2024 High School Football Preview: DAL Valley Division

To help prepare you for the 2024 season, we're publishing previews of all leagues in our coverage area as part of our high school football coverage.

Today in focus:

DIABLO ATHLETIC LEAGUE VALLEY DIVISION

(Expected order at the finish)

No. 1 COLLEGE PARK

Trainer: Jack Schram

Record 2023: 4-6

What to expect: In a league that could be wide open, College Park should be among the contenders. New coach Jack Schram takes over the Falcons with 29 seasons of head coaching experience, most recently at Miramonte. They will be tested early by a tough non-league schedule that starts with San Marin, Clayton Valley Charter and Salesian.There is a good core of players who are ready to learn a new system and compete at a high level,” said Schram. “With an extremely tough preparation schedule, we have to focus on the task ahead. I'm sure no one in NCS has played against as many NCS, NorCal or state championship teams in recent years as we have.” Senior Quarterback James Voorhies is an excellent athlete who will showcase his talent in College Park's new spread offense. Senior Runningback/Defensive Back Isaac Jinks is a “gifted athlete with a great work ethic” who “has explosive speed and great vision,” Schram said. Senior WR/DB TJ Lanza has “great top speed and catching ability” and “will develop into a shutdown CB,” said Schram. Senior Two-Way Lineman Brady Mize “has the size and agility to be an outstanding lineman,” Schram noted.

Season opening: 30 August against San Marin, 7pm

No. 2 ALHAMBRA

Trainer: Alan Hern

Record 2023: 8-4

What to expect: Hern is entering his 19th year as coach at Alhambra and hopes to build a team that could once again be DAL Valley champions in 2023 after an undefeated league season. “We have the potential to be a good team this year,” Hern said. “We have several good players coming back from a league championship team last year and know what it takes to win. Not as strong as last year, so we have to stay healthy.” Senior OL/DE Darrian Thornton was a junior first division player for DE, a “dominant force in the line” who “wreaks havoc in the backfield,” said the coach. Senior K/DB Mason Stinson was on the second division team last year and didn't miss an extra point or field goal, hitting 62 of 62 shots. Senior QB Louis Lakeman Is “smart, capable and hardworking” and “is a great role model for his teammates,” noted Mr. Senior LB/FB Colton Banchero had an impact on both sides of the ball last season. He has a high football IQ and is tough, with “excellent hands,” said Hern. Senior DE/TE Chael Collins is tall and athletic, has great hands and is an excellent route runner. Senior RB/CB Sarah McLaughlin is an “explosive athlete,” the “strongest and fastest player on the team,” noted Hern. Senior WR/DB Sutter Allio is an “old-school football player,” a vocal leader who “does a lot of little things well,” Hern said.

Season opening: August 30th in Sonoma Valley, 7pm

No. 3 NORTHGATE

Trainer: Ben Ballard

Record 2023: 3-7

What to expect: Northgate looks to rebound from a rough season in 2023 and compete in a DAL Valley that is open to new players. The Broncos finished fifth out of seven teams in the crowded DAL Foothill Division last year. Northgate finished the season 2-4, ahead of College Park, which went 1-5. The Broncos lost four all-league players from last season: first-team offensive tackle Ben Hosler, second-team offensive tackle Jake Berger and first-team defensive tackle Max Anum and Tony Pucci. They return at free safety/quarterback. Brady Williswho made 47 tackles last season. WR/DB/K/QB Blayne Ballard was a valuable all-purpose player for Northgate last year, amassing 528 receiving yards, 252 passing yards, 157 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns.

Season opening: August 30 against Dougherty Valley, 7 p.m.