe Melero
Pos. RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB K/P WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB RB/DL RB/DL WR/DB RB/DL WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL O/L/DL RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Yr. SR JR SR SO SO SR SR SR SR SO JR SR SR SR SR SR JR SR JR SO SR JR SR JR JR JR JR JR JR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR JR SR JR
At the end of the day, a football game is played on the field. And for Kelley, the goal will always remain the same regardless of who’s on the field and what the goals are. But for the 2026 Grizzlies, this year’s team is going to win as many games as possible and execute when it matters. “Win football games and finding ways to win football games,” Kelley on this year’s expectations. “The worst enemy that you can have out there is yourself, and not being able to execute, not being able to get to the football, making excuses for yourself. So, it’s all about the team, and it’s not about the individual. So that’s our message this year.” 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 35
CANYON
Continued from 17
yards along with a touchdown on 15 completions for 32 pass attempts. And after taking the QB1 role for the Cowboys in spring and summer ball, Carlin is feeling confident to take his game to the next level. “Being the QB1 is an honor for me for the Canyon Cowboys,” Carlin said. “I feel like I’m becoming a new leader for this year’s team. And I feel like we could really succeed this year.” Carlin will have a few returners who he’s relying on to help lead the Cowboys. In the backfield, Carlin is expected to hand the ball off to junior Benicio Wright, who’s taking over the starting running back job. Wright, who saw limited playing time last season, only appearing in three games, rushed for 25 yards while the likes of Keyshawn Wooten and Semaj Richardson carried the workload. With Wooten and Richardson having graduated, Wright is looking to add his name to the list of great running backs to wear the Cowboys’ uniform. “Sitting behind Keyshawn and Semaj really motivated me to get better as a player and as an individual to try to support my team more and lead us to a playoff berth,” Wright said. With new starters named to the quarterback and running back positions, Holsenbeck isn’t looking for anyone new as his main receiver. Instead, Holsenbeck will return Jeremiah Herreres, 36 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
who led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. Holsenbeck said Herreres will be the leader of the team for the Cowboys in 2026 and after the senior receiver averaged 15.8 yards per catch, the sky is the limit for the Cowboys offense this season. “We expect a lot from each other. We push each other every day and our goal is to go out there and score on every drive,” Herreres said on this year’s expectations. Herreres is expecting to have his best year possible and after spending the spring and summer with Carlin, he believes 2026 is the season to show off what both have been building over the past few years. “I expect a lot. We’ve been working for three years, building our connection, so I expect a lot from us,” Herreres said. Herreres added the goal this season is to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards and at least 10 touchdowns with the goal of making the playoffs. It’s a goal that Carlin backs wholeheartedly. “I feel pretty confident in [Herreres] being one of my weapons,” Carlin said. “Chemistry wins games. If the whole team is connecting and if I can get the ball to the key players, then I’m going to try to get the ball a lot to win games.” The expectations are high for this year’s offense, and Holsenbeck is looking to bring that group success, starting with those at the line of scrimmage. Holsenbeck said the line isn’t returning any starters from last year but will feature newcomers such as ju-
niors Abraham Oretega and Andrew Kelemen. Both players are expected to start on the offensive line along with getting plays on the other end of the ball as defensive linemen. As for the rest of the defense, Herreres will slot in as a defensive back in the backfield with Wright getting plays in as a safety. Juniors Ethan Dilley and Logan Lagarnia are also names the Cowboys’ faithful should expect to see in the secondary. In the linebacker corps, Miguel Castillo returns after a solid freshman campaign. “This summer has gone good for me. I’ve just been training a lot and doing a lot of training outside the football program like lifting tons of weights and recovery,” Castillo said. Last season, Castillo played in six games as a freshman and totaled 19 tackles. This year, the Cowboys graduated five of the team’s leading tacklers with Herreres being the lone returner who eclipsed 30 tackles last season. Herreres understands that the workload of playing on both ends of the ball can be a lot, and he’s been getting stronger in the weightroom to set an example for younger players in the program. “Yeah, it’s going to be a lot, so I got to have that mentality of doing whatever it takes, you know?” Herreres said. Herreres has the backing of his head coach to play both sides of the ball. Holsenbeck said it’s been hard to get Herreres off the field whether it’s on offense
