By admin 
As part of our high school football coverage to get you ready for the 2026 season, we are rolling out previews of all leagues in our coverage area.
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Today’s focus:
EAST BAY ATHLETIC LEAGUE MOUNTAIN DIVISION
(Predicted order of finish)
No. 1 DE LA SALLE
Coach: Justin Alumbaugh
2025 record:12-1
What to expect:Given that the Spartans have won 33 consecutive North Coast Section championships and haven’t lost to a team in the section since 1991, they enter the season with their usual high expectations. The question marks will be at quarterback (yes, a fairly important position) and on the defensive line (complete makeover). But the team built its decades-old foundation on the ground game, and that area is a strength as Duece Jones-Drew – son of DLS legend Maurice Jones-Drew – returns for his senior season before moving on to his dad’s college alma mater, UCLA. Landon Miller is a four-star talent at linebacker and tight end but could play quarterback if that’s where the team needs him. Stanford commit Clint Lundin will be hard to miss on the offensive line. He measures 6-5, 310. UNLV commit AJ Talaoloa (6-3, 310) also will be a presence on the offensive line and a handful on the defensive line. Chase Young, who missed last season because of injury, could be a breakout star at receiver and defensive back. Others to watch are LB/TE Jameson Mitzel and OLB Zion Cadet, a San Jose State commit. The nonleague schedule includes Southern Section power Centennial-Corona at Cal on Sept. 26 and San Diego Section heavyweight Cathedral Catholic.
Season opener: Aug. 28 at Serra, 7 p.m.
No. 2 SAN RAMON VALLEY
Coach: Aaron Becker
2025 record:6-5
What to expect:The Wolves are one of the few NCS programs to give De La Salle a scare over the past 35 years. But not last season. SRV lost twice to the Spartans in 2025 – in the regular season and playoffs – by the aggregate score of 98-7. On the bright side, the NCS put SRV in its Open/Division I bracket, reserved for the section’s top eight teams. The Wolves figure to be improved from a year ago, given the experience and talent on the roster. “We had a solid group that got a lot of experience on both sides of the ball last year,” Becker said. Rising senior Cole Dawes returns at quarterback. His targets will include junior Colton Fitzgibbon. “Big play wide receiver with multiple D1 offers,” Becker noted. Linebacker Cole Scott, now a senior, will lead the defense. Dietrick Burks Jr. will provide “lockdown” help in the secondary. Aden Owolabi and Spencer Reiland are expected to anchor the offensive line, and Owen Power will provide explosiveness at running back and as a defensive back.
Season opener: Aug. 28 at El Cerrito, 7 p.m.
No. 3 MONTE VISTA
Coach: Joe Wingert
2025 record:8-6
What to expect:The Mustangs got hot in the playoffs last season, beating Amador Valley, California and Clayton Valley Charter to capture the NCS Division II title. It was the program’s ninth section championship and first since 2016. “We might not be the most talented team, but we’re loaded with kids that truly care about winning the right way,” Wingert said. WR/LB Caden Boscia returns for his third year as a starter. He is a team captain and “pound for pound our strongest kid.” Wingert said. Jimmy Lagios, who threw for 1,867 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore for Piedmont in 2025, has transferred in. WR/DB Grant Maina is an explosive athlete who brings a physical presence to the field. Kai Stone will help anchor the offensive and defensive lines. He is incredibly strong, Wingert noted. WR/RB Zane Worth will be a threat any time the ball reaches his hands. Others to watch are LB/RB Justin Grisham, center/DE Andrew Campbell and lineman Brandon Levyash.
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Season opener: Aug. 28 vs. Marin Catholic, 7 p.m.
No. 4 CALIFORNIA
Coach: Dan Calcagno
2025 record:8-4
What to expect:The Grizzlies graduated their quarterback, lead running back and top receiver – plus a number of key contributors on defense – from last year’s team that reached the NCS Division II semifinals. “We are going to be a very young team,” Calcagno said. “However, we have some talented younger players. We are hoping to be competitive this season.” Nicco Kovacs has transferred in after passing for 1,800 yards as a sophomore last season for Amador Valley. WR/DB Darius Brown is among the players with experience. He made the all-league team last season. “Expecting a big year from Darius,” Calcagno said. RB/OLB Robbie Caldwell moves into a starting role this season after being a reserve last fall. “We are relying on him on both sides of the ball to be a huge contributor,” Calcagno added. WR/S Jake Hamilton has playmaking potential, and Jayden Popich will be counted on to lead the offensive and defensive lines. The nonleague schedule includes back-to-back games against Central Coast Section teams, at home against Santa Teresa on Sept. 11 and at Menlo-Atherton on Sept. 18.
Season opener: Aug. 28 vs. Liberty, 7 p.m.
No. 5 AMADOR VALLEY
Coach: Duncan Burgermeister
2025 record:4-7
What to expect:Burgermeister has taken over from Danny Jones, who moved to Idaho with his family after coaching the Dons for a decade. The new coach will have to find a quarterback after rising junior Nicco Kovacs transferred to California. Kovacs passed for 1,804 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Bradley Canfield, now a senior, appeared in five games at quarterback in 2025, passing for 305 yards. Amador graduated its top running back and leading receiver, but tight end/edge rusher Trent Goldsworthy, a rising junior, is expected back for a team that is two years removed from winning NCS and regional championships. The nonleague schedule includes home games against Liberty on Sept. 18 and San Marin on Sept. 25.
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Season opener: Aug. 28 vs. Vanden, 7 p.m.
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This story was originally published August 19, 2026 at 7:16 AM.