5 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
What are the top storylines ahead of the 2025 high school football season?
The 2025 high school football season is here. Practices started last week in the Central Coast Section and this week in the North Coast, San Francisco and Oakland sections. The first games will be played Aug. 28-30.
Heading into the 20th season of the CIF-sanctioned Bowl Championships, state titles will be defended by St. Vincent de Paul-Petaluma (Division 4-AA), American Canyon (5-A), Moreau Catholic-Hayward (7-AA) and Balboa (7-A). Metro teams who were state runners-up last season are De La Salle-Concord (Open), Pittsburg (1-AA) and Amador Valley-Pleasanton (3-AA).
Here are some of the top storylines heading into this season:
Will De La Salle finally win another state championship?
Northern California's most successful program — with a record 17 state-championship appearances and seven wins — keeps knocking at the door, but hasn't won a crown since 2015. Justin Alumbaugh, in his 13th season, said this is one of his fastest teams, led by state 100-meter record holder Jaden Jefferson, a running back-cornerback, committed to North Carolina.
What impact will Frank McManus have at Cardinal Newman?
It's rare for a Southern California coach, especially one with the track record of the former Mater Dei-Santa Ana head coach, to make his way to the North Bay. But McManus, who was let go after leading the Monarchs to a state and mythical national title, has a point to prove and the Cardinals — with loads of resources and history — might be a perfect landing point. They also feature one of NorCal's top sophomore QBs in Tino Retamoza.
With a sudden pipeline of talent and state championship coach Adhir Ravipati, the Crusaders went a combined 14-9 in 2023-24, their first two winning seasons since 2015. Led by a fleet of college-bound receivers for Vanderbilt-bound QB Mike Mitchell to throw to — as well as the Bay Area's top 2026 recruit, 6-foot-6, 330-pound Oregon-bound lineman Tommy Tofi — Riordan is looking to win its second CCS title (and first since 2007).
How many yards will Jhadis Luckey rush for at his new school?
After leading NCS with 2,053 rushing yards and 31 TDs last season at California-San Ramon, the Fresno State-bound RB will be piling up yards for his third school in three years at Clayton Valley Charter-Concord. Luckey attended Manteca as a sophomore.
Who will replace Pittsburg QB Marley Alcantara?
The Pirates were 25-4 the last two seasons and won and lost in the NorCal Division 1-A championship game (both against Folsom). Despite being hit hard by graduation, they have a strong core to step right in, including notable transfers WR/DB King Wade (from Valley Christian) and RB/LB Siotame Finau (from Utah). The one position not yet secured is QB after two-time All-Metro performer Alcantara graduated.
What will Lincoln look like post-Phil Ferrigno?
One of the most successful coaches in the history of the Academic Athletic Association stepped down in the spring to focus on his health. The three-time state champs have turned to Jovani Serrano as their new leader.
Will Balboa secure its spot as a new AAA power?
With Lincoln possibly vulnerable, coach Fred Valasquez and his Bucs, coming off their second state title in four years, seemed primed to take over. Especially with the return of RB Joseph Smith, the Metro's top sophomore from 2024.
The Wildcats won their second CCS Open Division title in 2024 under second-year coach Lenny Vandermade, who left for Santa Margarita-Rancho Santa Margarita (Orange County). The Wildcats immediately promoted offensive coordinator and former All-Metro quarterback JaJuan Lawson to lead the program.
How will other new Metro coaches fare?
Beyond McManus, Serrano and Lawson, other new head coaches looking to make big splashes at big programs include American Canyon (Marcellus Holmes), Heritage-Brentwood (Nick Wisley), Monte Vista-Danville (Joe Wingert), Oakland Tech (Bruce Lavlolette), James Logan-Union City (Immanuel Pride) and Skyline-Oakland (Jason Houston-Suell).
Is Serra back in mix?
After three straight state Open Division berths, the Padres slid to 5-6 in 2024. They'll need to replace 11 offensive starters, but coach Patrick Walsh likes the looks of his talented, but inexperienced squad that includes 6-2, 185-pound safety Malakai Taufoou (16 reported college offers), OL Lemani Fehoko (12 offers),TE Jace Cannon and one of NorCal's top kickers, Saul Marks.
Will other Oakland schools gain ground on McClymonds?
McClymonds, which hasn't lost an Oakland Athletic League game on the field in 16 seasons, might have a competitor in coach Tee-Hendrix-led Oakland, which features returning QB Lenox Colvin (25 TDs) and Colorado State-bound WR Yasser Jackson. Mack, winner of four state titles under Michael Peters, returns All-Metro players Rahsjon Duncan, Koi Taise and Phillip McElroy.
St. Vincent de Paul-Petaluma QB Gabe Casanovas (North Bay co-POY, 3,747 total yards, 47 TDS, two straight state titles), Sonoma Valley coach Max Pond (12-1 in his second season after program went 24-69 in previous 10) and Pittsburg WR-DB Kenny Ward (Metro Freshman of the Year).