2026 Roster No
Name
Pos
77 65 64 56 4 58 18 3 21 12 54 33 27 72 6 22 24 1 17 60 15 19 2 53 7 8 9 11 23 5 67 10 75
Abraham Ortega Leon Andrew Kelemen Angel Orozco Puente Armando Velasco Benicio Wright Cage Caballero Christian Angel Danlag David Gabbert Devin Perez Devlyn Litz Dustin Nunez Ethan Dilley Isaac Bertran Jacob Milhoan Jeremiah Herreres Joaquin Castaneda Joshua Finkle Julian Carlin Julian Banuelos Justin Alanis Lee Martinez Logan Lagarnia Luis Peralta Luke Franco MIguel Castillo Philip Yrigoyen Riley Ramirez Rion Marte Robert Hagen Ruben Aldaz Tristan Almero Tristan Garcia Uriel Morales
T,G,DT Jr. G,DE Jr. T,DT Jr. C,DT,DE Jr. RB,SS Jr. T,DE,DT Jr. WR,CB Sr. FB,OLB Jr. RB,WR So. WR,CB Jr. T,DL Jr. RB,SS Jr. K Jr. T,G,DT So. WR,OLB Sr. WR,FS Jr. TE,DT Jr. QB,FS Sr. QB Jr. C,DT Jr. QB Jr. WR,CB,P Jr. WR,CB Sr. G,NG Jr. FB,MLB So. TE,LB Jr. TE,OLB Jr. TE,OLB Jr. WR,CB Jr. WR,CB Jr. T,DT Jr. WR,CB Sr. T,DT So.
Yr
or defense but is happy to see the younger players look up to the senior captain. “[Herreres] has got that ‘it factor’ about him and with Miguel and Philip Yrigoyen on the defensive side with him. These are guys that love the game of football and the intensity,” Holsenbeck said. Returning to glory is what this year’s Cowboys are looking for. And with the opportunity to start players who have waited for their moment to start such as Carlin, Wright or Herreres, Holsenbeck is eyeing 2026 with optimism. “Every year, the conversation is we got to get to the dance, right? And get into the playoffs,” Holsenbeck said. “There’s a couple of different ways you can get there ... ultimately we’re looking to get into the dance and let’s see how much damage we can cause once we get there.” AUGUST 21, 2026
WEST RANCH
Continued from 19
baseball program full time, Harsolia is eager to take over the role. “We’ve been working hard, getting a lot of practice in,” Harsolia said. “It’s a big role to step into but I’ve been getting ready for it.” Last year, Harsolia threw for two touchdown passes and 258 yards. For the 2026 season, Harsolia has his sights set on doing what he can to take his team to the playoffs. “My personal goal, more of a team goal, is to take and lead our team to the playoffs,” Harsolia said. “We didn’t make it last year and hopefully make a run at that.” O’Brien is already excited to have his quarterback named for the new year and believes that with the opportunity to get reps in throughout spring and
AUGUST 21, 2026
summer ball, Harsolia is ready for the season ahead. “We told him early, like, OK, this is it, you’re it. You’re not waiting around,” O’Brien said. “He’s really accepted that mantle of leadership. He’s accepted that, all right, so I, there’s, ‘I’m not the safety net guy anymore. I’m the guy on the highway.’” This year, Harsolia’s trusted target will be returning senior receiver Charlie Samuelson, who caught four touchdown passes last season along with 503 receiving yards. Samuelson said he and Harsolia have already begun conversations about leading the offense together and are eager to show off what they can accomplish together. “I played a few games with him last season at the beginning of the season and
he’s definitely comfortable as a quarterback,” Samuelson said. “We’re expecting big things out of our offense. Our skill positions are definitely one of our best attributes on offense ... our pass game and running games are going to look a lot different this year.” Along with playing receiver on offense, Samuelson will play in the Wildcats’ secondary on defense and go into the season as a two-way player. Seniors Jayden Guzman and Connor McIntosh will line up alongside Samuelson as receivers. At running back, senior running back Mesziah Ramos will join Harsolia in the backfield and be the No. 1 option for the Wildcats going into season. As for the defense, McIntosh will be the team’s primary linebacker with Khalil Calhoun penciled in as the middle linebacker and Jeremiah Webster lined up beside them. McIntosh, who’s going into his senior year, is ready to tackle the football season ahead and has said to not count out this year’s West Ranch defense. “I think our linebackers are solid, better coverage and better than last year,” McIntosh said. “We have some of our key returners coming back. I think the defense is looking super solid.” In the defensive back room: Samuelson, Ramos and Jake Nunez will comprise West Ranch’s secondary. It’s an all hands-on deck season for the Wildcats this season with multiple players on both ends of the ball.
2026 Roster No. Name 1 Matthew Steen 2 Charlie Samuelson 3 Dylan Williams 4 Mesziah Ramos 5 Jayden Guzman 8 Connor McIntosh 9 Humza Harsolia 10 Jake Nuñez 11 Jeremiah Webster 12 Ryder Cohen 13 Nate Striplin 14 Landon Pedevilla 15 Braylen Hensley 16 Kenneth Mosely 17 Shane Miller 20 Jean Ramirez 21 Noah Torres 22 Aiden Brodie 23 Nicholas Cuevas 25 Xavier Gomez 26 Khalil Calhoun 33 Jeremiah Post 50 Jayden Rubalcaba 51 Isaiah Fabela 52 Robert Toepfer 53 Dwayne Rodrigues 55 Sid Manoj 56 Brandon Goldfinger 57 Mark Johnson 65 Kanan Gruft 66 Jack Jenkins 67 Mauricio Garza 70 Caleb Avila 73 James Arteaga 75 Dylan Goldfinger 77 River Sweis 78 Andrew Romero 80 Jaxon Cheshire
Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB RB/LB QB K/P/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DE TE/DE DB WR/DB RB/LB LB DB DB RB/DL RB/LB LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DB/RB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DB/WR
Yr. JR SR JR JR SR SR JR SR SR JR JR JR SR JR SR JR SO JR JR JR JR JR JR JR SR SR SR SR JR JR JR JR JR JR SO SR JR SR
Despite multiple players all over the field, O’Brien said that every guy on the roster has grown as leaders throughout summer ball and believes the exposure they’ll receive during the season will be valuable. And with a smaller roster, there’s more opportunity for O’Brien’s players to grow and make mistakes. “We’re not looking necessarily to set goals that we’re going to be 8-2, or we’re going to be 7-3 and anything less than that’s a failure,” O’Brien said. “We are looking to build a program and be in conversation. The phrase we’ve used is, ‘Why not us?’ Because for a little while, there’s been this sort of feeling among our own players, sadly. We’re just West Ranch, we can’t be expected if we want to do well. So, we tried to erase that. So, why not us?” 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 37
2026 Roster No. Name 11 Cody King 19 Andrew Amaya 61 Dante Bobby 15 Takai Bogan 20 Nathan Carr Jaicen Chism 3 Danny Dahl Gavin Drake 42 Lucas Duryea 14 Isaiah Galvan 57 Cole Godinez 8 Tristan Gray Jaay Hernandez Andrew Higgins Lincoln Kusumi Nick Lucero 15 Joshua Medina 8 Aidan Mojica 55 Issac Moreno Christos Nichols 12 Dilan Nurkovic 23 Ryan Ortega 4 William “Billy” Palm 68 Tlaloc Plascencia 24 Julian Prado 10 Justin Priestley 53 Ian Pyne Logan Stuif bergen Dominick Washington Reginald Washington 21 Dylan Whisler
CASTAIC
Continued from 21
as he lines up alongside Bogan and Kusumi. “This year I’m really focused on making my return after having to play JV,” Hernandez said. “Last year was difficult because of the record but this year you could tell there’s something special about this team and I’m just happy to play with these people.” At running back, Shakir named Aiden Mojica to take over a majority of snaps after being able to return to his natural positions after starting a few games as quarterback last season. Mojica rushed for 122 yards throughout nine games and was second on the team after Vicente Davalos led the team as a senior in 2025. Both Kusumi and Mojica will be starters on defense as safety and line38 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
backers, respectively, as the Coyotes will go into the 2026 season with a roster of 32 players. With Mojica at running back, Kusumi and Bogan returning at receiver and King under center, Shakir is happy to see continuity and believes last season’s growth and returners will lead to consistency for 2026. “We want to be consistent. We want to continuously show growth because you know last year we were very inconsistent,” Shakir said. “This year we want to show a lot of growth.” Leading the defensive charge this season, Lucas Dureya returns for his junior season and will be one of the main players for opposing offenses to watch. Last year, Duryea played in four games after being sidelined due to injuries and the California Interscjolastic Federation’s
sit-out rule. But with an offseason of getting stronger and healthier, Duryea is eyeing 2026 to be a big year for both him and the defense. “We’re working hard with the sole primary focus of getting bigger, stronger and faster throughout the offseason,” Duryea said. In four games played, Duryea recorded 36 total tackles and averaged nine a game along with a tackle for loss. This year, Duryea has set the goal to record 100plus tackles by the end of the season, but more importantly helping those around him to lead the Coyotes to victory. “I’m looking forward to having 100-plus total tackles by the end of the season and if I don’t get there then I don’t do something right,” Duryea said. “Another big goal is to make sure that I’m doing my job so I can help
Pos. QB C WR, CB RB,CB,FS P, K OG,C,DE FB,LB,P DT, OL WR, TE, LB LB WR, SS, FS CB, SS, FS RB,LB TE,LB DT, NT, OL WR RB,FB, LB WR, CB OT,DT RB,LB C, DE, OL WR, CB DT, OL LB DE
the people around so that we can achieve our goal of having a winning season.” After a winless campaign in 2025, the goals are simple for Shakir and his Coyotes in 2026: Win. And although the Coyotes will go into 2026 with a smaller roster than other programs, Shakir has embraced the idea that his team can win from within, thanks to the culture and identity last year’s players set. “We have to embrace that because that’s right now, who we are,” Shakir said on this year’s limited roster. “So, we have to understand that that means a lot of reps for our guys. They, once again, they’ve embraced it. You know, since we’ve been here, as a team, as a unit, is just continuing to grow. They’ve done a good job consistently growing. We’re young, so we make some mistakes, but there’s growth from those mistakes.” AUGUST 21, 2026
TRINITY
2026 Roster
Continued from 29
change but we got started and began watching film and we were just excited and realized there’s an opportunity for us here,” Aiden Visconti said. Last season, Aiden Visconti led the team in receiving touchdowns with five and ran for 334 yards. With the departure of Hudson Sweitzer and Andrew Carlson, Aiden Visconti is expected to take a larger role on offense – an opportunity he’s ready for. “There’s a lot of uncertain things we don’t know, but there’s a lot of things that we do know about,” Aiden Visconti said. “There’s a lot of things that have changed, which is really exciting for us.” On offense, Aiden Visconti will be joined by Ezra Bly and Eric Clark as all three will get playing time as running backs and receivers. And this year, expect to see Aiden Visconti and a few other players at quarterback as Andrew Carlson has taken a step away from football to focus on his future in baseball. Sophomore Samuel Carroll will take over as the man under center with the departure of Carlson and coach
AUGUST 21, 2026
No. Name 1 Cade Herta 2 Isiah Schuette 3 Aiden Visconti 4 Eric Clark 5 Landon Moberg 6 Malik Bly 7 Ezra Bly 10 Samuel Carroll 11 Jabcob Lensch 12 Caleb Lensch 22 Josiah Saroughian 24 Matthew Te Winkle 34 Caleb Baumgartner 68 Connor Didlo 75 Tatum Hughes 76 Cole Checketts
Visconti added that the offense will be spread out this year but expects the likes of Cade Herta to complement the rest of the offense as a name to watch. Herta, who recorded 104 receiving yards along with two touchdowns last year, will play as a receiver on offense and slot in as a safety on defense. With an already-limited roster, Herta said that being smaller can actually be an advantage for this year’s team instead of a negative both on and off the field. “This year is a smaller team, but I don’t think that’s a disadvantage,” Herta said. “I honestly think the opposite. I think with a smaller team, you have more time to connect. And with a small school we all already know each other.” Bly and Clark will also play on defense as a defensive back and linebacker, re-
spectively, and be two players that coach Visconti has high hopes for. Junior Landon Moberg will also be another name in the secondary along with Josiah Saroughian. Saroughian, who’s going into his senior season, was shocked like the rest of his teammates regarding the news of the program competing as an eight-man team. But Saroughian has taken a positive approach to this year and wants to go out and win for his final year. “Whether it’s 11-man or eight-man, you’re not going to find a guy that cares,” Saroughian said. “We just want to be here, and we are excited to play and we’re going to compete at whatever level that is.” In the linebacker group, sophomore Samuel Carroll will take over as an outside linebacker along with Malik Bly, and both will be joined by Matthew TeWinkle and Caleb Baumgartner. On the line of scrimmage, Tatum Hughes and Connor Didlo will be two names to watch with Cole Cheketts, who’s a junior, to take over as center. For coach Visconti, having to deal with the change from 11-man to eight-man can be
Pos. WR,FS WR,S OLB,RB, WR RB,LB DB,WR ILB, WR WR,CB QB, OLB WR,DE WR P,K WR,LB RB, ILB DL,OL DT,OL C,DE
Yr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr.
a drastic change. But the new coach has said regardless of what division the program is playing in, the game of football is still for the younger players and the basics never change. “Most of these guys have all played tackle football since they were 6 to 7 years old,” coach Visconti said. “But once we got there on the field, showed them film, did blocking, tackling, and catching. It’s just a few less guys in the field and if we can put them in the right spots and schemes, we’re going to be OK.” Despite the switch, coach Visconti is ready for the upcoming season and the challenges that will come. And with the return to eightman, the team is looking forward to competing in the Heritage League and renewing a rivalry with Santa Clarita Christian School that will bring excitement for everyone. “This game teaches you how to do the hard things,” coach Visconti said. “I don’t care if it’s 11-man, eight-man or 18-man. It’s all about doing our things and I think once we get these boys past those hard things, we’re going to be OK and I’m super excited.” 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 39
SCCS
2026 Roster
Continued from 31
in front of people and move people around and then create space for our good guys.” Gabe Wilson, who’s taken on a player/coach role on the team this year for his senior season due to an ACL injury, has worked specifically with the offensive linemen he believes will be the anchor to this year’s offense. “The heart of our offensive line is juniors this year,” Wilson said. “So, they got to watch us when we went to the semifinals, and we had a really good offensive line that year. So, they’ve seen greatness and a lot of them really want it.” As for the rest of the offense, junior Stone Funk is manning the Cardinals’ offense as this year’s quarterback. Last season, Funk was listed as a receiver but has since taken the responsibility of being this year’s Cardinal signal caller. “Stepping up as a quarterback is a pretty big responsibility. And I think being able to do that is an honor because we have such a skilled team and being able to lead that team in a big way is very special.”
40 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
No. 2 3 8 9 11 12 12 14 33 50 51 55 85 96 97
Over the course of the spring and summer, Funk has worked on his relationship with Fry and taking the leadership role and has expressed the goals with the rest of the team to win back the Heritage League crown. Joining Funk in the backfield, junior Isaac Lee has taken the main running back role and is looking forward to working with his new quarterback for the upcoming season. “I expect us to play with a lot of violence,” Lee said. “We have a good group, especially our offensive line, and I think if we all know what we’re doing with the same goal and mindset in mind then we could be really good.”
On defense, Lee will play as a linebacker and has spent the offseason in the weightroom getting stronger to play his best in that position. “I gained a lot of weight during the off season, and I’ve also gained a lot of strength,” Lee said. “I think – no – I expect to play at a higher level.” While Lee takes the role of linebacker, Funk will also play defense in the secondary as a cornerback. Joining those two on defense, Caleb Arnold, a junior who returns to the team, has slimmed down and gained strength. Even Fry was caught off guard by how much he’s grown in strength over the offseason. “When we lost Caleb Shaffer, we lost a middle linebacker and I’m like, ‘Man, how am I going to replace this?’” Fry said. “Then this kid named Caleb Arnold comes along, and he loses 50 pounds in the offseason and gets just incredibility strong and is moving better than I have seen him in three years.” Arnold will take over the middle linebacker spot while the likes of Alvaro, Metro,
Name Isaac Lee Eddie Shaffer Stone Funk Matt Lee Justin Beck Nate Fowler Toru Kobayashi Joey Zuniga Jonah Organ Caleb Arnold Carson Arnold Samuel Aguilar Scott Mivelaz Ethan Alvarado Cam Metro
Yr. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr.
and Scott Mivelaz take over the defensive line. “With that defensive line, then a new middle linebacker that’s violent, aggressive and strong, paired with the DBs we have. It’s looking pretty fun,” Fry said. There is no doubt in Fry’s mind that this team is talented and has the ability to recapture the Heritage League title after losing it in 2025. Fry also believes with a strong junior class this season, there’s more room for this year’s team to grow well. And with the Heritage League adding Trinity Classical Academy, which has switched its football program into an eight-man team for this year, the Faith Bowl returns, which has provided extra motivation for this year’s Cardinals. As the team gets ready for the year ahead, Fry is excited to see the potential for the 2026 roster. “I mean, gosh, the youthful part of it is what’s most fun because they’re not afraid to try their hardest and fail,” Fry said. “They want to learn from their failures. They want to get better and then you add in the mix of a rivalry renewed and you’re like man, this is just setting up for an exceptional season.” AUGUST 21, 2026
2025 A Look Back
41 | 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AUGUST 21, 2026
2025 A Look Back
AUGUST 21, 2026
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 42
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AUGUST 21, 2026